The Health Benefits of Invisalign
Most people think, “I don’t need invisalign, my teeth aren’t too crooked.” But did you know that in addition to improving tooth alignment, invisalign treatment helps to improve dental form and function?
In office vs at home whitening
So you've finally decided to do it: you're ready to get your teeth whitened for that special eventcoming up. Whether it's to impress a date, look good for a night out with friends or just sick and tired of how dark your teeth have become, you intensely desire those shiny, early whites that come after a teeth whitening dental appointment. But what exactly does the procedure entail?
When it comes to teeth whitening, there are two main methods that people typically use: in-office teeth whitening and at-home teeth whitening. Both methods have their own pros and cons, so it's important to choose the right method for you based on your needs and preferences.
In-office teeth whitening is done by a professional dentist and usually takes one to two hours. The main advantage of in-office teeth whitening is that it produces immediate results. In-office teeth whitening can transform your teeth several shades after just one appointment: this is because the in-office whitening gels offered by a dentist are stronger than those for at-home use. The dental professional will be monitoring the every step of the procedure to ensure your teeth are not damaged whatsoever and you’re as comfortable as possible. You’ll leave the office with a brighter shade of white teeth than you walked in with.
The main disadvantage of in-office teeth whitening is that your teeth may be a bit more sensitive because the whitening gel used in an in offce whitening procedure is more potent.
The other option to whiten your teeth is buying your own at-home teeth whitening kits. You can either purchase those kits from your dentist or from your local pharmacy. The ones sold by your dentist generally have a higher concentration of whitening agent than those sold at the pharmacy. The concentration of take-home bleaching agents is usually lower than what's used in professional teeth whitening treatments offered in the dentist’s office. Thus, at-home teeth whitening usually takes longer to produce more noticeable results; it may take several weeks of regular use before you see a significant change in the color of your teeth. You will unfortunately be trading ease and comfort (the ability to whiten in your own home) for less noticeable results. Additionally, there is a greater risk of damaging your own teeth if the kit is not used correctly. You should always consult with your dentist before using any at-home teeth whitening kit to make sure it's safe for you to use.
Many patients opt for both in office whitening and at home kits. After an exam and cleaning, patients will schedule an appointment for an in office whitening procedure to make their teeth brighter and whiter. Patients then also purchase an at home whitening kit to touch up their whitening as needed. Teeth become the whitest when in office and at home whitening kits are used concurrently.
So, which teeth whitening method is right for you? Ultimately, the decision comes down to personal preference and what you're looking to achieve. If you want immediate results, in-office teeth whitening may be the best option for you. If you're looking to whiten your teeth at your own pace, at-home teeth whitening may be a better choice. Click here to schedule an appointment at Shine DDS in Brooklyn to learn more about your options and make an informed decision about which teeth whitening method is right for you.
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