Everyone wants to feel confident when they smile for a picture or hear an amusing joke. There are several things that contribute to a happy, healthy smile. One of these elements are teeth free of stains or discoloration. They’re called pearly whites for a reason!
White teeth don’t usually happen all on their own, especially if you’re trying to correct years of coffee or soda stains. So that leaves the question, which one is better… at home vs. professional teeth whitening? Here are a few things to consider when deciding.
At Home Teeth Whitening
There are many different ways you can whiten your teeth at home. You can choose from whitening strips, strays, toothpaste and even whitening mouthwash.
Whitening strips are usually worn once a day for an hour or two at a time. You continue routine this anywhere from one week to nearly a month. Whitening trays can be purchased and filled with a whitening gel solution that is used similarly to the whitening strips.
At-home whitening toothpaste is a whitening option that can leave you with a white and bright smile without having to think about it too much. You brush your teeth twice a day, and while you go about your regular dental hygiene routine you get the added benefits of stain-removal and brightening. However, these products can cause sensitivity for some users, which may make it less of an appealing option. Lastly, a whitening mouthwash is a great option, like a toothpaste, because it is a product that can be used daily and as part of your regular routine. Your teeth may not have much contact with the solution, but gradually you should see results. A whitening mouthwash is a great way to maintain those pearly whites.
Professional Teeth Whitening
When you see a dentist for your teeth-whitening products, many recommend custom fit trays and a bleach solution. Unlike the at-home trays, these are custom made to fit your teeth perfectly. This means each tooth will be whitened evenly, and without any gum sensitivity from products overlapping your gums. Your dentist will also have access to better, more efficient products. This means you’ll get whiter teeth faster.
Other professional whitening options include an in-office visit where a gel is applied to your teeth and the solution is intensified with the use of a bright light. These are done in the office during quick visits, and the results are immediate.
Whiter, brighter teeth can be achieved both at home and professionally. Which is right for you will depend on the health of your teeth as well as what is most convenient for your lifestyle.
If you have an event coming up and you want a whiter smile fast, you may want to consider going to a trusted dentist, like the Crawford and Leishan Dental Group, to make sure your teeth are whitened in time.
If you have already done whitening treatments and just need a quick touch-up, an at-home treatment may be a good option. A combination of the two can also give you the great results.
