These days you can find at-home solutions to just about anything. For people who are handy or looking to save money, DIY projects can be great. However, some things are better left to the professionals.
Many people come into our office looking for teeth whitening services. But for all our patients, there are just as many people who opt for at-home solutions.
Is it better to get your teeth professionally whitened or to do it yourself? Keep reading below for more information about at-home whitening and how it stacks up to professional whitening.
The Benefits of Professional Treatment
Professional whitening treatments are formulated to be effective and gentle. Although bleaching agents are harsh on your teeth by nature, getting your teeth whitened in a professional setting minimizes the potential for side effects. Dentists use higher concentrations of chemicals like hydrogen peroxide, but they use them in a targeted way that ensures that your gums are not damaged or irritated during the process.
Professional treatments target different kinds of stains, too. At-home solutions like whitening toothpaste can remove surface stains, but professional whitening agents go deeper and target stains on a molecular level.
When you get your teeth whitened at the dentist, it takes between 15 minutes and one hour. Weaker concentrations of whitening solution in at-home kits mean that it takes longer to see results when you white your teeth yourself.
What To Expect
When you get your teeth whitened by a dentist, you’ll start by choosing your desired shade. Your dentist will then apply a whitening agent. Depending on the agent they are using, your dentist might also use a light as part of your treatment.
Light activation uses LED, UV, or halogen lights, and the light is often placed inside your mouth for optimum results.
When the whitening process is over, your dentist might give you a fluoride treatment to mitigate tooth sensitivity.
Each dentist is different. For more information on Pueblo West Neighborhood Dental and Implants’ procedure, read more on our teeth whitening services page.
Risks of At-Home Whitening
Gum irritation is one of the biggest risks of whitening. When you whiten your teeth at home it’s harder to control the application and more likely that the whitening agent will come into contact with your gums. If you suffer from gum disease or gum sensitivity, you should be cautious about at-home whitening kits and DIY solutions.
Whitening at home can also lead to tooth sensitivity and uneven whitening. If you’re looking into at-home whitening, start with mild solutions that work over time to avoid over-whitening or damaging your teeth.
Whitening That Works For You
So, is it better to get your teeth professionally whitened or to whiten at home? At the end of the day, only you can answer that question. It depends on many factors, including your current oral health, your desired outcome, and the amount of time and money you can use to brighten your smile.
If you opt for a professional whitening, Pueblo West Neighborhood Dental and Implants is here to help. Our whitening services are fast and non-invasive, and we can tailor our approach to meet your needs and deliver your desired outcome. Contact us today to learn more about our state-of-the-art dental technology and materials or to set up an appointment.
