Reviewed By Dr. Tyler N Davis, DMD
Reading Time: 4 minutes
Teeth whitening has become one of the most commonly requested cosmetic dental procedures. But with so many teeth whitening options available, it can be overwhelming to choose the right one.
What’s the difference between over-the-counter and professional teeth whitening? Can anyone benefit from teeth whitening? Why are my teeth sensitive after teeth whitening?
We will answer these questions and more in this blog. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
Why Choose Professional Whitening?
There are several reasons to opt for professional teeth whitening:
- Tailored to your needs: Unlike OTC whitening, professional whitening involves creating a custom tray specifically for your smile. This ensures even coverage and reduces the risk of sensitivity.
- Stronger, more effective solutions: The whitening gel used by dental professionals contains a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide compared to over-the-counter options, offering you a brighter smile in less time.
- Safe and supervised: A dental professional will oversee your whitening process, ensuring that your tooth enamel is protected and that your gums are not exposed to harsh chemicals.
What Is the Process of Getting Professional Teeth Whitening?
At Power Road Dental Care, we offer Opalescence take-home trays. Here’s how it works:
- Consultation: First, you’ll have a consultation with a dental professional to assess your dental health and discuss your whitening goals.
- Custom tray creation: We’ll take a mold of your teeth to create a custom take-home trays. Custom-fit trays ensure a secure fit for optimal results.
- Whitening process: Wear the trays for the recommended amount of time each day, as advised by your dental professional.
Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
- Faster results: Professional whitening can provide noticeable results after just one take-home whitening kit, with complete results appearing after a few weeks.
- Stronger whitening agents: Our whitening gel contains a higher concentration of active ingredients, resulting in brighter and longer-lasting results.
- Customized Treatment: Treatments are tailored to your unique needs, increasing effectiveness and reducing the risk of tooth sensitivity.
Over-the-Counter vs Professional Teeth Whitening
Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits may be appealing because of their convenience and lower cost. However, there are significant differences between over-the-counter options and professional whitening:
- Strength: Over-the-counter products typically contain a lower concentration of active ingredients, resulting in weaker and less effective results.
- Safety: Without the supervision of a dental professional, over-the-counter kits may cause irritation or damage to your teeth and gums.
- Customization: Over-the-counter products are not custom-fit to your teeth, which can lead to uneven results and increased risk of sensitivity. Moreover, they typically only whiten from mid-tooth to the edge, not down at the gumline where the shade of natural teeth is darker.
Can Anyone Get Teeth Whitening?
While most people can benefit from teeth whitening, not everyone is a candidate for the treatment. Whitening is not recommended for individuals with:
- Dental restorations: Crowns, bridges, or tooth-colored fillings will not whiten with the rest of your teeth. So if you have a dental restoration, it’s best to consult with your dentist before attempting whitening treatments.
- Tooth Sensitivity: If you already experience tooth sensitivity, teeth whitening may make it worse. Consult with your dental professional to find an alternative solution for a brighter smile.
- Severe stains: If your teeth have severe discoloration or stains, professional whitening may not be enough. In this case, your dentist may recommend other cosmetic options such as veneers or bonding.
Now that you know what teeth whitening is and the difference between OTC teeth whitening and professional teeth whitening, let’s talk about how you can maintain your bright white smile.
Tips for Maintaining Your Brighter Smile
- Avoid staining foods and drinks: Coffee, tea, red wine, and some fruits can stain your teeth. Limit these to keep your smile bright.
- Routine dental care: Regular check-ups and cleanings can help remove surface stains and keep your teeth healthy.
- Avoid tobacco products: Tobacco can cause significant discoloration of teeth. Quitting can not only improve your dental health but also help maintain a whiter smile.
- Practice good oral hygiene: This cannot be overstated. A good oral hygiene routine will go a long way to keeping your smile nice, bright, and white. Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day for optimal results. Use a toothpaste with hydroxyapatite to help remove intrinsic stains.
For more information about choosing the right toothpaste, read What is the Best Toothpaste? Our Top Picks. For tips on how to floss, read Your ‘How-To’ Guide to Flossing.
Power Road Dental Care – Your Partners in Oral Health
Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile and boost your confidence. At Power Road Dental Care, our team of experienced professionals is dedicated to helping you achieve a healthier and happier smile.
We offer a variety of cosmetic dental services, including professional teeth whitening, to help you maintain optimal oral health. Our personalized approach ensures that we provide the best treatment options for your unique needs and goals.
If you are in the East Valley and are searching for ‘teeth whitening Mesa AZ’ or ‘teeth whitening dentist near me’, we can help. To book an appointment, call (480) 664-1438 or complete the online booking form.
FAQs About Teeth Whitening
Why are my teeth sensitive after teeth whitening?
It is common to experience a little sensitivity after teeth whitening, especially if you have existing tooth sensitivity. This can happen because the whitening gel penetrates through the enamel and into the dentin layer of your teeth, where the nerves reside. However, any sensitivity should subside immediately after stopping the whitening process..
What are the do’s and dont’s after teeth whitening?
Do’s:
- Continue practicing good oral hygiene.
- Avoid using a whitening toothpaste
- Use a straw when consuming staining drinks to minimize contact with your teeth (i.e. coffee, black tea, etc.).
Don’ts:
- Consume highly pigmented foods or drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries for at least 24 hours. For long lasting results, avoid staining foods altogether.
- Use tobacco products.