It is normal to desire a brighter, whiter smile, but trying to decide between a teeth whitening kit for home use or a visit to a dental professional complicates the matter. Over-the-counter applications can seem more convenient and less expensive, but do they offer the same results as what can be expected with an in-office treatment plan? Because it is one of the most popular cosmetic services requested, there are several options available when it comes to whitening teeth.
Under the care of trained professionals, in-office whitening treatments can provide reliable and safe results. Dental offices have access to professional-grade bleaching gels, often containing a higher concentration solution for more noticeable results. There are different whitening systems that are available as well, several of which offer patients results that whiten teeth by 10 shades in just one application.
In addition to the concentrated bleach solution, working with a dentist for whitening can provide a customized whitening tray and treatment regimen. Custom trays secure the product to the teeth more effectively, improving the success of the treatment. Dental office treatments can offer dramatic results in as little as an hour, saving busy individuals time and money over less effective brands. The dental staff also takes care to protect the gums and rest of the mouth from the solution applied to the teeth.
There are several at-home teeth whitening kits available for purchase at major retailers and drug stores around the country. While it is a do-it-yourself alternative to a professional treatment occurring in a dental office, the lower cost is an indication that the product is not the same as what would be used by the professionals. With a lower concentration in the bleaching solution, the alteration in teeth shades is not as dramatic or rapid as those treatments conducted in the office. Often, these plans have a slight whitening effect more than an obvious shade difference.
At-home kits offer a variety of application methods. Some kits have whitening strips, in which the individual applies a thin film coated with the bleaching agent onto the teeth, where it must remain for a specified period of time. This process must be repeated for several days. There are also whitening trays, LED whitening pens, and whitening toothpaste. Despite the supposed convenience of these applications, there are many complaints that the results are inconsistent because of the generic design of the tray or the inability to reach between the crevices of the teeth.
The desired result for anyone looking for teeth whitening is a smile that sparkles and shines more brilliantly than before. Especially for those who need to remove stains and discoloring from years of bad habits like smoking, substance abuse, or heavy coffee drinking, an in-office treatment plan carries a more concentrated dose of whitening in fewer applications than an at-home kit. For teeth that beam a brilliant white, a professional treatment plan may be a more effective course of action.
Request an appointment here: https://muhlenbergdental.com or call Muhlenberg Dental Associates at (610) 844-9825 for an appointment in our Reading office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in Reading, PA.
Teeth whitening is a common bleaching process used to brighten the enamel and dentin of the tooth. Dietary choices and aging can stain and discolor teeth. Enjoying a coffee, tea, cigarette, soda or wine can leave dark stains on the teeth. To correct these spots, many people turn to teeth whitening. While you can try…
Having bright white teeth sure requires some work, but it does not have to be a difficult and highly involved process. The first thing to do in order to get and maintain white teeth that brighten your smile is to adopt certain habits that are easy enough to fit into your daily routine. The five…
There are many reasons why you should visit a professional teeth whitening dentist, the main ones being safety and efficiency. Before you decide to whiten your teeth, you should discuss the risks and time frame it may take to get the results you want with a dentist. When you whiten at home with store-bought products,…
Here is an interesting fact about teeth whitening. Did you know that out of the millions of Americans who use an over the counter teeth whitening solution this year, one in every twenty-five (1:25) will have to be seen by a dentist for a level of pain or discomfort? This pain varies from the mild…
Looking for an emergency dentist in case your child experiences a dental emergency? It is a good idea to plan ahead of time. While some pediatric dentists offer emergency dental services, not all do. However, those who do, understand the importance of providing emergency dental care services, especially when the emergency has to do with…
Finding out that you need a root canal can be nerve-racking. Caring for the treated tooth can be even more stressful. Knowing what to do after the treatment can help you prepare well for it. Here are some tips for a smooth and quick recovery after your root canal.The patient must wait to eat as…