It’s never a bad time to assess and address issues that have been a bit neglected. This can include home improvement projects, auto repair, annual physicals with your doctor, or, perhaps, the restoration of one’s smile to its radiant best.
If your smile needs a hand to fulfill its luminescent potential, there’s never been a wider range of safe, easy, and effective at-home and professional teeth-whitening solutions.
What’s Teeth Whitening and How Does It Work?
Teeth whitening is a prevalent cosmetic treatment in which chemical- or light-activated (usually with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as the active ingredient) whitening agents are used to break down and eliminate stains and discoloration on teeth. Teeth whitening can be performed professionally in a dentist’s office by a dentist or dental hygienist or at home using a variety of over-the-counter solutions available at pharmacies and grocery stores.
While professional whitening is widely considered the most effective option, its suitability for different patients can vary. This is broadly the case for all teeth whitening treatments, all of which might not be suitable or optimally effective for all individuals.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Options
The most common at-home teeth whitening treatments are whitening toothpastes, strips that adhere to the front of the teeth, and mouthpiece-like whitening trays with whitening gels. These solutions, while cheaper and more convenient than professional treatments, often take far longer (weeks) to yield results due to less concentrated whitening agents. As a result, these solutions tend to be best suited for less severe cases.
Of course, it’s vital that you carefully follow any instructions accompanying any teeth whitening product you use, as misuse could result in both suboptimal results and issues like tooth sensitivity or gum irritation.
How Does Professional Teeth Whitening Work?
Professional whitening treatments are performed in a dental office by a dentist or dental hygienist. Though these treatments are more expensive than their DIY counterparts, they offer several key benefits:
- The treatment is usually completed in a single visit.
- Whitening agents are more concentrated, usually resulting in immediate results.
- The whitening agent is applied by a qualified dental professional, ensuring even application, effective results, and reduced risk of tooth sensitivity or gum irritation.
Safe and Effective Teeth Whitening in Chesterfield, MO
If you’re in the Chesterfield area and want to learn more about the range of teeth whitening options available to you and how to select the most appropriate for you, contact dentist Dr. Scott Mahlin and the friendly and knowledgeable team at Clarkson Dental Group to schedule a consultation!