In recent years, cosmetic dentistry has become increasingly popular. One of the most common cosmetic procedures performed today is teeth whitening. According to a recent survey, 96% of adults said that they felt that an attractive smile made them more appealing to the opposite gender, and 74% of adults said that they felt an unattractive smile would hurt them in their career. Whatever their reasons, more individuals are asking their oral care providers about the teeth whitening procedures they offer.
Home Teeth Whitening vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
As far as teeth whitening goes, there are two basic options. Whitening at home or having the procedure performed in a professional’s office. There are pros and cons to each choice. Today there are a variety of teeth whitening products which can be found in stores including trays, strips, mouthwashes, gums, and toothpastes. While these products have varying degrees of effectiveness depending on their use, the benefit is that these products are relatively inexpensive, are easy to use and can be applied at the buyer’s convenience. For individuals who have sensitive teeth or gums, be aware that some at-home whitening treatments can cause increased sensitivity or gum irritation.
If you’re looking for more drastic results, we recommend that you get professional teeth whitening treatment. The chemicals used during in-office whitening are typically stronger than at-home products and typically show results quicker with more vibrant results. At Mountain High Dental, we have special tools and techniques to ensure that sensitive gums don’t experience the irritation that is often caused by home teeth whitening kits. When selecting professional treatments, patients should be aware that the procedure is a bit more expensive than the over the counter method.
In general, individuals trying to decide between at home teeth whitening and in-office teeth whitening should consider the condition of their teeth and the end result that they’re looking for before making a decision.
Give us a call to discuss whether professional teeth whitening is a good fit for you!
