Least harmful and highly affordable teeth whitening have become one of the most famous cosmetic treatments that dental science can provide. Even though teeth whitening is not the most appropriate remedy to avoid teeth discoloration, it gives an instant effect that can last for months when utmost care is taken.
People assume teeth whitening is a complicated procedure and needs to be performed only at clinics under a teeth whitening dentist’s supervision. However, many home remedies can be a proper alternative for professional tooth whitening. In this context, we will give you a clear picture of both the options, i.e., professional teeth whitening and home teeth whitening, by mentioning each method’s merits and demerits.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Well trained and certified dentists are always preferred for professional teeth whitening to get the best results. The use of highly concentrated bleaching gels makes professional teeth whitening a better option over alternative methods. There are several popular in-office whiteners. Even though the process and results are the same, the visiting charges, treatment charges, etc., may vary from brand to brand depending upon the additional facilities and the professional performing the treatment.
Plaque and debris are cleared by the dentist right before the teeth whitening procedure is followed. To ensure optimal tooth and gum health, a dental test is also performed before the process. To show you the treatment’s effectiveness, dentists digitally capture the oral conditions to make comparisons quickly.
Treatment is initialized by exposing the teeth with the help of a cheek retractor. To ensure the protection of gum cells, a liquid rubber dam is used. Then, hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel is applied and left ideal for 15 to 30 minutes. Post which, the gel is rinsed off, and again the same procedure is followed once or twice in regular intervals.
A few whitening treatments use a high-intensity light to make the bleaching process much more effective. Instant changes can be found, but the treatment’s complete result can be found after a span of 48 -72 hrs.
The dentist will let you know the preventions and precautions needed to be followed to get a long-lasting treatment effect. They will also prescribe you additional medicines to maintain your beautiful smile.
Home Teeth Whitening
Home teeth whitening is an alternative to professional teeth whitening that allows you to take care of your smile by yourself. The best part of home teeth whitening is you need not wait to get an appointment, and is very cost-effective. However, products like H2O2 (Hydrogen Peroxide) at home may not be that effective as teeth whiteners used by professionals due to their concentration and composition.
Brush-on whiteners, strips, or trays can be ordered at your fingertips through online shopping portals, pharmacies, or grocery stores. Concentrated products can also be used at home if prescribed by a professional dentist. The good news is that some dentists say that using professional whiteners at home can also help you achieve professional teeth whitening.
Product type and brand determine the quantity to be applied to get the appropriate results. However, it is believed that the best time to follow a home regimen is after a professional dental treatment. It will lead you to a glowing smile. You can do it multiple times, with available, less concentrated products. Always take safety measures to avoid any harm in the process of making yourself better.
Apart from standard trays, strips, and brush-on applicators, other products like whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, and even chewing gum can be added to your home regimen. For better results, use these products with a grain of salt. However, it may offer minor, acute whitening. It is relatively pale compared to the results achieved through an authentic or professional tooth whitening.
Wrapping up
Anyone can whiten his or her teeth at home, which is an advantage as well as a demerit to consider in a few cases. It’s good because it’s convenient, but it’s bad because if your oral health is not at optimum condition, it can further lead to intense pain and damage your teeth and gums. As mentioned before, professionals will not approve patients who do not pass a basic oral health test.
If your debate is about teeth whitening at home vs. dentist treatments, compare the results post-treatment. Home teeth whitening can probably make your teeth 2-8 shades whiter with regular use, which is not a surprising or expected difference. If your regular attempts at home to whiten your teeth are not fruitful, visiting a teeth whitening dentist’s office is going to be the best option.