Should I get my Teeth Professionally Whitened?
Teeth will lose their whiteness and sparkle over time and age, this is a fact of life. Even with regular brushing and flossing food, drinks, and medications can cause teeth to become yellow or discolored.
If you’ve noticed that your teeth aren’t as white as they used to be, you may be wondering what actions you can take. How well do the over-the-counter products produce the results you desire or should you get your teeth professionally whitened? To get an answer to this question consult with your dentist and let him/her help you decide if you would benefit from an “in office professional whitening.
What is the difference between the Professional Whitening and Over-the-Counter Whiteners?
Both over-the-counter products and the professional whitening treatments contain the primary ingredient carbamide Hydrogen peroxide. But over-the-counter products contain a lower concentration according to the American Dental Association (ADA). The higher cost of professional treatment is a result of the composition of the bleaching agent, professionally supervision and other expenses.
Over-the-counter products can safely be used at home while the stronger bleaching gel contained in professional whitening procedures must be carefully monitored for safety. Some patients may experience a temporary tooth sensitivity or mild oral tissue irritation.
What do I Need to Know?
It is important to understand that that because professional whitening treatments contain a higher concentration of bleaching gel, not everyone is a good candidate for teeth whitening. Prior to your appointment for a chairside whitening treatment, the dentist will conduct a dental examination to determine if your teeth and gums are healthy and what is the cause of the discoloration. In addition, the dentist will determine if the discoloration can be improved by treatment as tooth discoloration may be caused by an underlying dental or medical condition. Cosmetic dentistry will be the last treatment in regarding to oral health.
How quickly will I have Whiter Teeth?
Professional whitening treatments are usually completed in about an hour while over-the-counter products are intended to be used over a period of time, usually two to four weeks. For that reason professional treatments will have immediate results while over-the-counter products will show a gradual improvement.
So how do I know if Professional Whitening is Right for my Teeth?
You have consulted your dentist and it has been determined your teeth and gums are healthy and you have no known underlying conditions. If what you want is fast result or if the discoloration of your teeth is so extreme, which outweighs the higher cost of professional chairside whitening treatment, then this would be your best option. If cost is an issue, your teeth are sensitive or only slightly yellowed, or time isn’t an issue the dentist may recommend an at-home treatment with custom fitted whitening trays that is available from your dentist or an over-the counter product that is available at your local store. Should you not to do chairside bleaching, whitening toothpaste which achieves a gradual result can be another option for you?
Before attempting to whiten your teeth, consult with your dentist for an oral health evaluation. Call Dentistry For You at 905.731.1871 today to make an appointment.