Teeth Whitening At-Home vs. At the Dentist

Of course, the health of your teeth is important, but so is the way they look. When your teeth are white and radiant, it’s easy to feel confident in professional and personal situations. Unfortunately, it’s common for teeth to become stained or discolored over time, usually as a result of eating certain stain-causing foods, such as red wine or coffee. The good news is that enhancing the appearance of your discolored teeth is simple with a teeth whitening treatment. With so many teeth whitening options available, however, deciding which one is best for you can be a challenge. Here’s what you should know about having your teeth whitened at the dentist versus at home.

What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment that is used to lift stains from the surface of one’s teeth and enhance their natural appearance. Typically, this is done with a bleaching solution that can come in a variety of forms, including toothpastes, gels, trays, and rinses. Teeth whitening is safe for most people, but it’s best to consult your dentist before whitening your teeth on your own. Likewise, teeth whitening is not an effective option to whiten dental restorations, such as crowns, bridges, implants, or teeth that have been discolored as a result of injury or trauma. 

At-Home Teeth Whitening

Whitening your discolored teeth at home can be a tempting option primarily for its convenience. After all, teeth whitening kits are available virtually everywhere, including online, at retail stores, and even in grocery stores. While choosing to whiten your teeth at home may sound like a good idea, there are some factors that are worth considering before you do.

• Do you have any oral health concerns that may be irritated by an at-home whitening treatment, such as sensitive gums?
•  How severe are your stains? Will an at-home whitening treatment be effective for you?
• Is it safe? Are you pregnant, nursing, or have another health condition that could be affected by teeth whitening?

Teeth Whitening at the Dentist

Having your professionally whitened at the dentist offers many advantages over teeth whitening on your own at home. First and foremost, our dental team will closely monitor your treatment to ensure that your teeth and gums are safe from start to finish. You can also be assured that we use a professional-strength bleaching solution that offers superior results to over-the-counter products, which means you can expect to see noticeable results as soon as your treatment is complete. Best of all, teeth whitening at the dentist is very convenient. Most tooth whitening treatments only require one dental appointment and take less than one hour. 

Does Teeth Whitening Cause Tooth Sensitivity?

Your teeth may be sensitive in the first hour or two after having them professionally whitened. This should be temporary and will resolve quickly on its own.

Cost of Teeth Whitening

The cost of your teeth whitening treatment will depend on your dental insurance coverage. Please contact our office for more information on what your dental insurance includes.

Ready for a Brighter Smile?

If you’re ready to look younger, feel more confident, and achieve the radiant smile you’ve always wanted, the trusted team at Walnut Creek Dental is here to help. With a professional teeth whitening treatment, you can enhance the natural beauty of your smile in as little as one convenient dental appointment. We are proud to use the best professional whitening products available and provide outstanding service in a relaxing setting to each of our patients. Contact our dentist’s office today to schedule your free consultation and learn more about how having your teeth whitened at the dentist could benefit you.