Teeth whitening or bleaching is a common procedure among people looking to improve their smiles. There are many different ways to whiten your teeth. You can have it done by a dentist through laser whitening or dental tray whitening. Another option is to buy a kit to do dental tray teeth whitening at home. These are the typical methods of whitening your teeth. Read on if you’re looking for information on teeth whitening in Boca Raton to learn more about each of these methods and a few less common home remedies.
How Laser Teeth Whitening Works
Laser teeth whitening is one of the newest ways to whiten your teeth. Laser whitening is typically done in a dentist’s office. A dentist starts the procedure by putting concentrated bleaching gel on your teeth. Then, they use a laser to speed up the whitening process caused by the gel. The gel is a general peroxide paste, and it helps by breaking down the discoloration that’s present on the teeth.
An argon laser or a carbon dioxide laser can speed up the chemical reaction that’s caused by the peroxide paste being placed on your teeth. Due to the quickening of the chemical process, discoloration can be completely removed from the teeth in a few whitening sessions. Each session can take anywhere from 15 to 60 minutes. Results from this type of procedure can be seen instantly, and the immediate results may be more vibrant and more intense than you’d get when using bleaching trays.
How Teeth Whitening Trays Work
Teeth whitening trays are the most common and safest way to whiten teeth. When you speak to your dentist about getting a whitening procedure, they’ll decide if you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening using trays. Once the dentist decides that this procedure is the best fit, they will design a custom tray specifically tailored to your mouth and dental structure.
You will then visit the dental clinic to have the trays appropriately placed. The trays that they use in the office have a concentration of bleach that’s specially formulated for your teeth. This is done to prevent sensitivities to anything you could have a reaction to, such as the ingredients used in the products for the procedure.
If you make the choice to whiten your teeth at home, your dentist will usually provide you with the trays, bleaching agents, and instructions for the correct application of the bleaching agents and trays.
Costs
For most people, cost is a huge factor in deciding which type of whitening procedure is the best fit. It’s usually not covered by insurance, as it’s often a cosmetic procedure, which means that the only option is to pay out of pocket. For those who can’t afford the out-of-pocket cost of the teeth whitening from a dentist, there are options that are available that don’t involve going into a dentist’s office. Over-the-counter products are available for whitening if the cost of having a teeth whitening procedure done at the dentist isn’t affordable or covered by dental insurance.
Alternatives to Laser Teeth Whitening and Whitening Trays
Going to the dentist for a laser teeth whitening procedure or whitening trays tends to yield the best results. However, for some, these methods aren’t affordable. Here are a few options for at-home teeth whitening:
- Whitening Toothpastes and Rinses: You can decide to use a whitening toothpaste along with a whitening mouthwash daily. This will remove surface stains and help prevent new stains from forming.
- Whitening Strips: Whitening strips are one of the easiest ways to whiten your teeth. It usually only takes a few minutes each day, and it typically offers decently vibrant results. These flexible strips that wrap around your teeth.
- Maintenance: Stains can be prevented by following an oral hygiene routine that includes daily brushing, daily flossing, and daily rinsing. One thing that helps with maintenance practices to get and keep whiter healthier teeth is to avoid certain habits. Soda, sugar, wine, tea, coffee, and tobacco can all cause dental problems. It’s also imperative to make sure that you visit your dentist regularly to maintain bright, healthy teeth.
Why Choose In-Office Procedures Instead of At-Home Procedures?
While it is convenient to whiten your teeth at home, most people still prefer the in-office methods of teeth whitening. Both methods have benefits and downsides, but it’s recommended to get it done in the office for quite a few reasons, including the following:
Speed
Having a teeth whitening procedure in a dentist’s office takes less time and yields faster visible results. This is the case with laser teeth whitening or teeth whitening trays. Home kits work fairly well, but it’s a more gradual improvement. Home products for teeth whitening may take up to four weeks to be seen or noticed, whereas in-office methods like laser teeth whitening are able to be seen sooner and are done in one to two hours.
Strength
In-office whitening methods are often much stronger than home whitening kits. They’re often more intense, which will result in faster results and whiter-looking teeth after the whitening procedure is finished. The results also seem to be longer-lasting than over-the-counter at-home methods.
Safer
Teeth whitening is also safer when performed in a dentist’s office. Home use whitening products are often reasonably priced, and they’re usually not dangerous. However, it’s imperative to follow the directions exactly as they are written so that nothing goes wrong. It’s safer to see a professional who will use solutions specifically made for teeth whitening and know exactly how to use them.
Contact Our Office for Laser Teeth Whitening
There are several methods to use for whitening teeth. When it’s affordable, most people prefer in-office whitening procedures over at-home whitening procedures. Laser whitening is the most preferred method, most likely because it provides the most vibrant results in the shortest time period. If you’re interested in learning more about whitening trays and laser teeth whitening, contact us. We’ll help you decide which option is the best one to help you get a bright, white smile.
