Does your smile need a refresher? One of the easiest ways to improve your smile is teeth whitening treatment. By removing stains and discoloration from your teeth, whitening treatments can lighten your enamel multiple shades. But your results will depend on the type of teeth whitening you choose.
From professional whitening treatments to over the counter products, you have numerous options. Learn about the different types available to brighten your smile to help you make the best choice.
Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments
Teeth whitening treatments provided by dentists come in two forms:
- In-office treatment. Whitening treatment can be applied in a single visit to your dentist. A gel or rubber guard is placed over your gums for protection and the whitening agent is applied to the teeth. Your dentist carefully controls the whitening process to achieve your desired shade of white.
- Take-home treatment. If you would prefer to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home, take-home treatments are an alternative option to in-office treatments. A custom mouthpiece is created to apply the whitening agent to your teeth. You will be instructed how long to wear it to achieve your desired results, usually in 2-4 weeks.
Professional teeth whitening treatments are prescription strength, containing carbamide peroxide that is safe and effective.
Over the Counter Teeth Whitening Products
You can also purchase teeth whitening products from pharmacies, grocery stores, and anywhere that carries dental hygiene items. These products typically contain hydrogen peroxide.
- Toothpaste. Teeth whitening toothpaste often contains hydrogen peroxide and baking soda to scrub away stains.
- Wands. Whitening wands allow you to apply the treatment directly to your teeth with a brush or swab.
- Strips. Plastic strips containing whitening treatment will stick to your teeth temporarily, allowing you to whiten your teeth without the whitening agent washing away.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Why choose professional teeth whitening over store-bought products?
- Dramatic results. Professional teeth whitening provides dramatic results that far surpass what can be achieved with over the counter products.
- Controlled application. With in-office treatment your dentist controls the application of the whitening ingredient and provides specific instructions for take-home treatment to ensure safe, natural looking results.
- Prescription strength active ingredient. Professional teeth whitening treatments contain carbamide peroxide, which is stronger and more effective than hydrogen peroxide, which is the active ingredient in most over the counter whitening products.
- Long lasting results. The results of professional teeth whitening treatments last longer than over the counter products, anywhere from 1-3 years.
- Save money. Over time, professional teeth whitening treatments will save you money because you won’t have to purchase more and more products to maintain your results.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
Does teeth whitening treatment hurt?
You should not experience any discomfort during a professional teeth whitening treatment. Your gums are protected from irritation and most patients experience minimal sensitivity following treatment.
Am I a candidate for teeth whitening treatment?
To be eligible for whitening treatment you must have good oral health. If you need any restorative treatments, those must be taken care of before your teeth can be whitened.
At Dentistry with a Smile we believe your smile should look as healthy as it feels, which is why we offer professional teeth whitening treatment along with other cosmetic dentistry services. We are proud to provide comprehensive dental care to families in Livingston, NJ and the surrounding communities. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.