
Are you juggling the pros and cons of having your teeth professionally whitened? Are you unsure if this treatment is worth it? Here, professional teeth whitening Macleod is compared to at-home whitening kits, so you can decide which option is right for you.
Precision
It is unlikely that all of your teeth are the same shade unless you have already had them whitened. This is because of how people use their teeth, especially for biting or chewing. When you approach your dental team to have your teeth whitened, they will be able to offer more precision-based whitening options, hinging on the staining and the individual teeth. An at-home kit offers a more general approach, which can result in a visually uneven smile.
Whitening
When you undergo whitening at a dental clinic, you can have your teeth whitened by up to 18 shades over a two-week period. Using an at-home kit does not offer this advantage, and will probably only whiten your teeth a few shades. The effects of at-home whitening kits also do not last as long as those obtained in professional settings.
Treatment
When it comes to having bleach applied to your teeth, you will no doubt want a dental professional to oversee this treatment. When you approach your dental team to have your teeth professionally whitened, they will fit a dam in your mouth, which will cover your teeth and protect them from the hydrogen peroxide based bleach. Another advantage of professional whitening is that your dentist will know exactly how much whitening gel to apply and when to do it. Some at-home dental kits do come with dams, but these are generalised, and will be unlikely to provide any specific protection from the gels, especially if you have a dental misalignment. So for all kinds of purposes, it is best to seek out professional whitening options.
Longevity
Many people who have their teeth professionally whitened state that the effects last longer than those gained by using over-the-counter options. On average, a professional whitening treatment can last anywhere from six months to three years. In order for whitening to last for three years, you will need to refrain from activities such as smoking or drinking black coffee. You will also need to maintain a high level of oral hygiene and visit your dental team every six months for check-ups. If you were provided with an overnight treatment kit from your dental team when you had your teeth whitened, this can also prolong the effects.
With over-the-counter kits, there is no specific information on how long you can expect the results to last. But for many, they are short-lived.
Cost
There are no two ways around it; if you opt for in-clinic whitening, you will likely pay more, especially as whitening kits are readily available in most pharmacies. But with the aforementioned areas of whitening highlighted, this can make it an easier choice for many.
If you would like to learn more about dental whitening and how it is performed at your local surgery, simply contact your dental team for more information or to book a consultation.
DISCLAIMER OFFSITE
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.