Teeth whitening is a great way to improve your appearance since it is non-invasive, and the results are readily apparent. You may be wondering whether you should go to your dentist for whitening or whether you should buy products from the store. Here are a few reasons why professional whitening is the superior choice.
You'll Have Longer-Lasting Results
Over-the-counter products may have lower prices, but these costs can add up quickly if you are trying to get the whitest shades possible. It's just not possible to get a great shade change with over-the-counter products. While these products use hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide gels, they don't use them in higher concentrations like dental offices.
You may get weeks or months of whiter teeth, but professional whitening can give you results that last years. So again, the initial costs may not be worth it. Costhelper even says that over-the-counter products could be as much as $150, while take-home trays from your dentist office could be as low as $100.
It's Safer Than Over-the-Counter Products
Teeth whitening is one of the safest procedures you can undergo, but there are still side effects to consider. The main side effect is gum sensitivity/irritation. When you get over-the-counter products, these trays and strips are "one size fits all." This means that you will likely get whitening gel on your gums. At a dentist office, your gum tissues will be protected.
Your dentist may cover your gums with a sealant gel or a thin sheet of latex. Your dentist will also use customized trays, so the gel will give uniform coverage without seeping onto your gums. Lastly, your dentist will use a curing light, so the gel will work quickly and not have to stay on longer than it needs to.
You'll See a Big Change in Your Tooth Shades
With over-the-counter products, you'll usually see a change of one to three shades. With professional whitening, you can see a whitening change of five to nine shades — or more! If you smoke or drink staining beverages, then you may be eager for a very big shade change.
Plus, with over-the-counter products, you won't be really sure what the final result will look like. At the dentist's office, your dentist can show you a shade chart so that you will be happy with the final result. Some people may want to whiten their teeth but not overdo it to the point where their teeth look unnatural.
If you have any questions or concerns about teeth whitening, contact a dental office like Pike Dentistry for more information.
