Professional whitening is one of the most sought-after treatments for dental patients across the country. In fact, Americans spend more than $1 billion each year on over-the-counter teeth whitening products alone to get rid of stains and discoloration.
It’s no surprise that we invest so much in our teeth: they are often the first thing that others notice, especially when making a first impression. If your teeth are discolored from years of tobacco use, drinking red wine, or your daily coffee, you may feel self-conscious about smiling in pictures, laughing, or even meeting new people.
The best way to get rid of stubborn, set-in stains is by having your dentist apply a professional whitening treatment. These procedures are performed in-office, and are just as quick and painless as they are effective. Want to learn more about how professional whitening works? Keep reading: we’ll answer all of your questions to help you decide if professional whitening is the right procedure for you!
Do over-the-counter treatments whiten teeth?
Over-the-counter whitening treatments are incredibly popular, and often the first whitening treatment of choice. Not only are they much more affordable, but they are also readily available at pharmacies, grocery stores, and through online retailers.
At-home whitening treatments can be effective for teeth that have light or minimal staining – but most dental patients don’t get the dramatic results they want. Stains that have built up over time can be difficult to remove at home, particularly because over-the-counter whitening treatments have much lower concentrations of active ingredients. And because these strips and gels aren’t as strong as professional whitening treatments, you may end up wasting your money on multiple rounds of whitening products without seeing real, long-lasting results.
Another consideration is that over-the-counter products might be damaging to your teeth. Some studies have suggested that the hydrogen peroxide in whitening strips could harm the dentin beneath your tooth’s enamel. If you are going to use over-the-counter whitening products, make sure to only purchase those that have the ADA seal of acceptance, and that you are using the products properly.
What should I expect from a professional whitening treatment?
At Caputo Dental, we use the Zoom! Whitening system to produce beautiful, long-lasting results! If you choose the in-office whitening procedure, we’ll use the special Zoom! light combined with a professional-grade whitening gel. This provides fast results from staining related to medication, aging, drinks, foods, and tobacco use. The in-office treatment takes approximately one hour, and can whiten teeth up to 10 shades in one visit.
Alternatively, we also offer Zoom! Whitening at-home treatments for a more gradual whitening that you can do on your own time. We’ll send you home with custom mouth trays that will fix the bleaching gel to your teeth. Wear the mouth trays for an hour each night for two weeks for dramatic, professional-grade results.
What are the side effects from professional whitening?
Professional whitening treatments are safe, effective, and pain-free. Whether you choose an in-office Zoom! Whitening treatment or the take-home mouth trays, you should expect a comfortable whitening experience. Some patients report that their gums and teeth feel a little sensitive afterwards. If your sensitivity persists for more than two or three days, you should call your dentist and schedule a follow-up appointment.
Foods, beverages, lifestyle habits, and even medications can all play a role in tooth discoloration. Don’t let stains prevent you from smiling with confidence! Schedule an appointment with Caputo Dental today and ask about our in-office and at-home whitening services. We’ll help you choose the right service to ensure that your teeth are bright, white, and healthy!