What is the Best Teeth Whitening Option?

When it comes to getting the brighter smile, whiter smile you’ve always wanted, you can whiten your teeth at home or get a professional treatment. At home teeth whitening typically involves over-the-counter products like whitening strips, pens, or toothpaste. Professional whitening includes custom-made whitening trays you take home or an in-office appointment. Bloom Dental wants you to have all the information to choose the best teeth whitening option for you.

Both options use peroxide bleaching agents as the main active ingredient and will help change your tooth’s color. The difference between each option is the amount of peroxide it contains. Over-the-counter solutions contain 3 – 20 percent peroxide. Professional solutions contain 14 – 43 percent. Solutions with higher amounts of peroxide should be left on for a shorter amount of time. Keeping the solution on longer will dehydrate your teeth and make them more prone to sensitivity.

Professional Whitening

Professional teeth whitening options are much safer and more effective. They are also more expensive than over-the-counter products. Professional whitening services ensure that all of the proper precautions are taken when it comes to protecting your gums so the whitening agent only gets on your teeth.

At-Home Whitening Products

Over-the-counter products are more budget-friendly than professional whitening. They are also used in the convenience of your own home. But, these products generally take longer to see results and have limitations depending on your tooth color and health prior. If used incorrectly, at-home teeth whitening kits can lead to burned gums or tooth sensitivity so ensure you follow any and all directions. It is always best to talk with your dentist before deciding which treatment option is right for you.

Call our Bloomington, IN dental office at 812-339-3427  or our Bedford, IN dental office at 812-275-7975 if you have any questions about teeth whitening. If you’re looking to use an over-the-counter solution, we recommend that you select one from the list of bleaching products with the ADA Seal of Acceptance.