All The Buzz On Teeth Whitening System
You might be wondering if there is a difference between teeth whitening done at your dentist’s office versus doing it at home, or is there a teeth whitening system that truly works? At South Lincoln Family Dentistry, we believe it’s vital that you know the facts. In our article we’ll cover:
– Is it better to get your teeth professionally whitened? DIY vs. professional systems.
– Does teeth whitening at home even work? Variations in at-home & professional systems.
– What chemicals are used in teeth whitening? Factors influencing teeth whitening.
– What teeth whitening do dentists recommend? Find out who is NOT a good fit.
– What’s the safest way to whiten teeth? We have a teeth whitening system for you!
Professional teeth whitening system VS store-bought teeth whitening system, which is better?
Whitening remains one of the single most economical ways to perform cosmetic dentistry and enhance your smile. Statistics show teeth whitening system, have increased an incredible 300% in recent years! But which way is better? What system produces the most aesthetically pleasing results? How much does it cost to achieve optimal results? How much time will it take? And how easy is the process? The answers to these questions tend to be conflicting and ambiguous.
Why the confusion about teeth whitening system and teeth whitening methods?
Any over-the-counter teeth whitening system claims to use the same ingredients and produce the same results as any professional teeth whitening system. Yet, the professional market claims to produce the only noticeable results. The consumer is left somewhat puzzled and downright confused. Most people hesitate or hold off entirely on pursuing their whitest smile due to their uncertainty and fear of wasting time and money. To shed some light, we went on a quest to answer some probing questions surrounding any teeth whitening system.
You can learn more about a teeth whitening system from the leading company for professional teeth whitening products, Opalescence™.
What are the factors that influence any teeth whitening system?
It’s essential to know results vary a lot because a lot can impact the process, only some of which are controllable. Because of this, claims surrounding whitening are challenging to make.
The following factors significantly impact the process of any teeth whitening process:
- Initial Tooth Color/Shade impacts the results of any teeth whitening system
It is documented that those with a more yellow hue have a better response to teeth whitening than those with more gray or brown hues. The intrinsic gray discoloration is commonly seen in exposure to different types of medications. Tetracycline is the antibiotic most commonly associated with gray staining. Brown hues are often seen with excessive intake of fluoride, referred to as fluorosis. Fluorosis may also create a mottled or blotchy look to the enamel. All of these factors make it difficult to achieve optimal results.
- Unique and inherent whitening potential impacts results of any teeth whitening system
It is believed that we each have a level at which our teeth cannot whiten any more. This varies by individual and is controlled by our genes.
- Strength of teeth whitening agent impacts results for any teeth whitening system
High concentrations of bleaching ingredients yield faster results. However, higher concentrations can also result in tooth sensitivity. Therefore, the percentage of teeth whitening system should be determined based on the following factors:
- How sensitive your teeth are initially. If you have sensitive teeth, you should consider a professional whitening option.
- If the roots of your teeth are not exposed, you can use a teeth whitening system purchased at a store. On the other hand, if you do have exposed roots, using a store-bought teeth whitening system may create a lot of sensitivity. In the end, you would likely be happier using a professional teeth whitening system.
- How fast you would like to see results. In-store or over-the-counter systems have lower teeth whitening agent concentration. Any in-store- purchased teeth whitening system will take a little longer and may require more frequent touch-ups. Any in-office teeth whitening system provides a higher concentration and a more controlled application, leading to faster whitening results.
Who should NOT undergo the teeth whitening process?
- Current recommendations suggest not bleaching before the age of 13. This may vary depending on the patient. Children and young adults have enlarged pulp chambers. The bleaching process can cause these teeth to be very sensitive; if there is any question about whether it is advisable at a particular age, please call any of our Lincoln dentists.
- Pregnant and lactating women are advised to avoid any teeth whitening.
- Anyone with gum disease, broken and damaged teeth or restorations, exposed roots, incomplete dental work, and/or hypersensitivity, in general, are advised to seek dental care and treatment of these conditions before beginning any teeth whitening procedure. Not addressing these conditions first may put you at risk for additional damage and serious side effects.
- Teeth whitening is not effective or advisable for those undergoing orthodontic treatment. Teeth Whitening can be considered once treatment is completed.
- Those who have dental work that completely covers the front surfaces of the teeth. Teeth whitening agents do not alter the color of fillings, crowns, veneers, bridgework, and implants. Whitening will only whiten the tooth’s natural surface.
What is the main difference between the professional teeth whitening system versus the over-the-counter/in-store teeth whitening system?
Over-the-counter bleaching systems such as Crest® Whitestrips use hydrogen peroxide to deliver bleaching effects. Professional teeth whitening systems use Carbamide peroxide to deliver their bleaching effects. Hydrogen peroxide is the active form of Carbamide peroxide, and 10% Carbamide peroxide = 3.5% hydrogen peroxide. Carbamide peroxide is a stable compound that has a consistent shelf life and slowly releases hydrogen peroxide to provide bleaching effects. Carbamide peroxide penetrates the tooth at a slower rate and can aid in more patient comfort and compliance, and better-controlled results.
The most significant disadvantage of whitening strips is that the strips slide around easily and produce extra sensitivity despite a weaker bleaching solution. They contain a maximum of 10% hydrogen peroxide. Any professional teeth whitening contains 15-45% hydrogen peroxide.
With a professional teeth whitening system, the slower penetration combined with custom-fit trays often allows for reduced sensitivity versus what might be experienced when using an over-the-counter system.
So, which teeth whitening system should you choose?
If you have sensitive teeth, yellow teeth, or if you want fast teeth whitening results, you should consider our professional teeth whitening system. If you have pretty white teeth and teeth that aren’t very sensitive, you can use any over-the-counter teeth whitening system. If you want dramatic cosmetic results, consider pairing cosmetic dentistry with Botox®. Botox®, when combined with a comprehensive cosmetic dental treatment plan, can offer outstanding results.
You can learn more about the teeth whitening system we use at our office and other great options for affordable dentistry by contacting us.
The information on this page was written by Dr. Christine Bergman.
This gentle Lincoln, NE dentists, says: “My team and I will go out of our way to ensure you feel at home. We take the time to understand all of your concerns because we genuinely care. Let us help improve your health with the most advanced dental techniques in a soothing, relaxing environment. We are the gentle dentists in Lincoln, NE.”
You can schedule with this Lincoln, NE dentist, or her partners, online 24/7 at a Nebraska Family Dentistry Location near you. This “dentist near me” serves the local communities close to Lincoln. Some of the communities include Waverly, Davey, Raymond, Garland, Ceresco, Greenwood, and Malcolm, Roca, Bennet, Firth, Crete, Hickman, and many more!
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