Do you want whiter teeth? Teeth whitening is one of the most sought after cosmetic dentistry procedures. White teeth look cleaner and healthier than dull, yellow, or stained teeth. Whitening your teeth can improve your smile and help you feel more confident.
If you’re considering teeth whitening, you may be wondering what your options are for whitening treatments. Consider this overview of the 3 most common teeth whitening treatments to help you decide which would be best for you.
1. Self Purchased Teeth Whitening Products.
There are a myriad of teeth whitening products available in pharmacies, stores, and online. These products include whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, wands, and strips. People who have tried various whitening products typically agree that whitening strips seem to be the most effective option you can purchase on your own without talking to your dentist. The active ingredient in these products is typically hydrogen peroxide and sometimes baking soda.
Pros:
- Affordable
- Easy to attain
Cons:
- Results vary
- Results don’t last very long
2. Professional Dental Office Teeth Whitening.
If you ask your dentist about teeth whitening, you may find that they offer in-office teeth whitening treatment. This is applied directly to your teeth by your dentist and it typically includes an activation light to accelerate the whitening process. The active ingredient in professional grade teeth whitening is typically carbamide peroxide. A rubber guard or gel is applied to your gums to prevent irritation from the whitening agent.
Pros:
- Effective results
- Results may last 1-3 years
Cons:
- May cause sensitivity
- Higher cost than store products
3. Professional Take Home Teeth Whitening.
Your dentist may also offer you a take home option for teeth whitening. This includes a custom made tray that you will use to apply the whitening agent to your teeth. Your dentist will instruct you on the use of the whitening agent and how long to leave it on your teeth. You will typically see results in a few weeks. The active ingredient is the same as in-office treatment, carbamide peroxide, but often a lower concentration.
Pros:
- Convenient
- Reduced risk of sensitivity
Cons:
- Results take longer to achieve
- Results may not last as long as in-office treatment.
Which Whitening Option is Best?
The whitening treatment that is best for you depends on your goals and preferences. Consider the following and determine your highest priority when it comes to whitening:
- Effective results. If your biggest priority is getting the whitest teeth possible, in-office treatment from your dentist would be your best bet.
- Avoiding sensitivity. If your teeth are already sensitive, take-home whitening treatment may be the most effective option that won’t increase your sensitivity.
- Saving money. If your top priority is saving money, you might think that purchasing whitening products from the store would be best because the initial price is lower. However, the results of these products are not as dramatic and won’t last as long, meaning you may end up buying more and spending more money in the long run.
- Protecting your teeth and gums. The safest option for teeth whitening is in-office treatment because your dentist can carefully control how much of the whitening agent is applied. Your gums will also be protected with a rubber guard or gel.
Why Choose Emerson Dental for Teeth Whitening?
For safe and effective teeth whitening, ask your dentist about your options. Emerson Dental provides professional teeth whitening treatment that offers dramatic results without damaging your teeth. Get a whiter smile in as little as one treatment.
Contact us today at one of our 2 convenient locations to learn more and schedule an appointment.