These days, there are plenty of ways to get your teeth whitened. More and more dentists offer the service, and there is a greater variety of at-home kits than ever before. This amount of options can make it hard to decide what route you want to go down. While different options will suit some patients better than others, there are generally some methods of teeth whitening that have more substantial benefits than others.
What Does In-Chair Teeth Whitening Involve?
The in-chair teeth-whitening process generally takes less than an hour, although you’ll likely need a regular teeth cleaning before the procedure itself. To begin with, you’ll have an anaesthetic applied to your upper and lower front teeth. The dentist will also place a protective resin in your mouth to prevent irritation to your gums. The whitening gel will then be applied to the surfaces of your teeth and activated with LED light 3–4 times for 15–20 minutes each time.
What Are the Benefits of In-Chair Teeth Whitening?
The major benefit of in-chair teeth-whitening procedures is that they work quicker and more effectively than at-home whitening kits. You only require one session of in-chair whitening to see results, whereas at-home kits take weeks to work. Furthermore, having a professional there to complete the process means there is minimal possibility of mistakes or negative repercussions. It’s also worth considering that while in-chair procedures are pricier, their results last far longer than those achieved by take-home whitening kits. If you plan on getting your teeth whitened consistently for the foreseeable future, in-chair procedures would be cheaper and less effort in the long-run.
How Does At-Home Teeth Whitening Work?
At-home teeth whitening is pretty straightforward. Essentially, you apply a bleaching agent to your teeth daily for about two weeks and watch the enamel whiten by a few shades over time. Depending on the take-home kit you choose, this bleaching agent can take the form of bleaching strips or a bleaching substance you can paint onto your teeth. Even if you go for the take-home option, remember that you still need to visit the dentist for regular cleans.
What Are the Benefits of At-Home Teeth Whitening?
At-home teeth-whitening products are more affordable than in-chair whitening procedures, which is why some opt for the at-home options. If you’re unsure about teeth whitening, getting an at-home kit could be a good option for you. This will allow you to try it out without committing to the higher price and longer-lasting results. However, it should be noted that the results of at-home whitening won’t be as good, which might furthermore influence your decision on whether or not to go ahead with whitening.
Post-Treatment Strategies for Maintaining Whiteness
Once you’ve received whitening treatment, you’ll want to do everything you can to make the results last. Fortunately, there are lots of strategies you can employ to get more from your treatment. Drinking with a straw is one example, as this will allow you to minimise contact between your teeth and staining liquid. You should also avoid getting lipstick on your teeth, which is easier if you opt for smudge-free lip products or gloss. Rinsing your mouth out after each meal and flossing regularly are other great methods of maintaining results. There are also maintenance products you can buy to strengthen your tooth enamel and seal your whitening results. Investing in some of these products can make a big difference to your teeth. Furthermore, it’s important to minimise or altogether avoid smoking, drinking alcohol, and consuming acidic food and drinks. Consuming piping hot or ice-cold beverages is also discouraged as these liquids can cause your teeth to expand or contract, leaving them more vulnerable to staining.
It’s Never Too Late To Transform!
If you’re considering teeth whitening, talk to your dentist today. A professional will be able to tell you of your options and advise you on the best course of action. Generally, in-chair treatments are preferred as these will give you the results you’ve been seeking. With the smile of your dreams, you’ll take on challenges with renewed energy and confidence!
