Did you know that not all teeth whitening options offer the same results? Today, our Delta BC dentists at Scott 72 Dental Centre list some differences between at-home and professional teeth whitening treatments.
Teeth whitening can effectively help remove stains and improve the general appearance of your smile.
With that in mind, it’s important to remember that if you are considering whitening your teeth, not all teeth whitening methods yield the same results.
Store-Bought Whitening Kits
Pharmacies and supermarkets offer many teeth whitening kits. While these store-bought kits contain stronger bleaching ingredients than whitening toothpaste and will whiten your teeth somewhat, typically these kits won’t be as effective as the professional whitening treatments available at your dentist’s office.
With the store-bought whitening kits, expect a ‘one size fits all’ option. Due to the nature of these treatments, they just aren’t able to offer custom whitening trays fitted specifically to your unique smile. If you were to purchase from your dentist, you’d also have the added safety of being monitored for results or any potential side effects.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Generally, the whitening gels your dentist offers feature stronger bleaching agents than those you’ll find in whitening treatments you can buy at the store.
Our dentists offer professional teeth whitening treatments for you to use in the comfort of your own home. Here’s what you can expect from the process:
The first item on your to-do list: Make an appointment to visit our office: During your appointment, we’ll create impressions of your teeth so your whitening mouthguard can be made.
The mouthguard will be created just for your mouth and you can wear it whether you’re awake or sleeping. It is also thin enough that you’ll be able to speak and work normally while wearing it.
At your second appointment, you’ll receive your dental bleaching materials, mouthguard and detailed instructions that will offer guidance on using the gel and how long to use the whitening treatment each day.
By purchasing your teeth whitening kit from your dentist, you’ll have the peace of mind of added safety, as our team of dental professionals are trained to identify and treat any side effects patients may experience during the whitening process.
Usually, professional teeth whitening produces better results since the bleaching gels supplied by your dentist are stronger than those found in store-bought kits.
Potential Side Effects of Teeth Whitening
Before using any teeth whitening products, make sure to consult your dentist. Long-term use (or over-use) of whitening or bleaching products can cause side effects such as tooth abrasion and tooth sensitivity.