Today, everyone can have a brighter smile, thanks to whitening systems like
BriteSmile, and whitening toothpastes by Rembrandt, as well as Crest whitening strips, paint on gels, and a host of other products on the market. But should you choose professional whitening or do-it-yourself home whitening?
Many in office bleaching systems have been vastly improved, and work because light activated bleaching agents and carbamide or hydrogen peroxide act together to oxidize stains and give you the pearly whites you desire. In office whitening procedures can be inconvenient, requiring an initial trip to the dentist’s office, and touch ups every four to six months. As well, professional whitening is certainly far more expensive than over the counter systems, but because your dentist has access to stronger peroxide solutions than are available over the counter, professional tooth whitening systems tend to offer greater whitening power in about an hour for under $500.00. Your dentist is permitted to administer a whitening product that contains as much as 38% peroxide, levels not available over the counter due to safety regulations.
With home whitening systems, the level of peroxide is no higher than 12%. However, you can perform the procedure at your convenience in the privacy of your home, and repeat the procedure as you wish, a big plus for many. The lower cost for over the counter products is also appealing.
Chemically whitened teeth will always remain lighter than before whitening. However, some may experience hypersensitivity to teeth whitening procedures. Using Sensodyne when brushing can help to alleviate this problem.
Whether you choose the more expensive but
longer-lasting professional whitening, or the do-it-yourself system, the number of options available today means that anyone can have a beautiful smile with very little effort.
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