Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments available today. Over time, the natural whiteness of our teeth can be affected by a variety of factors such as aging, food and drink consumption, smoking, and poor oral hygiene. As a result, many individuals seek professional teeth whitening solutions to restore the brightness of their smiles.
While over-the-counter whitening products are widely available, many people choose to visit their dentists for a more effective, safer, and long-lasting solution. But what teeth whitening treatments do dentists use, and how do they differ from the products you can buy at your local store?
In this article, we’ll explore the different teeth whitening options dentists offer, why professional whitening treatments are more effective, and what makes them a better choice compared to at-home whitening kits.
Types of Teeth Whitening Treatments Dentists Use
Dentists offer several types of whitening treatments, with the most popular ones being in-office whitening and take-home whitening kits.
These treatments use higher concentrations of bleaching agents than the ones found in over-the-counter products, ensuring more effective results.
1. In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office whitening is one of the most popular and effective methods for teeth whitening. It involves the dentist applying a powerful bleaching gel to your teeth and activating it using a special light or laser. This method allows the whitening agent to penetrate deeper into the enamel and produce faster, more noticeable results.
How Does In-Office Whitening Work?
The process of in-office teeth whitening typically involves the following steps:
Consultation: Your dentist will first examine your teeth to ensure they are suitable for whitening. This may involve addressing any issues such as cavities or gum disease before starting the whitening process.
Preparation: The dentist will isolate your gums and lips using a protective barrier to ensure that the whitening gel only comes into contact with your teeth.
Application: A high-concentration whitening gel (often containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) is applied to the teeth.
Activation: A special light or laser may be used to activate the whitening gel, enhancing its effectiveness.
Results: The treatment typically takes between 30 minutes to an hour, and the results can be seen immediately after the procedure. In many cases, in-office whitening can brighten teeth by several shades in just one session.
The in-office whitening treatment is highly effective, providing immediate results. However, it may require follow-up visits to achieve the desired level of whitening, especially for individuals with severe staining.
2. Take-Home Whitening Kits
Dentists also offer take-home whitening kits, which allow patients to whiten their teeth in the comfort of their own homes.
These kits are custom-made to fit your teeth and contain a lower concentration of whitening gel than the in-office treatments.
How Do Take-Home Whitening Kits Work?
The process of using take-home whitening kits typically involves the following steps:
Custom Tray Creation: Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth to create custom-fitted trays that ensure the whitening gel is evenly applied to all surfaces of your teeth.
Gel Application: The dentist will provide you with a whitening gel that typically contains either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. The gel is placed into the custom trays, which are then worn for a specified amount of time, usually for 30 minutes to an hour each day.
Treatment Duration: While in-office treatments provide quick results, take-home kits take longer to show significant results. Most patients will need to use the kit for about 2 to 3 weeks, depending on the degree of staining and the concentration of the gel.
Though take-home whitening kits take longer to produce results compared to in-office treatments, they offer a more gradual and subtle whitening effect, which some patients prefer.
3. Laser Teeth Whitening
Laser teeth whitening is a relatively newer approach that is becoming increasingly popular among patients seeking professional whitening treatments. This method combines the power of light with whitening gel to achieve dramatic results.
How Does Laser Whitening Work?
Laser whitening is similar to in-office whitening but uses a specialized laser to activate the whitening gel more effectively.
The process typically involves the following steps:
Gel Application: Just like in in-office whitening, a bleaching gel is applied to the teeth.
Laser Activation: A laser is used to activate the whitening gel. The laser’s energy accelerates the chemical reaction in the gel, which helps break down the stains on the teeth.
Results: Laser whitening offers quick results, with many patients seeing noticeable whitening after just one treatment. The process can take between 30 to 60 minutes, and it is often preferred for those seeking a quick solution.
Laser whitening is an excellent choice for patients who are looking for fast results with minimal discomfort. However, it may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with sensitive teeth or gums.
4. Zoom! Teeth Whitening
Zoom! whitening is a specific brand of in-office teeth whitening that is highly popular among dental professionals. It uses a combination of hydrogen peroxide gel and a special light to accelerate the whitening process, offering patients a bright smile in just one visit.
How Does Zoom! Teeth Whitening Work?
The Zoom! whitening process typically follows a similar protocol to other in-office treatments:
Preparation: A protective gel is applied to the gums, and the whitening gel is placed on the teeth.
Activation: The Zoom! light is used to activate the gel, allowing it to penetrate the enamel and remove stains.
Results: The entire treatment usually takes about 45 minutes to an hour. After the procedure, patients can see an immediate improvement in the whiteness of their teeth.
Zoom! whitening is a fast and effective method for teeth whitening and is especially popular for patients who want immediate results.
However, patients should be aware that the treatment can sometimes cause temporary tooth sensitivity.
Why Do Dentists Recommend Professional Teeth Whitening?
There are several reasons why dentists recommend professional teeth whitening treatments over over-the-counter options:
1. Stronger and More Effective Whitening Agents
The primary reason dentists prefer professional whitening treatments is the higher concentration of bleaching agents used in their products. Over-the-counter whitening products, such as whitening strips and gels, contain much lower levels of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. As a result, they may not be as effective in removing deep stains or whitening teeth as much as professional treatments.
Professional treatments, on the other hand, use more potent bleaching agents that can produce dramatic results in a shorter amount of time.
These products also ensure that the whitening gel is applied evenly and safely.
2. Customization and Personalized Care
With professional whitening treatments, the process is tailored to your specific needs. Dentists take the time to assess your teeth, determine the cause of discoloration, and recommend the best whitening option based on your goals. Whether you need a quick, intense treatment or a more gradual process, your dentist will provide personalized care to achieve the best results.
3. Safety and Supervision
Whitening treatments performed by a dentist are much safer than at-home treatments. When you visit a dental professional, they will take the necessary precautions to protect your gums and ensure that the whitening agent is applied correctly. Dentists can also monitor the progress of your whitening treatment, adjusting it as necessary to avoid complications such as tooth sensitivity or gum irritation.
4. Long-Lasting Results
While over-the-counter products may offer some improvement, professional teeth whitening treatments often provide more long-lasting results. With proper care, including regular dental cleanings and good oral hygiene, the effects of professional whitening can last for several months or even longer.
Conclusion
Dentists offer a range of effective teeth whitening treatments, each designed to address different patient needs. Whether you choose an in-office whitening procedure, a take-home kit, laser whitening, or Zoom! whitening, professional treatments offer superior results compared to over-the-counter options. By using stronger whitening agents, personalized care, and ensuring your safety, dental professionals help patients achieve the bright, beautiful smile they desire.
