Professional Tooth Whitening From A Dentist Or At Home Kits?

Should you go to a dentist for teeth whitening or do it yourself with a home kit? Cosmetic dentistry is huge in the United States and there are increasing numbers of products available to help you improve your smile. Sometimes budget home solutions are all you need to get your teeth sparkling, but many people find these to be ineffective and a waste of money. Home products and professional treatments not only vary in price and quality, but some products can be too sensitive for some. Nobody wants white teeth at the expense of comfort. Here is a comparison of some popular at-home and professional treatments.

Whitening Pastes

Why go to the dentist when you can just buy a tube of toothpaste and get whitening and cleaning in one? While these products are cost effective and will integrate seamlessly with your regular brushing routine, they often don’t cause a noticeable difference, especially if your teeth are stained deeply. They can help maintain another more intense whitening treatment. For some people the ingredients can be too harsh and cause tooth sensitivity, so you may have to try a few brands before finding one that is suitable.

Gel

There are many different types of gels available from specialty stores, or the Internet, and your dentist can also recommend one for you if you inquire. They require the use of a tray, which some kits come packaged with, but others may need you to specially order one molded to your teeth, which will add significantly to the cost. The gel comes in pre-measured tubes and is squirted into the mouth mold and then placed on your teeth for anywhere between fifteen minutes to an hour. These come in varying strengths so if you have sensitive teeth you may want a milder one. Usually, results can be seen after a few weeks and they may take several months to get to maximum whiteness. The downfall with gel is that while some are very good, they can only be worn at home and can be pricey.

Laser

If you want long lasting results and fast, laser teeth whitening performed by a dentist is the only way to go. It is going to be considerably more expensive than at-home treatments, but you definitely get what you pay for. There are a variety of different lasers used, but currently halogen light is considered one of the most efficient. A gel is spread over the teeth and then the laser zaps light on them, bleaching them to a lighter shade. Following the laser bleaching, it is recommended to use whitening pastes and gels that can help increase the longevity of the results. Some people report extreme sensitivity for the first few days or even weeks following treatment, so discuss options with your dentist beforehand.

Natural Remedies

Some people believe that some cheap and simple ways to whiten your teeth are with common household products. Baking soda mixed into a paste with hydrogen peroxide is popular along with bicarbonate of soda. There are even some that claim eating certain foods such as strawberries or lemon juice can help eliminate stains. While these may or may not work, most are generally safe to try.