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: http://www.riversdentistry.com or call Rivers Family Dentistry at (979) 710-2216 for an appointment in our Bryan office.
Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in Bryan, TX.
A yellowed or dingy smile can be embarrassing for anyone. Fortunately, teeth whitening can help remove years of stains and whiten your teeth several shades. This can help make your smile bright, beautiful, and more youthful.While teeth whitening is safe for most patients, it can cause some dental sensitivity, especially for those who have already…
Professional in-office teeth whitening offers a unique way to improve your smile. If you are not happy with your teeth due to a color shade that is not as white as you would like, in-office teeth whitening may be an appropriate solution for you, and learning more about the treatment option can help you make…
Finding out more about how teeth whitening trays work is a great idea when trying to decide which whitening option is going to be the ideal choice. Many people are choosing to whiten their teeth because white teeth make for a pleasant-looking smile. Those who take the time to improve the way they look when…
A cosmetic procedure that has dramatically increased in popularity over the years is teeth whitening. Bright, white teeth can be visually appealing as well as a sign the teeth are healthy. For these and other reasons, many people try different methods to get rid of tooth stains. Here are some of the pros and cons…
Dental implants are a popular option for people missing one or more teeth. They look, feel, and function like natural teeth, making them an enticing choice for adults needing tooth replacement. Though this option offers many benefits that other teeth replacement options do not, it may not be the right choice for everyone. Let us…
Children need to develop healthy oral care habits at a young age so they will carry them into their teenage and adult years, and in this review from a family dentist, we discuss several ways that parents can help protect their children's oral health with healthy habits. We also discuss how a family dentist can…