Professional teeth whitening offers a safe and effective solution that can dramatically enhance the appearance of one's teeth. The procedure is also quick and simple, so it’s no wonder it has surged in popularity over the past few decades.
Understanding the differences between available treatment options is essential to making an informed decision. Let’s look into its various types to help you decide which path to a brighter smile is right for you.
The Science Behind Radiant Smiles
Teeth whitening involves using bleaching agents to remove stains and discoloration from the tooth surface.
The outer layer of a tooth, or enamel, is made up of a translucent crystalline component that protects the inner tooth structure. Consuming certain foods and beverages like coffee or wine, smoking, or aging can contribute to teeth discoloration.
Professional whitening agents, made of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, penetrate the enamel and break down these stains, lightening the tooth color.
Let’s move to the professional options available for transforming your smile.
Types of Professional Whitening Treatments
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In-office Power Bleaching
If you want a brighter smile in a shorter time, in-office power bleaching may be the solution. This treatment is administered by a dental professional and is recognized for producing quick effects due to the high concentration of bleaching gel used.
The procedure consists of the following steps:
- Applying a protective gel or shield on the gums
- Directly placing the bleaching solution to the teeth
- Using a unique LED light or laser to activate the bleaching agent and accelerate the results
The advantage of in-office power bleaching is its speed and intensity. You can expect a noticeable difference in the brightness of your teeth after just one hour of treatment.
However, if you have sensitive teeth, this procedure may not be appropriate because the high-concentration bleach can occasionally cause slight discomfort or inflammation.
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Take-Home Custom Trays
Unlike fast in-office treatments, take-home professional grade custom trays provide a more gradual and gentler approach to teeth whitening.
- Following an initial consultation with a dentist, custom-fitted trays are created to perfectly fit your teeth.
- These trays allow you to apply the prescribed bleaching gel at home, usually for several hours each day or overnight.
- Results are usually noticeable within a few days to a few weeks, and by the end of the treatment, you should see a significant reduction in discoloration.
One significant advantage of take-home trays is the opportunity to control the level and duration of treatment.
If tooth sensitivity develops the frequency of usage or the bleach concentration can be reduced. This adjustment reduces the risk of discomfort and provides a more enjoyable experience overall.
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Best of Both Worlds: Combining In-Office and Take-Home
The use of in-office treatments and take-home trays is a growing trend in professional teeth whitening, and we’re pleased to offer this in our dental office.
This dual technique capitalizes on both the immediate impact of power bleaching and the long-term impacts of take-home trays, resulting in a comprehensive and long-lasting solution.
Patients usually have an in-office visit for the first whitening boost, followed by a series of home treatments. The take-home component improves and maintains the whitening. It allows patients greater control over the shade they want to obtain.
The resulting benefit is twofold. The high-concentration in-office treatment will produce rapid, noticeable results, which will be supplemented by continuous benefits from a specific at-home regimen.
This method is ideal for people who have stubborn stains or who want the best whitening results.
Shade-Matching and Individual Expectations
No two smiles are the same, and individual results can vary depending on the:
- Starting shade
- Health of the teeth
- Lifestyle factors that caused the discoloration
Setting a realistic expectation of what professional whitening can achieve is crucial. During your consultation, your dentist may use a shade guide to help set realistic goals.
Understanding that teeth whitening is a process, not an instantaneous transformation, can help manage expectations and ensure satisfaction.
Post-Whitening Care
Once the desired level of whiteness is achieved, post-whitening care is essential to maintain the brightness of your smile.
Implementing good oral hygiene practices, such as regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups, combined with avoiding staining, can prolong the effects of professional teeth whitening.
Your dentist may also recommend touch-up treatments at home to combat gradual re-staining. Maintaining contact with your dental professional ensures you have the latest information on preserving your radiant smile.
Choosing Your Path to Stand-Out Smiles
The professional route to teeth whitening offers a range of choices.
Whether you opt for the immediate results of in-office power bleaching, the controlled approach of take-home trays, or both, there's a treatment regimen to suit every need and preference.
Begin with a consultation with your dentist to discuss which treatment aligns with your goals, budget, and comfort level. By doing so, you set the stage for a successful outcome that leaves you beaming with confidence.
Learn more about professional teeth whitening in Ottawa, Ontario. Contact Dow's Lake Dental today to schedule a dental consultation.