Many patients want to achieve brighter, whiter smiles, and with a number of whitening options available today, our Saint Louis cosmetic dentists are often asked to explain the differences between whitening treatments. There are many differences between professional teeth whitening treatments and over the counter whitening treatments that are administered in a patient’s home—so today I’m going to give you an overview of these two methods of dental whitening.
If you choose to whiten at home…
You will be using a less potent formula. The formula is less potent, with less concentrated active ingredients, so that you can safely whiten your teeth without professional supervision at home. However, this means that you will not see the same kinds of dramatic results that professional whitening treatments deliver.
Over the counter whitening treatments usually take weeks or months of consistent use to deliver results. These whitening treatments initially seem less expensive than professional treatments, but their cost effectiveness diminishes if you need to continue using more and more product to see results.
When you choose to whiten with a professional dentist…
You’ll benefit from a more effective, potent whitening formula. Additionally, your dentist will be able to monitor your whitening results to ensure that your results look natural and luminous.
Professional whitening treatments often deliver results in only one or two appointments. This whitening method is ideal for patients who are whitening for a special occasion, like a reunion or a wedding. Additionally, if you have sensitive teeth, you might want to pursue professional dental whitening so that your dentist can tailor your treatment to fit your needs.
At-home and professional whitening treatments can both help you achieve a brighter, whiter smile. If you’d like more information about your treatment options, or if you’d like to schedule your consultation, call our Saint Louis cosmetic dental office, today!