Dr Michael Smith D.M.D.

teeth whitening

2 Types of Teeth Whitening Methods

Whether you want to look your finest for an occasion or job interview, or you’re simply not confident because of your yellowed smile, you might have considered teeth whitening. These whitening methods have become more advanced in their efficiency, ease of usage and price.

There are two primary kinds of teeth whitening: DIY sets you can purchase at shops, such as a supermarket, and those done by a dentist in a dental workplace. Both types have their advantages and disadvantages to think about. There are some aspects one needs to take into consideration when identifying which one is best for them, to make sure that they get the best teeth whitening results.

In Your Home Do It Yourself Teeth Whitening

When people think of teeth whitening they likely think about at-home DIY whitening packages. These sets are usually available as clear, whitening gel-covered strips that are placed over the front surface area of the teeth. Other whitening packages are available as clear plastic trays in which whitening gel is placed into. These trays are then positioned over the teeth. Whitening trays can be bought at the shop or recommended by the dentist. The ones recommended by dentists will be custom-fitted to the client’s teeth. Gel provided by dentists will also be more powerful than products bought over the counter. Both whitening methods require the user to soak their teeth in the whitening gel for a fair amount of time. Here are the benefits and drawbacks of these teeth whitening techniques:

Pros

  • Low-cost
  • Quickly available
  • Can be carried out in the privacy of one’s house

Cons

  • Can be unpleasant and difficult to use correctly
  • Does not lighten the teeth right away
  • The whitening effect does not last long
  • Can trigger gum inflammation

In-Office Teeth Whitening

Getting expert teeth cleaning from someone like this Dentist in Orlando has actually become more popular in the last few years due to the instant, visible outcome it yields. For an in-office teeth whitening, the dentist utilizes a more powerful hydrogen peroxide teeth whitening product, in addition to a particular UV light that triggers the whitening gel. In-office cosmetic whitening treatment has been advancing, with some dentist completing a lightening treatment in just thirty minutes. Below are a few of the benefits and drawbacks of this kind of oral cosmetic treatment:

Pros

  • Lightens teeth numerous tones, typically within a single, hour-long consultation
  • Lasts longer than at-home whitening packages
  • Involves less pain due to better fitting strips and trays

Cons

  • More costly
  • Requires time spent at a dentist

Both at-home and in-office teeth whitening approaches can cause gum inflammation and tooth sensitivity. Gum inflammation can be triggered by the minor burning to the gums from the lightening gel. This is more common with at-home strategies, as the strips and trays do not supply the best fit. Tooth sensitivity can occur when the whitening gel is used on the surface area of the teeth. For the gel to work and turn teeth white, it should permeate the tooth enamel, which is the tough, clear layer of the tooth, in order to get to the soft, white dentin layer below. The dentin layer consists of nerves and capillaries. When the tooth enamel is affected by the tooth lightening agent, it ends up being permeable, exposing the nerves below. The tooth pain is most likely to take place in clients who currently have delicate teeth. The pain is short-lived and only lasts as long as the teeth are exposed to the whitening formula.

If your teeth are sensitive, it is suggested that you set up an appointment with your cosmetic dentistry in Calgary or elsewhere to identify the source of sensitivity and to treat it, prior to getting one’s teeth whitened. You could also arrange to have your whitening done at the same location to ensure consistency between the treatments.