Teeth whitening is a common cosmetic dentistry procedure that is safe for most patients. It is important to understand that a whiter smile is not necessary for oral health if teeth and gums are kept clean and healthy. However, having a whiter smile has been shown to improve confidence for some patients.

When it comes to whitening your teeth to achieve a stunning smile and a bright smile, there are two options. In-office whitening is the most popular option, and take-home whitening is the other option. Learn more about both options so you can decide which is best for your needs and lifestyle.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

In-office teeth whitening is performed by your dental professional. This option uses whitening gel agents that are in a high concentration compared to the whitening agents used in take-home whitening treatments. The high strength of the in-office whitening agents results in faster results in as little as one or two visits to your dental office. In-office whitening is best suited for patients who want quick results. The use of these high concentrations must be administered and supervised by a dental professional.

In-office whitening treatment usually involves the use of a whitening gel, a special light, and in some cases a custom-made whitening tray that fits over the teeth.

Take-Home Whitening

Take-home whitening treatment uses many of the same whitening agents found in in-office whitening treatment. However, take-home whitening agents are in lower concentrations so that they can be used safely at home. This type of whitening treatment is best suited when time is not a factor. It may take one to two weeks to achieve the desired results using take-home whitening. Patients who want take-home whitening will require custom-made whitening trays to use the whitening gels safely.

While whitening is a safe and common type of dental treatment, there must be no active tooth decay in the mouth. Your dentist will assess your smile and work with you to help achieve the type of smile you desire. Contact us to learn how we can dramatically enhance your smile.