Teeth whitening has become big business over the past 5 years especially. One of the main reasons being is that teeth whitening is now so accessible with tons of over the counter options available for you to do so in the connivence of your own home. This convenience is great, but what kind of quality might you be giving up by not getting your teeth whitened professionally at your dentist office? Let’s take a look at both teeth whitening options and some of their pros and cons.
Teeth Whitening at Home
At home teeth whitening products include options such as whitening rinses, gel strips, and whitening trays. While gel strips and trays do work a bit faster than rinses, they also have some cons. While whitening trays may provide the best whitening effect, they can also irritate your gums since they are not custom fit to your individual set of teeth. So although these products may be easily accessible and affordable, they are not without their faults. So what you end up gaining in accessibility and affordability, you may also lose in quality.
Is at Home Teeth Whitening Right for You?
The question of if at home whiteners are right for you depends a lot on the condition of your gums. If you have perfectly healthy gums then feel free if that’s what option you would prefer. However, if you have gum disease, sensitive gums, extensive crowns or fillings, or untreated tooth decay, then you may want to hold off on your at home whitening until you consult your dentist if that’s something you should be doing given the condition of your oral health. At home whitening products have been known to irritate the gum area for some people with gum disease or sensitivity. Also, if you are pregnant or nursing you should not be using any whitening products. When using at home whitening products, you should always consult your dentist first if you have any oral health issues what so ever, and then be sure to follow the package instructions exactly.
Teeth Whitening at the Dentist
Teeth whitening at the dentist is very similar to some at home options, but taken to the next level in terms of custom fitting and bleaching solution. The most common in office whitening option is fitting your teeth with a custom tray by taking a mold of your teeth. The tray is then made perfectly custom to you by using the molding as a template, and then bleaching solution is out in the tray which then fits perfectly over your teeth. The custom molding must be done at your dentist’s office. However, you may be given the option depending on what procedure your dentist is using to either take that tray home with the bleaching solution to do at your own pace in the comfort of your own home, or if the procedure is done fully in your dentist’s office they may also use a light or heat source to speed up the whitening process even further. Either way, you will be guaranteed the type of professional results that only a professional can deliver.
Is Teeth Whitening at the Dentist Right for You?
While the cost may be a bit more than over the counter options, there are definitely advantages to choosing an in-office whitening option. Because bleaching solutions used by dentists are typically stronger than those in over-the-counter kits, you get results faster. Custom-made trays are less likely to rub and chafe. Your dentist can make sure that sensitive gums are not exposed to whitening agents. Desensitizers can also be applied before the procedure. Your dentist can also help judge the appropriate level of whitening, based on the natural color of your teeth and the color of any fillings or crowns you have.
Conclusion
Bottom line, just consult your dentist before you make any decisions about how you should go about whitening your teeth as they should have your best interest at heart. If you have any additional questions, Bozart Family Dentistry is always happy to answer them.
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