Professional Whitening vs. Over the Counter Products
November 22, 2016
If you are unhappy with the color of your teeth, you have options to change your smile and guarantee it gets you noticed for all the right reasons. As you age, the teeth may discolor naturally. They may also change color because of certain drinks and foods, medications or even illness or injury. You have two options when it comes to teeth whitening with Dr. Mohlman: in-office whitening or at-home bleaching.
In-Office Whitening
In-office whitening provides fast results, with some patients reporting their teeth are several shades whiter after just one treatment. With in-office whitening, a bleaching gel is put on the teeth while you are in the office. Because a dental professional is present, the bleaching gel is a stronger solution than those in at-home whitening products. This leads to more immediate results. You can relax and enjoy a visit to the dentist even as your teeth are whitened and brightened.
At-Home Whitening
The obvious benefit of over the counter whitening products is that they can be done more often and from the comfort of your own home. Most of the time, patients are given molds of their teeth that directly match their unique smile. A bleaching gel is applied to the tray and they are placed on the teeth for a certain amount of time. This can be repeated regularly until you get the results you want. Over the counter products come in many different forms, including:
- Whitening trays – fill your trays with a gel that bleaches the teeth
- Gel strips – strips are placed on the teeth for two hours at a time, twice a day
- Whitening toothpaste – remove surface stains while brushing your teeth
Over the counter whitening products don’t work as quickly as professional whitening options because the gel is weaker than that used by a professional.
Which Option do You Prefer?
Every patient is unique, and you may have a unique preference over another patient. The best way to determine which option is right for you is to contact us and schedule your appointment with Dr. Mohlman today.