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Professional Teeth Whitening Vs. At-Home Teeth Whitening: Difference

June 2, 2022

In recent years various kinds of teeth whitening treatments have become increasingly popular. Although your teeth are primarily white, the tooth enamel can vary in shades and become discolored or stained over time. Your teeth might discolor for various reasons, including some in your control and some resulting from injuries and illnesses.

Professional Teeth Whitening Vs. At-Home Teeth Whitening: Difference

Research conducted by the American Academy of cosmetic dentistry reveals that when asked what people would like to improve their smile, the most common answer was their whiteness. Therefore if you are thinking about whitening your teeth, rest assured you are not alone.

If you intend to have your teeth whitened, please ensure that you know the realities of the process and what to expect. You should also check with our dentist in Boynton Beach about whether you are eligible for teeth whitening and gather information on the best whitening treatment for your unique situation.

Why Do Teeth Discolor?

Over time you might notice a change in the shade of your teeth. The changes might happen for one or several reasons.

Foods and beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine have intense color pigments called chromogens that attach to the tooth enamel to cause discoloration. Tobacco use is another significant culprit resulting in tough stains on your teeth. Your teeth might discolor with age when the layer beneath the enamel the dentin becomes visible because of enamel erosion.

If you have suffered injuries in the mouth, your teeth might change color because they receive inadequate blood supply. Therefore after a mouth injury, it is best to have the tooth examined by a dentist near you, who might recommend a treatment plan. Some medications like antihistamines, hypertension medications, and others can also darken your teeth. Therefore, if you consider teeth whitening treatments, you achieve optimal results when seeking dental professionals’ treatments.

How Does Teeth Whitening Function?

The procedure for teeth whitening is relatively simple. However, depending on the product you use and whether you decide to whiten your teeth from a dentist or prefer at-home remedies, the steps vary. Teeth whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide, and the ingredients break stains into smaller pieces to reduce the concentration of color, making your teeth appear brighter.

At-Home Teeth Whitening vs Professional Teeth Whitening Difference

Here is the main difference between at-home teeth whitening and professional teeth whitening:

  • You can consider at-home teeth whitening remedies available over-the-counter or consider getting professional teeth whitening if you desire instant results. However, before trying any treatment, you help yourself by inquiring with your dentist about the technique best suited for your situation.
  • Over-the-counter at-home remedies provide gentle surface whiteners or alternatives with more potent ingredients to remove deeper stains. Unfortunately, unless the treatment is dispensed by a dentist, you will likely express disappointment and discard the products eventually due to frustration.
  • If you desire instant results, you must consider professional teeth whitening delivered by a dentist. Professional teeth whitening treatments from dentists require the least time to produce significant results. For example, when visiting the Boynton Beach dentist’s office, you might spend a couple of hours but notice results that change the color of your teeth by three to eight shades. Unfortunately, over-the-counter products do not deliver similar results requiring you to spend a couple of hours each day over several days or weeks before noticing any effects.
  • At-home teeth whitening treatments cost around $50, while teeth whitening by a dentist cost $650 or more. The primary benefit of professional teeth whitening is the faster results it delivers in one treatment instead of using multiple kits to achieve and maintain the whiteness of your teeth from at-home solutions.
  • In-office teeth whitening treatments penetrate deeper below the tooth’s surface because of the higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide used by dentists. As a result, the therapy ensures your teeth remain whiter longer than at-home teeth whitening techniques.
  • The market for teeth whitening products has expanded significantly and is expected to generate over $8 billion in revenue. Unfortunately, most over-the-counter remedies deliver minimal results requiring weeks or months.
  • If you need your teeth whitened for an important event or occasion, the optimal option available to deliver longer-lasting results and improve the color of your teeth by several shades of professional teeth whitening is an excellent remedy to deal with tooth discoloration.
  • After getting your teeth whitened, you must refrain from tobacco, pigmented foods, and beverages and maintain excellent dental hygiene. Visiting your dentist regularly for checkups and cleanings also helps to keep your teeth appearing brighter. Whichever option you choose, please realize the benefits and drawbacks of both versions and decide on the option only after advice from your dentist.

Visit a Dentist Near You

We at Quantum Dental provide in-office professional teeth whitening in Boynton Beach, FL under the supervision of our experienced dentist. Kindly schedule an appointment with us to achieve your goal of having brighter and whiter teeth in a couple of hours.

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