Difference Between Professional Teeth Whitening and Over the Counter Products

With so many different types of teeth whitening products to choose from nowadays, finding the right one for you can be quite a challenge. Teeth whitening refers to removing stains and discoloration from teeth and their inner layers. The active ingredient in most teeth whitening products is hydrogen carbamide and hydrogen peroxide. It is a non-invasive procedure, and it is one of the fastest ways to noticeably improve the way a person’s smile looks.

Professional teeth whitening sessions are the most effective way to whiten teeth since these treatments involve using highly concentrated bleaching agents. More concentrated whitening products are more likely to lead to side effects and complications, so these products are not sold directly to the public. A single professional whitening treatment improves teeth color by up to eight shades according to the American Academy for Cosmetic Dentist.

Comparing professional teeth whitening and OTC products

Professional whitening treatments are the most efficient way to whiten teeth since they lead to the fastest results. Here are some of the things that separate a professional whitening treatment from one done with OTC products:

1. Less likely to lead to side effects or complications

Professional whitening treatments are performed under the supervision of a dentist and that is a huge benefit on its own. The dentist evaluates the patient’s teeth looking for existing problems like gum disease and tooth decay. The presence of such issues increases the risk of complications. For example, whitening treatments can permanently damage teeth structures if the tooth’s dentin is already exposed.

Also, the most common side effect associated with teeth whitening is increased sensitivity. Dentists can address that by adding potassium nitrate to the bleaching product or performing a fluoride treatment afterward.

2. Faster results

Professional whitening treatments involve using more concentrated bleaching products that get the patient’s teeth to the desired shade of white in a shorter amount of time. Many patients can reach their ideal color after a single treatment. Some might require additional treatments to get there. The ideal shade of white for most people is something close to the shade of the white of their eyes.

3. Customized mouth tray

Professional teeth whitening treatments often involve using a custom mouth tray to evenly immerse the patient’s teeth in the bleaching product. The tray also helps to prevent the bleaching product from making contact with soft tissues in the mouth like the gums where it can cause burns and irritation.

The mouth tray is made from an impression of the patient’s mouth so it fits snugly, preventing any of the bleaching gel/solution from getting into areas it does not belong. The mouth tray should be ready in about two weeks after the impression is taken.

Improve the color of your teeth

Whitening your teeth is one of the fastest ways to drastically improve the way you look. There is no way anyone you interact with will miss your pearly white smile. Give us a call or stop by our Phoenix office to learn more about your teeth whitening options.

Request an appointment here: https://modernsmilesaz.com or call Modern Smiles Family Dentistry at (602) 362-7065 for an appointment in our Phoenix office.

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