Who doesn’t dream of a gleaming smile that lights up any room?
Unfortunately, most of us need some outside help to elevate our smiles to their brilliant best. Luckily, an array of effective and affordable teeth whitening options is available, from over-the-counter solutions to professional treatments performed in a dentist’s office.
Understanding Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure using chemical (typically hydrogen peroxide) or light-activated agents to reduce dental staining or discoloration. Teeth whitening can be done at home with over-the-counter solutions or professionally at your dentist's office.
Professional whitening treatments generally yield the best results, particularly for more severe staining. However, “DIY” solutions, available at most pharmacies and supermarkets, work well for mild discoloration.
DIY Teeth Whitening
The most commonly used at-home teeth whitening treatments for home use include whitening toothpastes, strips, and trays. These solutions are less expensive than professional treatments. However, due to lower concentrations of the whitening agent, they require longer (often weeks) to show results and, as we noted, are best suited for less severe discoloration.
As at-home whitening is not overseen by a dental professional, it’s crucial to carefully follow all instructions. Failure to do so could result in issues like tooth sensitivity or gum irritation.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional whitening treatments are performed in-office by a dentist or dental hygienist. At Naylors Court Dental Partners, we use the ZOOM!® whitening system, which uses a special whitening gel and the Zoom lamp light to non-invasively whiten teeth.
Though they’re pricier and require the effort of a trip to the dentist, these professional treatments offer several significant benefits over their at-home counterparts:
- Immediate and dramatic results due to higher concentrations of the whitening agent
- Even application of the whitening solution
- Reduced risk of tooth sensitivity or gum irritation
- They usually only require a single visit to the dentist
At-Home vs. Professional Whitening: Which Is Best for You?
The best option for a brighter smile depends on your specific dental history, level of discoloration, and personal preferences. Consult with your dentist to ensure your teeth are sufficiently healthy for whitening and to determine the best treatment.
Effective, Efficient, and Safe Teeth Whitening in Pikesville, MD
If you’re in Pikesville and want to learn more about your teeth whitening options and which is best suited to your needs, contact Dr. Jennifer Virmani and the outstanding team at Naylors Court Dental Partners to schedule a consultation!