If you want dazzling white teeth – and who doesn’t? – you have probably considered whitening toothpaste or over-the-counter kits at one time or another. In fact, you may have tried them and been underwhelmed with the outcome.
As a result, you may wonder if professional tooth whitening is worth the cost. Lots of patients are curious about in-office treatment and ask if it is really better than at-home options.
The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment. But the comparison doesn’t stop there. There are several other advantages to in-office whitening that make this option worth the investment.
Benefits of Receiving Professional Treatment
While home options can be inexpensive and convenient, there are a lot of reasons to choose professional whitening instead of using over-the-counter products.
Faster Results
There are several types of in-office treatments, but they are all faster than at-home options. For example, our Zoom in-office system whitens teeth up to 8 shades in just 45 minutes. Yes, you read that right. Both over-the-counter and professionally prescribed at-home treatment trays require several hours and repeat applications over multiple days or weeks to get their maximum results. In-office treatment is the clear winner in this aspect.
Safer
Professional treatments are safer than over-the-counter options. Studies have shown that Zoom treatment does not negatively impact the tooth enamel or overall health. Unfortunately, at-home options often cannot say the same. Whitening toothpastes (traditional or the trendy charcoal versions) contain abrasive substances, which can potentially damage tooth enamel. Bleaching products can cause tooth sensitivity or harm the gums.
More Comfortable Process
In-office treatments can be quite comfortable. Of course, the short treatment time plays a big role in making this option easier to tolerate. In addition, the application methods are designed with the patient’s comfort in mind.
Expert Guidance Throughout
Another great benefit to professional treatment is that it is overseen by your experienced and knowledgeable dentist. Your dentist can determine if it is safe to whiten your teeth and will recommend methods that suit your goals and needs. Treatment is supervised closely so that results are maximized and the health of your teeth is a top priority.
It is also important to note that some stains do not respond to whitening treatment, and in fact, whitening the surrounding teeth can make those types of stains appear more noticeable. Your dentist can assess the causes of your tooth discoloration and recommend other options if necessary.
Whiter Teeth
Last but not least, in-office whitening is the most effective choice. Even though the treatment is quick, it is powerful. At-home kits and whitening toothpaste cannot compete with professional results. Typically over-the-counter methods only result in 1-2 shades of improvement, as compared with Zoom’s average whitening strength, which is up to 8 shades.
Are You Ready for Whiter, Brighter Teeth?
The vast majority of patients are good candidates for tooth whitening and their teeth respond well with beautiful results. Of course, everyone’s teeth are different, and how your teeth will respond to whitening cannot be guaranteed. This is why it is so important to seek professional advice.
Keep in mind that while in-office treatments are one option, we also offer professional at-home options that allow for professional oversight. And, if you are not a good candidate for these types of tooth whitening, there are still other options for creating a stunning white smile.
If you want to find out more about in-office whitening or other cosmetic options, schedule a free consultation with Tompkins Dental to make sure your whitening efforts don’t disappoint.
