In-Office Teeth Whitening vs. At-Home Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening St. Petersburg Fl

Your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. Going through a teeth whitening can improve your smile with minimal inconvenience or discomfort. Teeth whitening procedures have advanced enough that you have the option of having the procedure done in your dentist’s office, or in your own home.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

The procedure for whitening your teeth with an in-office treatment is relatively simple. Protective foam is used on the gums to prevent irritation. Then, a technician applies the bleaching solution to the teeth, where it remains for about 45 minutes. Often a laser or other curing light is used with the bleaching solution to maximize results.

The treatment is usually applied only one time for best in-office results. This type of procedure does not take as long as at-home treatments and it is perfect for special occasions. The drawback to the in-office procedure is that the results do not usually last as long as at-home treatments do.

At-Home Whitening

At-home whitening allows you to get brighter, whiter teeth without having to schedule long visits at the dentist’s office on a regular basis. The dentist takes molds of your own teeth, and then has a tray made that is specifically fitted to you. The whitening gel is then placed in the trays, which are worn for varying amounts of time.

The dentist will work with you to determine how long the trays should be worn, with typical treatments ranging from a few hours to overnight.

At-home whitening is very effective when supervised by a qualified dentist. The custom made trays allow for maximum effectiveness with minimal discomfort. Although whitening at home can take longer than in-office visits, the effects are longer lasting, and do not require as many repeat treatments.

If you have wanted to improve your natural appearance, teeth whitening can provide maximum effect without invasive surgery. Having your teeth whitened in the dentist’s office is a great solution for a last minute formal occasion where you want to look your best, whereas at-home teeth whitening will make a long-term difference in your appearance.

Many dentists recommend that their patients try out the in-office procedure for faster results, and then go on to an at-home treatment plan to maintain the effect.

To find out which procedure is the best for you, consult a dentist about having a customized teeth whitening program made just for you.

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