Stained teeth can often be associated with poor self-image. Teeth whitening is a minimally invasive procedure that helps people regain their confidence at pocket-friendly prices. The process is quick, and the results, although not permanent, last for several months.
Teeth whitening can be done at your nearest Delray Beach dental clinic, or you can do it yourself at home with a teeth whitening kit provided by your dentist. Both of these options have their pros and cons. You can select the procedure you prefer more.
Teeth Whitening at the Dentist’s Clinic
Teeth whitening at the dentist’s clinic is performed by a professional. Thus, this procedure produces more effective results. Before the treatment, your dentist prepares your mouth by cleaning plaque and other impurities. An overall check-up of your gums and teeth is done to ensure optimal oral health.
With the help of a cheek retractor, your teeth are exposed, and a liquid rubber dam or hardening resin is used as protection for the gums. Your dentist then applies hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel on your teeth, which gets cleaned off after 15-20 minutes. A high-intensity light helps to enhance the bleaching process. The procedure takes about 1 hour to complete, and the results are visible immediately.
Teeth Whitening at Home
Teeth whitening procedure at home is done using a dental kit. You can purchase this kit from your dentist or over the counter. Several teeth whitening kits are available, containing whitening strips, trays, rinses, brushes, lights, and a bleaching powder.
At-Home teeth whitening kits come with an instruction manual to guide you through the procedure. It is recommended to talk to your dentist and discuss the steps in detail. Your dentist can prepare a custom-made tray for your teeth, which is a better option than over-the-counter trays that come in only one size.
Comparison Between the Procedures
Time
It only takes about an hour or two to complete the entire procedure at the dentist’s office. You can achieve eight shades of lighter teeth in one sitting. Whereas, at home, you need to spend 1-2 hours every day for several weeks to achieve the same.
Cost
A professional teeth whitening procedure can cost you anywhere between $600 to $1,000. On the other hand, you can purchase At-Home kits for $50-$200.
Results
A dentist uses professional tools and techniques in an in-clinic procedure. Thus, the results are more effective and last longer. In contrast, At-Home kits do not contain tools as strong; therefore, the results are less effective.
If you are considering teeth whitening, it is suggested to talk to a dentist. Your dentist will recommend you the best option based on your circumstances.
