The pursuit of pearly whites is a never-ending one. For those looking to achieve a brighter smile, teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment that has taken the world by storm.
But, with so many options available, choosing the right treatment can be overwhelming. In-office whitening, which is administered by trained dental professionals, is considered the gold standard of teeth whitening.
This method provides better results due to the higher concentration of bleaching gel used by dentists, compared to at-home whitening options. Popular in-office treatments include Zoom, Britesmile, Opalescence, and Lumibrite.
In-Office-Whitening
During treatment, your dentist will examine your teeth and perform a thorough cleaning to remove any plaque or debris. Then, a cheek retractor is used to expose the teeth, and a liquid rubber dam or hardening resin is applied to protect the gum tissue.
The teeth are then treated with a hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel, which is left on for 15 to 30 minutes, with subsequent applications added for better results. Certain in-office treatments may include a high-intensity light to enhance the bleaching process. The results are immediate and can last for several months with proper care.
Teeth whitening at home
At-home teeth whitening offers a cheaper and more convenient alternative to in-office whitening. At-home whitening products are available in various forms, such as brush-on whiteners, strips, and trays, and can be purchased from pharmacies, grocery stores, and online retailers.
However, at-home whitening products have a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which limits their effectiveness compared to professional whiteners. For the best results, it is recommended that at-home whitening is administered after a professional dental cleaning.
One of the most popular and convenient at-home methods for teeth whitening is the use of whitening toothpaste. This fast method works by removing stains from the tooth surface using a toothpaste infused with peroxide and baking soda, which help to prevent greying.
However, some whitening toothpaste contains abrasives such as hydrated silica and baking soda, which could damage teeth and make them sensitive to decay. Try to look for the Australian Dental Association (ADA) seal of approval, which indicates that it’s been thoroughly reviewed for safety and effectiveness.
Another effective at-home method for teeth whitening is the use of whitening gels, pens, and strips. While both gels and strips work well, online purchases of whitening strips with a higher concentration of peroxide than gels are also available. Most whitening gels contain carbamide peroxide, while hydrogen peroxide is the active ingredient in many bleaching strips. Carbamide peroxide is less potent than hydrogen peroxide, but it is still an effective whitening agent and is often used in gels because of the reduced risk it poses.
At home teeth whitening – as recommended by dentists
It is also important to note that some dentists believe that dentist-dispensed at-home kits can provide results comparable to in-office whitening, with multiple applications over time resulting in a greater shade change.
When it comes to candidacy, in-office whitening is suitable for individuals with healthy teeth and gums, although underlying conditions such as tooth decay or gum disease must first be addressed. Intrinsic stains may not be effectively treated with whitening, and more significant cosmetic treatment, such as dental veneers, may need to be considered.
In conclusion
At-home whitening is available to anyone, but individuals with oral health issues must proceed with caution, as these products can cause serious pain and damage to teeth and gums.
In terms of cost, the price of teeth whitening can vary considerably depending on the type of treatment, specifics involved, and location. Unfortunately in Australia, dental insurance does not offer coverage for cosmetic procedures such as teeth whitening.
Both in-office and at-home teeth whitening options offer benefits and drawbacks that need to be considered. While in-office whitening is considered the gold standard, at-home options offer a cheaper and more convenient alternative.
It is essential to consider the candidacy requirements for each treatment and the potential risks and costs involved before making a decision.
To achieve the desired whitening results of properly administered Teeth Whitening products, book an appointment with our Friendly Dentist in Molonglo Valley. Contact Molonglo Dental Surgery at 02 6287 1222.
