Over-the-Counter Vs. Professional Teeth Whitening Services

In the times that we are living in, there are multiple approaches that you can consider for whitening your teeth. People have different preferences, with many of them opting for teeth whitening measures that are inexpensive and easily available. However, when indulging in something that directly impacts your health, it is important to do your due diligence in gathering as much information as possible, particularly regarding safety measures. As such, compare different alternatives before deciding to settle for one particular dental whitening service. Better yet, reach out to a dentist in Encinitas, CA for guidance on the best strategy to employ.

What Is Teeth Whitening?

It is the process of altering the appearance of teeth regarding color. Teeth whitening is done as a measure to bleach teeth to achieve cosmetic elevation. As is, some patients get this treatment even without any particular stains on their teeth. However, many others who seek to whiten their teeth do so because of stubborn stains that are unsightly for their smiles.

Evaluating Over-the-counter Products for Teeth Whitening

This teeth whitening treatment entails getting whitening products for your teeth from available vendors near you. The products involved in this type of teeth whitening include whitening strips, gels, toothpaste, and rinses. They are to be used regularly, usually as part of your oral hygiene routines, for them to yield any results. Patients who benefit from many over-the-counter products are those who use the products diligently for an extended period.

Over-the-counter whitening services are most effective for bleaching the front teeth. As such, by the end of your whitening attempts, you are likely to notice unevenness in the brightness and whiteness of your teeth. Still, one of the reasons why some people choose over-the-counter whitening alternatives is because they are readily and conveniently available and mostly accessible at affordable prices.

Evaluating Professional Teeth Whitening Services

Unlike over-the-counter services, professional teeth whitening in Encinitas, CA, is done in a dental office. Technically, it is not a process you can do on your own, which is why you need the intervention of a dentist for teeth whitening in Encinitas. Usually, the treatment involves dental cleaning first to remove plaque and tartar from the surfaces of your teeth. Afterward, the dentist will employ special whitening agents that will bleach the enamels of your teeth. Blue light is then used to activate the whitening products and speed up the bleaching process.

Another unique aspect of professional teeth whitening in CA is that it entails fluoride treatment. Once your teeth have been whitened to the desired shade of brightness and whiteness, the dentist will apply fluoride varnish on your teeth. This varnish will pack your teeth with fluoride, a natural mineral that will help strengthen your teeth. Typically, the results of professional teeth whitening in 92024 are immediate so that by the time you are leaving the dental clinic, your teeth will be up to 4 shades whiter than they were when you walked in.

Which Approach Is Better?

From where you are standing, what you consider better is relative to your individual preferences. However, to determine the best option for you, consider the following crucial aspects:

• Safety levels – bleaching agents can be abrasive and corrosive to your oral cavity. If you are not careful, the result of whitening your teeth will harm your gums and compromise the strength of your teeth. Controlling the concentration of whitening agents and protecting the gums during application are measures that make professional teeth whitening a safe service.
• Better results – the goal of bleaching teeth should be to realize visible changes in the brightness and whiteness of your teeth. Professional teeth whitening proves to have better and even quicker results in the appearance of your teeth. Besides, you can transform the appearance of your teeth up to 4 shades whiter than your initial tooth color.
• Long-lasting results – you do not want to spend the rest of your life working to have a whiter smile. You need to find a solution that makes your teeth whiter for a long time. With professional dental whitening, the results last up to a year without needing a repeat procedure. For over-the-counter techniques, however, the time frame is roughly three months.