Everyone wants bright white teeth. After all, that indicates beauty and health. However, many people don’t like the discoloration or stains on their teeth and want to get rid of it. Even people with slightly yellow teeth think about a whitening procedure. Fortunately, there are plenty of options when it comes to teeth whitening, so there’s bound to be one that works for you. The biggest question people have is whether to have their teeth whitened professionally or if they should do it at home on their own. Here’s what you should know so you can make the right decision.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Teeth tend to darken as you age, but proper brushing and dental care can help slow the process. If you want to restore your younger, whiter teeth, a professional whitening job can do the trick. This may be laser whitening or the use of dental grade hydrogen peroxide. This is usually done in the office and is not safe to attempt on your own. Many people use professional teeth whitening as a last resort, but it often offers the best results.
At Home Whitening
Another option is to whiten your teeth at home. There are many ways of doing this. Some of the first steps may be to use a whitening toothpaste or a baking soda and hydrogen peroxide solution. These are effective for minimal staining and can slow the darkening process. Many dentists also offer bleaching trays that you can purchase at the office and take home to use. They involve placing the solution in a tray and wearing the tray over your teeth for a set amount of time. These options tend to be less expensive and are ideal for minor yellowing.
Choosing Which is Best
Making the choice between professional and at home whitening involves several considerations. The severity of your yellowing is one factor, with professional treatments being more effective at producing the results you want to see. Your budget also plays a role since an in-office whitening treatment can cost quite a bit more than DIY versions. Your oral health is another thing that plays a role so be sure you talk to your dentist before starting any kind of whitening treatment.
Pros and Cons
Understanding the pros and cons of both methods is an important way to know what to expect. The top benefits of using an at home whitening treatment is the lower cost and convenience. However, at home treatments have the drawback of not being as effective. In addition to the better results, you won’t have to worry about professional treatments being done properly since dentists are experienced with them. The biggest drawback for most people is the cost.
Teeth whitening is a big business and it’s a great way to get the white smile you want. No matter which method you choose, you should start seeing results in a short amount of time.
Ready to get started? Make an appointment at ProviDent Dental Group today to achieve the Hollywood smile you’re dreaming of.
