If you want or need your teeth whitened, you have two options: in-office teeth whitening or at-home teeth whitening. Both procedures use peroxide bleach to whiten your teeth. The major differences are the concentration amount and the time to get results. Your lifestyle and preferences will determine which method is best for you.
In-office teeth whitening, also called power bleaching, power whitening, professional whitening, “laser” or chairside whitening, is teeth whitening done at our dental office by one of our dentists or dental hygienists. This whitening is done in a safe and controlled environment and a painless amount of high concentration of bleaching gel is used. This method produces immediate, visible results.
The advantages of in-office teeth whitening include:
- Produces immediate results. Unlike at-home teeth whitening, this method produces visibly whiter teeth when you walk out the door. If you have a major event coming up or you don’t have the time to whiten your teeth yourself at home, the quick results produced by the in-office whitening will make this option best for you.
- Is safer. In-office teeth whitening under the care and supervision of a dental professional makes this method of teeth whitening the safest. At-home teeth whitening involves multiple steps and directions. People in a hurry often skip steps and applications which can make the method less effective. Sometimes those who use the at-home teeth whitening over-use it, increasing the risk of damaging the enamel of their teeth. Only a dentist can apply the right amount of bleaching gel to make it safe, yet effective.
- Is convenient. In-office teeth whitening only requires a few visits for adequate application. At-home teeth whitening, on the other hand, requires you to do daily applications over an extended period of time. The at-home method requires diligence, time and effort. These may not be appropriate for everyone. This kind of whitening tends to be difficult for those with busy schedules. In-office whitening visits are quick and painless and are done correctly because the procedure is performed by a professional who knows what he/she is doing.
- Effectively removes common stains. With its powerful concentration of peroxide, in office teeth whitening can take away those natural stubborn tooth stains. These stains that can be removed include: stains associated with age, tobacco and foods such as coffee, sodas, red wine and dark-colored fruits and vegetables.
In-office teeth whitening is the best option if you’re short on time and need immediate results. It is also good for busy individuals who don’t have time to properly apply and reapply the at-home teeth whitening.
To make your smile ready to shine at your upcoming event, schedule your appointment with Stone Crest Family Dentistry today. We also provide teeth cleaning and preventative services to help ensure that your mouth not only looks great, but is healthy as well.