Professional teeth whitening treatment is the fastest way to remedy common dental discoloration problems. It is much more effective and precise than at-home solutions, which use products with a low concentration of bleaching ingredient and one-size-fits-all dental trays. In-office bleaching involves a closely monitored whitening procedure using stronger bleaching ingredients. This is why many people today opt for this treatment that’s personally attended to by dentists.
There are, however, certain disadvantages that make people choose DIY treatments rather than going to the dental office. One of these is the cost. In-office treatment is more expensive than doing the procedure yourself. If you choose to perform the treatment at home, you can choose from the various over-the-counter dental bleaching products that come in different forms – toothpastes, gels, trays, and strips. These DIY products cost about 4 or 5 times less than a professional whitening treatment.
However, many people who have experienced the results of in-office bleaching believe that the cost is worth it. Since it’s closely monitored by a dental expert, the procedure is safe and more accurate. Especially when the treatment uses the latest laser equipment that stimulates peroxide molecules, you get much better and faster results than at-home treatments.
Another major concern about in-office bleaching is the use of gels with high peroxide concentration, which is what whitens teeth instantly. Those with hypersensitive tooth and gums are usually told by dentists to use at-home solutions that use a low peroxide concentration.
But this issue about gum and tooth sensitivity is easily avoided these days when your dentist uses the latest solutions. The most modern professional whitening system uses peroxide gels that are very thick, so it doesn’t go into your teeth and gums. Dentists also use desensitizing products to help avoid this problem.
You also need to be aware that dentists can only employ the usual whitening procedure on certain types of dental stains. Teeth that have turned yellow or brown due to aging, eating, and other habits like smoking tobacco can be easily bleached. Other stains that are intrinsic might have to be corrected using cosmetic solutions like laminates or crowns.
Make sure you have a good initial consultation that includes a thorough examination of your teeth. This is to make sure that you are a good candidate for a professional whitening procedure. This is also for you to know what other necessary preparations you need to do so you can get the maximum benefits from the treatment.
