At-Home Tooth Whitening vs. Professional Tooth Whitening
Discolored teeth can be disheartening. They can be a source of embarrassment, they can cause a drop in self-confidence, and feelings of insecurity may develop because you may not feel like you are projecting the right image to those around you.
Tooth discoloration is a common occurrence that usually is the result of food and drink habits. Certain types of food and beverages can stain the tooth enamel. In addition, a lack of constant dental hygiene can also contributed to stained teeth.
Is Tooth Whitening a Good Option for Me?
If the only thing about your smile that dissatisfies you is the shade of your teeth, then tooth whitening is an easy solution to fix this problem. Teeth may need to be whitened for a variety of reasons:
- Teeth that are affected by fluorosis (which can look like white or brown streaks on your teeth).
- Discolored due to wear and tear.
- Stained from smoking.
- Stained from food and beverages, such as coffee.
Tooth whitening is a simple, painless procedure used to dramatically enhance the whiteness and radiance of your smile. There are generally two ways to whiten your teeth:
- At-home tooth whitening
- Professional tooth whitening.
Visiting a cosmetic dentist is the first step in determining which method is best for you.
At-Home Tooth Whitening
For more gradual results, you might consider an in-home tooth whitening technique. This technique involves a custom-fitted tray, formed to fit you mouth. Every day, bleaching gel is placed into the tray and fitted to the teeth for a brief amount of time. Sometimes you may sleep with the tray in your mouth and the bleaching agents will work overnight.
This process usually takes about one to two weeks for full results and may be for people who prefer a slower process.
Professional Tooth Whitening
For quick whitening results, you may consider having your teeth professionally whitened at a dentist’s office. These procedures typically only take one visit to your dentist. Your dentist will isolate your teeth using a rubber dam, apply a small amount of bleaching gel to your teeth that is then activated by a powerful beam of light, or laser. The gel absorbs the light, causing the tooth enamel to noticeably brighten in about two hours. The process is painless and can produce stunning results, with your teeth transforming up to ten shades whiter.
Once you have undergone your tooth whitening procedure, whether it is the at-home or professional whitening, it is vital to maintain good dental hygiene and stay away from foods and beverages that may stain your teeth and cause them to revert back to their original color. It is also a good idea to stay away from cigarettes- not only is smoking bad for your lungs but it can also stain your teeth. It is possible to periodically touch-up your teeth if they do start to lose some of their bleached shine.