Do you wish your pearly whites were just a little bit brighter? Over time, food, drinks, and certain habits can cause your tooth enamel to carry a bit of a yellow colouring. Without the intervention of a dentist, however, your smile can be picture perfect once again.
Dental whitening can be done at home or at your dentist’s office. Here’s what you need to know before you choose which route to go. Before we go further, we feel it best to advice you that any dental procedures—from cleanings to cavities to whitening—are best left to dental experts. With that said, we understand some people may be interested in learning about home dental whitening options, so here’s a bit of information:
Home Whitening Solutions
Home whitening solutions may include whitening rinses, whitening toothpaste, gel strips, or whitening trays.
Pros: They’re easy to use, and you can get them just about anywhere. As long as you follow the directions included with the product, application is usually pretty easy.
Cons: If you have underlying health issues, home whitening kits could exacerbate problems.
Additionally, the at-home ingredients aren’t as strong as those used by dentists.
In-Office Whitening Solutions
If your teeth are sensitive or characterized by unique traits, such as overbites or misalignment, a store-bought solution may not work for you. In these cases, it’s best to ask your dentist for help so he or she can provide you with a custom-fit whitening tray that’s made for your unique mouth.
Dentists are also able to provide bleaching solutions that are far stronger than anything you’ll find in the store, which is particularly helpful for people with stubborn stains.
If you choose an in-office solution, heat sources may be used to expedite the experience, allowing your teeth to brighten and whiten far faster than they would with any at-home remedy.
Pros: You’re in the care of an experienced dental professional whose sole purpose is to give you the healthiest, happiest mouth possible.
Cons: In-office treatments are more costly than at-home options, but because your treatment is being administered by a professional dentist, the products available are usually stronger and more effective than at home treatments.
If your gums and teeth are in great condition, an at-home dental whitening solution may be a great fit for you. However, if your teeth are super sensitive, or if you haven’t seen the dentist in a while, it’s probably best to get an expert opinion before you jump into anything that has to do with your pearly whites.
Centre Dentaire Nathalie Kadoch serves patients in Lasalle, Verdun, Lachine, and surrounding communities. Our dental professionals are here to make you proud of your smile, so don’t be afraid to ask questions!
Of course, we can’t help you with your dental whitening procedure until you schedule an appointment, so get started today! We can’t wait to see you!