
While we all want white teeth, they can be hard to keep white. Coffee, tea, sodas, cigarettes, and other dietary and lifestyle choices can lead to yellowing or dull-colored teeth. Teeth whiteners, however, can give you back the white teeth you desire. If you’re looking at teeth whiting, should you go with professional whitening or at-home teeth whiting products? Let’s look at the pros and cons of both.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is done by appointment in your dentist’s office. It isn’t a long procedure, usually about an hour and often in one visit. Your dentist can use more powerful solutions, resulting in whiter teeth than you can usually achieve with home kits.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
Those who want to handle their teeth whitening at home have several options to choose from. Common home-whitening products include,
- Whitening rinses
- Whitening toothpaste
- Gel strips
- Tooth whitening trays
Generally, at-home kits are relatively inexpensive but take repeated uses to see results. For at-home products, it can take weeks to see your teeth go from yellow or dull to the bright white you hope to achieve.
So, Which Option Is Better?
In many cases, the best option depends on your needs and your budget. If you need white teeth fast for photos or an important presentation, going with professional teeth whitening will get you the best results when you need them. On the other hand, if you’re on a tighter budget, using whitening toothpaste or gel strips may be a more affordable option if you have the time to wait for the results.
Safety can be another factor. Whitening products can irritate gums and cause other issues if you also have tooth decay. At-home whitening trays aren’t fitted to your teeth, unlike your dentist’s trays, so it can be hard to avoid the gums with at-home products.
If you’re concerned about the color of your teeth, schedule an appointment with your dentist. They can check your teeth and make sure that you don’t have other underlying problems leading to yellowing and discolored teeth. You can also discuss options with your dentist for achieving whiter teeth. Once you have your plan for whitening your teeth, you can also schedule regular cleaning appointments and checkups to help keep your teeth white.
Family Dentistry in Bucks County
Do you want whiter teeth? Have you fallen behind on your regular visits? If you’re looking for a dental clinic in Bucks County, Philadelphia, or the surrounding area, contact us for an appointment for you and your whole family.
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