Can I Eat Before My Dentist Appointment?
Most of us brush our teeth before visiting the dentist, but what else should (or shouldn't) we do before an appointment? What about eating? Should you or shouldn't you? This...
With all of the home whitening options out there, you’re probably wondering if there are any benefits to in-office teeth whitening performed by your dentist over what you can find at your local drugstore. With either option, you can achieve the same bright, white smile using either method.
So what are the benefits of each treatment, and how do you know which option is best for you?
At-Home Whitening Kits
You can restore your whitest smile with a variety of different at-home whitening treatments that are designed to remove surface stains and whiten your teeth. The four different whitening products that are most popular to use are:
Whitening Toothpastes
Toothpastes can contain mild abrasives that work as gentle polishing agents that remove the stains on the outer surfaces of the teeth while brushing. By using a whitening toothpaste daily, initial results can be seen in as little as a few days with consistent use.
Whitening Gel Strips
Most at-home whitening products are dental strips. Whitening strips are a small plastic strip with ah peroxide gel side that you apply to the outer surface of your teeth, which can also help facilitate a whitening effect. The strips can be used up to 30 minutes a day for maximum results and can be repeated for a consecutive number of days as per the manufacturer’s suggestion until you achieve your desired shade of white.
Whitening Trays
Most whitening trays involve the use of a mouthguard-like tray with a gel-based whitening solution with peroxide based bleaching agents. Your dentist can take your whitening trays to the next level by taking impressions of your teeth and having a tray made that fits your mouth perfectly for optimal results.
Whitening Rinses
A mouthrinse can contain hydrogen peroxide as a bleaching agent to help whiten your teeth while you also freshen your breath. A whitening rinse can be used daily, especially after meals to also help reduce harmful bacteria from sticking to the surface of your teeth, causing cavities.
In-Office Dental Whitening Treatment
An in-office dental whitening treatment is performed in a single visit and can give you desired results in less than an hour. Your dentist will place a protective coating on the gum tissue and lips, and apply a whitening gel to the teeth. Once the whitening gel is applied, an ultraviolet lamp is placed over your teeth to activate the ingredient in the gel that causes the teeth to whiten in a short period of time.
If you’re short on time for getting your teeth that perfect shade of white for a big event, or if you just have a busy schedule and don’t want to worry about remembering your daily whitening strips, an office visit can give you immediate results in less than an hour.
Which Whitening Option Is Right For Me?
A whiter smile can be attained by just about anyone. Although store-bought whitening treatments cost less than other in-office methods, they also offer a less dramatic result than a professional whitening treatment. There are pros and cons to brightening your smile either in the dentist chair, or in the comforts of your own home. Which whitening treatment is best for you will depend on your own lifestyle and the time you have to dedicate to achieving a whiter smile.
It’s wise to speak with your dentist prior to selecting a teeth whitening treatment to ensure you are able to achieve a whiter smile with the best possible results, in the safest way. If you need help in selecting an at-home whitening kit, ask Hoffman Dental Care at your next checkup and we can tell you which brands we love for you!
