As we age, it is not uncommon to lose the white sparkle of our teeth. This effect is caused by the depletion of enamel, making the underlayers of our teeth more visible. However, your teeth can be discoloured by many foods and drinks, such as tea or coffee.
In these cases, intervention can be taken to restore your pearly whites back to their original colour. You may have seen the innumerable ads and options at your local pharmacy offering easy at-home teeth whitening, but few consider their dentist for their oral whitening needs.
If you ever wanted to know the difference between at-home or professional teeth whitening, you can learn it all here.
Store-Bought Whitening Kits
There are several teeth whitening kits available in stores. Typical store-bought whitening kits contain stronger bleaching ingredients than whitening toothpastes and they will whiten your teeth somewhat, but they aren’t as effective as the whitening products available from your dental office.
These store-bought whitening kits tend to be a ‘one size fits all’ option. Since these options are made to be used by many different smiles, trays are often uncomfortable and strip options can be difficult to use or position in one’s mouth.
Store-bought whitening products also don’t include the added safety of having your dentist monitor your results, as well as any side effects that you might experience. As well, having caps, veneers, and/or fillings will affect the result of your teeth whitening, which is why we always recommend discussing options with your trusted dentist.
Despite these hurdles, plenty of individuals have found success with at-home solutions, but unfortunately, their efficacy cannot match that of a professionally whitened smile.
Professional Teeth Whitening
When you have your teeth professionally whitened, your dentist uses gels with stronger bleaching agents than those found in store-bought whitening treatments. Your dentist may whiten your teeth at the dental office or provide you with a whitening kit and detailed instructions for at-home use.
Kids provided by your dentist will often include trays that are designed to fit your teeth, creating a greater rate of contact between the whitening gel and the surface of your teeth. This helps avoid uneven colouring and allows for more whitening than just your visible teeth.
The type of whitening your dentist employs will be dependent on your budget, type of discolouration you are experiencing, your age, or your dental history.
Our dental professionals are trained to spot and treat any side effects experienced by patients during the whitening process. This is why whitening your teeth under the professional guidance of your dentist can be safer than using store-bought products.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
If you are considering teeth whitening, you’re probably hoping for an easy transformation. However, tooth whitening takes a commitment on your part to remain with whatever program you choose – strips, trays, or professional whitening.
Nonetheless, here are the benefits we hear from our clients when receiving whitening from Applewood Dental instead of over-the-counter treatments:
- Removal of long-term stains and discolouration
- Increased self-confidence
- Decreased tooth sensitivity
- Protection for gums and cheeks
- Whiter and healthier smile
Looking to Rejuvenate Your Smile?
If you’re ready to begin your journey to a brighter smile with a professional whitening treatment, contact our office to book an appointment. Your dentist can help you to decide which treatment option is most appropriate for your smile and supply you with custom-made whitening trays.