Why go to a dentist for professional teeth whitening when there are so many products you can buy and use at home? The answer is that professional teeth whitening gives you better results, faster results and can be even safer for your teeth and gums.
Over-the-counter whitening products are restricted by law from being strong enough to give you good results. This is for safety reasons, but in a dentist’s office, the powerful ingredients used are safe because they are being used by a professional in a controlled environment. Unlike home whitening, dental office whitening starts with protection for your gums. Too much use or misuse of over-the-counter whitening products could actually be more damaging than having whitening done by a dentist.
The products used for teeth whitening have been proven to be safe in University studies. Professional whitening causes no damage to teeth or gums. It is a comfortable, pain-free procedure. A few people may experience mild tooth sensitivity to hot and cold for a day or two after the procedure.
So how does it work? Professional whitening can remove many types of stains and discoloration on teeth. Food and beverage stains, yellowing from age, and most types of staining on the surface of the teeth can be removed.
Whitening at home can only remove surface stains on the enamel. Intrinsic stains, which are stains on the second layer, called the dentin, can only be removed by professional bleaching. Intrinsic stains may not be able to be removed completely, but other options are available for covering them, such as veneers.
Whitening also does not work effectively on false teeth, crowns, bridges or veneers. Some patients choose to have a teeth whitening procedure prior to getting any of these dental treatments, and then choosing a matching color for their new dental work.
Dr. Jessica Hill can perform a teeth whitening in just one office visit. The whitening solution is applied to the surface of the teeth and then set or cured with a light. Results can be seen immediately after the procedure, but for best results, maintenance at home is recommended. This can be accomplished with a bleaching tray or by using whitening strips.
If you really prefer to do whitening at home, we can provide you with professional products that you can take with you. A bleaching tray involves filling the tray with a mild whitening solution and then wearing the tray in your mouth for several hours a day or at night. It can take about two weeks of home whitening to see good results.
If you are interested in having your teeth whitened at our office in Alexandria, Virginia, or if you would like to learn more about professional whitening, give us a call now to set up an appointment with Dr. Hill.