In-Office Whitening Vs At-Home Whitening

Teeth whitening is one of the most common dental procedures done in America today. The difference that whitening your teeth has on your appearance and your confidence is being noticed and everyone wants it done. There are two options to getting that bright, white smile; an in-office whitening treatment or a do-it-yourself product you go do at home. The best way to determine which method is right to you is to look at your lifestyle, preferences, and budget.

In-Office Whitening

Whitening procedures that are done in the dentist office are also called power bleaching, power whitening, professional whitening, chairside whitening, or laser whitening. These are all done by professionals who have been trained in the specific methods and to use the products in a controlled environment.

The Advantages

· Faster Results. Many patients leave the dentist's office with a smile already several shades whiter than when they walked in. Since dentists are licensed to handle a bleaching gel with a higher concentration of bleach, it works faster. Tools in the office are often used to make a dramatic difference too, including lasers and lights.

· Safety. Whitening is known to increase sensitivity in teeth that are already sensitive and to cause tingling and pain in the gums. Exact steps should be used when applying the solution and people doing the at-home kits often disregard the directions. Enamel is ruined when steps are not followed exactly.

· Convenience. In-office whitening takes less time and effort on your part to get great results. Rather than setting time aside each day for two weeks to let solution sit on your teeth, you can get on with your life.

· Removes More Stains. The peroxide used during in-office whitening treatments is more concentrated. This makes removing stubborn stains more effective, even on hard to remove spots.

To put it simply, the in-office whitening is best for people who need fast results and don't mind spending a little more money to get it done.

At-Home Whitening

There are plenty of good whitening products available at your local drugstore. These products are great for whitening your teeth a shade or two. It is also helpful to use these kits to refresh a professional whitening job. If you just don't have enough money to do an in-office whitening treatment and opt for a DIY kit, make sure you follow the directions exactly.

Prevention

Maintaining your whitening results is just as important as the method you chose to get them. To help protect your teeth from stains, avoid some of these common staining agents:

· Tobacco

· Coffee

· Soda Pop

· Tea

· Red Wine

· Dark colored fruits and vegetables

If you must use these items, make sure you brush your teeth as soon as you can afterward. This will prevent them from having time to do damage to your teeth. It is also important that you maintain good oral routines, like brushing every day, twice a day. Don't forget to floss every day too. This will all help you keep your smile bright and beautiful for a long time.

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