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

We all know that having teeth that are bright and white is a sure way to make a lasting first impression. We also all know that not everyone is born so lucky, and that coffee, soda, wine, tobacco, and other substances will discolor the teeth over time. Thankfully there is teeth whitening treatment, which can brighten your smile a great deal.

Many people have asked our Bossier City and Shreveport cosmetic dentists how professional teeth whitening compares to the over-the-counter bleaching kits that they can get at the local store. We\’d like to address these questions right now.

Ideal Candidates for Teeth Whitening Treatment

First off, the best candidates for teeth whitening are people who have smiles that are stained or discolored to some degree as a result of beverages, foods, tobacco products, or the natural aging process. We should note that deep stains or discoloration that originates from inside the tooth cannot be treated through teeth whitening treatment. During your visit with our cosmetic dentists serving Bossier City and Shreveport, you\’ll learn if an alternative treatment is more ideal for your needs.

Let\’s now consider professional teeth whitening and how it stacks up against at-home kits.

At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits and How They Work

At-home teeth whitening kits generally consist of a plastic tray and a bleaching solution. Following the instructions, people will wear the trays with the bleaching agent in it for a specified duration of time. The treatments are repeated for a few days or a few weeks.

These tray systems are the most sophisticated at-home whitening options out there. There are also:

• Teeth whitening strips
• Teeth whitening rinses/mouthwashes
• Teeth whitening toothpastes
• Teeth whitening chewing gums

These other products have been listed in terms of general effectiveness, with whitening strips the most effective (though not as good as the tray kits) and whitening gums the least effective.

Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment

Professional Shreveport teeth whitening is supervised and performed by a skilled cosmetic dentist. It involves the use of high-grade bleaching agents that are applied to the teeth and then exposed to specially made laser lights that enhance the bleaching effects of the whitening gel.

Why Professional Teeth Whitening is Superior

Just from the description above, you can probably tell why professional treatment is so much better than at-home kits: the bleaching agents are stronger, the technology is something no one has at home, and the treatment is performed by professionals who understand many facets of cosmetic dentistry and dental care.

The results achieved by professional teeth whitening are faster and much more dramatic than those achieved through at-home kits.

Related: Professional-grade Teeth Whitening Kits for Home Use

In addition to professional in-office whitening, there are also professional-grade whitening kits that patients can be given by their dentist. These are not as quick as in-office professional whitening, but excellent results can be achieved that surpass those of over-the-counter at-home whitening kits.

Alternatives to Teeth Whitening Treatment

When professional teeth whitening just isn\’t an option for you and your needs, then porcelain dental veneers may be the next best option. We can discuss these and other methods for smile design in more detail during your visit.

Schedule a Consultation for Teeth Whitening Treatment

As you can see, professional teeth whitening treatment can make a huge impact on your overall appearance. If you would like more information about teeth whitening and your many other smile makeover options, contact our Shreveport and Bossier City cosmetic dentists today. We look forward to your visit and the discussion we will have about your dental health.