Why Teeth Whitening is Best Done at the Dentist

1. Why Teeth Whitening is Best Done at the Dentist If you are deciding whether to whiten your teeth at home or at the dentist, it is important to consider the differences between the two options. Although whitening teeth at home is less expensive than whitening in the office, the results achieved by professional tooth whitening are much better, and less risky than what you can get with over-the-counter or home methods. 1. Fast results within 1 hour Regardless of the method you choose, home and office solutions may contain hydrogen peroxide, a bleaching agent. In-office systems contain 15% to 43% peroxide, while home methods contain 3% to 20% peroxide. The high peroxide content of the bleaching agent used in dentistry makes your teeth whiter and shorter in less time. In addition to the high peroxide content, dentists use heat or light to speed up the whitening process and intensify the whitening effects. So, although home remedies usually take weeks or months, with professional teeth whitening, you can achieve a light complexion of 2 to 8 shades in an hour. 2. Long and bright smile

2. One of the most important benefits of visiting a dentist and brushing your teeth is to oversee the treatment before and after treatment. First, before brushing your teeth, the dentist will examine your teeth to make sure they are a good candidate for whitening. If you have any visible restorations, they will not be bleached and your teeth may change color or stain. A dental professional can thoroughly examine your teeth and determine if bleaching is right for you. This can avoid results that are less than perfect. Also, the dental professional will clean your teeth and remove any plaque or tartar before applying the bleaching agent to optimize the results. During treatment, the dentist will monitor the whitening procedure and ensure that no problems occur, and after treatment, the sensitivity of the teeth and the irritation of the gums, making the treatment as painless as possible. Unlike home-based whitening methods that remove plaque and discoloration on the tooth surface (i.e., toothpastes, baking soda, etc.), professional whitening in the office penetrates into the teeth where age and medication-related discoloration occurs. This gives far more dramatic and long lasting results than home systems. (Note that multiple sessions may be required for your teeth to see dramatic results, depending on your individual case.) 3. The tooth is less susceptible to sensitivity and damage Sensitivity of the teeth and irritation of the gums following tooth whitening are a common side effect. If the bleaching gel is left on the tooth for too long, it will dehydrate the teeth and cause sensitivity. If the peroxide agent gets into your gums, it will irritate them and cause pain when eating certain foods. Patients are more likely to abuse home whitening systems that cause sensitivity and pain. Conversely, at the dentist, the dentist will protect your mouth, teeth, and gums from damaging them before applying the bleaching agent. A dental professional who performs whitening knows how to avoid damaging the teeth during this process and how to give the best result. In short, considering the health risks associated with home whitening methods and the many benefits of professional tooth whitening, the latter is undoubtedly the best option.