05 Feb 2024
Stained teeth are a common dental problem that afflicts countless Canadians. In addition to the natural darkening that happens with age, many people also pick up stains from smoking or the food and drink they consume.
Luckily, these stains can be removed using at-home or in-office whitening treatments. Each has its own advantages and disadvantages. Today, we will discuss these two options (including Zoom teeth whitening) and help you decide which method is best for you.
Treatment Differences
At-home whitening treatments come in several forms, including whitening strips, trays, gels, and bleaches. All of them work similarly, promising to whiten your teeth by several shades with repeated use
At-home treatments work slowly and may require you to apply them for several hours at a time. It will usually take several weeks or months for you to see noticeable results. Any whitening products that work more quickly than that may be too strong to be safely applied to your teeth.
Many at-home whitening treatments cause temporary tooth sensitivity after use. This is because the bleaches they use may irritate your gums or inflame the nerves in your teeth. This problem will usually go away in a few weeks after your treatment is complete.
In contrast, in-office whitening is much quicker and is less likely to leave you with sensitive teeth. If you are concerned about potential irritation, your dental team can take steps to mitigate the problem before you leave. Professional grade whitening also tends to produce much more dramatic results than over-the-counter treatments, making it the superior option for those with particularly dark or stubborn stains.
How In-Office Whitening Works
When you visit your dentist in Mississauga for an in-office whitening treatment, they will begin by taking an impression of your teeth with a special putty. This impression is then used to create custom trays that will help you apply the whitening gel to your teeth.
It takes a few days for the dental lab to fabricate these trays. Once they are ready, your dentist will give them to you, along with a high-strength bleaching agent. You will be instructed to apply the bleaching agent to the trays and then wear those trays for several hours each night for the next two weeks. You cannot wear the trays to bed, but they are very discreet and will not be noticed by most people you interact with.
By the end of this process, your teeth will be several shades lighter than they were previously. You will then be given a less powerful bleaching agent to use for the occasional touch-up. If you take care to avoid consuming dark-coloured food and drink, your teeth will remain bright and shiny for months to come.
Your dentist can also administer Zoom whitening, a quick procedure that uses bleaching gel and a special light to deliver dramatic results in as little as one hour. If you are interested in getting a Zoom tooth whitening procedure, ask your dentist about it.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Professional Teeth Whitening
Pros
- Faster, More Noticeable Results. Professional whitening treatments work almost immediately and produce obvious, dramatic results.
- Professional Supervision. If something goes wrong during a professional whitening treatment, your dentist is there to help.
- Customized Treatment. Your in-office whitening treatment is tailored to your specific whitening goals.
Cons
- Higher Cost. Professional whitening usually costs more than at-home treatments.
- Time Commitment. Professional whitening may be quick, but it still requires you to commit to multiple hours of treatment.
Advantages and Disadvantages of At-Home Teeth Whitening
Pros
- Convenience. At-home whitening treatments allow you to whiten your teeth anytime, anywhere.
- Cost-Effectiveness. At-home whitening kits are usually more affordable than professional treatments.
Cons
- Slower Results. At-home kits can take months to noticeably whiten your teeth, especially if you do not use them consistently.
- Less Dramatic Results. At-home treatments can only lighten your teeth by a few shades. You may not be able to use them to achieve the bright white shade you want.
- Less Personalization. At-home kits take a one-size-fits-all approach, making it difficult for you to target specific areas or reach a specific desired shade.
Risks of At-Home Whitening
While at-home teeth whitening is generally safe, it is important to recognize that it comes with certain risks. These products can cause gum irritation and recession, especially when used repeatedly over time. They can also cause permanent damage to your tooth structure if you have untreated cavities.
You may also struggle to achieve satisfactory cosmetic results with at-home kits. Because the trays these products use are not custom-fitted to your teeth, you may end up with too much bleach in some areas and not enough in others. This can create a patchy, mottled look that many people find unappealing.
Factors to Consider
If you are still not sure whether to choose at-home whitening or in-office treatment, these three factors will help you cement your decision.
- Cost. In general, at-home whitening treatments are less expensive than professional ones. If teeth whitening costs are an issue for you, your dentist may be willing to offer you whitening services under a payment plan.
- Convenience. At-home solutions do not require an appointment and can be used at any time. However, they take longer to take effect and require consistent applications to work properly.
- Results. Professional whitening can achieve much more impressive results than at-home treatments. If you are hoping to see a dramatic difference in the shade of your teeth, in-office whitening is the way to go.
Visit Trillium Smile Dentistry for Safe, Effective, and Affordable Teeth Whitening in Mississauga
If your smile is not as white as you would like it to be, now is the time to change that. Trillium Smile Dentistry can help you get that bright smile you are longing for with professional teeth whitening treatments that are targeted to your specific cosmetic goals. Contact us today for more details on our in-office whitening treatments or to book your appointment.