Unless you have already undergone teeth whitening, chances are that you would like to improve on the color of your teeth. Despite our best efforts to keep them looking bright and attractive, over time the foods and drinks we eat, habits such as smoking and the natural aging process cause our teeth to discolor. Fortunately, whitening treatments are widely available and can help us to achieve a brighter, whiter and healthier-looking smile.

Whitening treatments tend to fall into two categories – home whitening treatments and those that are performed by a professional, in your dentist’s office. Here’s what you need to know about deciding which type of whitening is right for you.

Home whitening

There is a huge range of products that claim to be able to whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home. These range from toothpaste that contains whitening ingredients and an abrasive action to scrub away stains from your teeth to take-home whitening trays that are placed over your teeth and left to work while you wait. These products are widely available and can be found in drugstores, grocery stores and online. Most are also very affordable. Whilst this makes them extremely accessible, there are many different things that you need to take into account when you whiten your teeth at home.

Firstly, it may take a very long time to see the results of your whitening treatment. The reason for this is because the strength of the bleach used in at-home products is much lower than those used in professional, in-office whitening. This means that more sessions and/or prolonged use are needed to achieve a significant difference in the color of your teeth.

Secondly, the application of at-home products can be tricky. Pre-filled trays can leak onto your gums and the other soft tissues of your mouth, and this can cause soreness and irritation. It can also make it difficult to achieve consistent results across your smile and you may find that your teeth look patchy.

Finally, the results of at-home products are usually difficult to maintain. You may end up needing regular treatments to try and keep your teeth as white as possible, and this could ultimately cost you more than an in-office treatment that produces the same results. Professional, in-office whitening is widely considered to offer far better and longer-lasting results.
 

In-office whitening

We are pleased to be able to offer in-office whitening in the form of Smile Perfected. Smile Perfected is an easy and efficient whitening treatment that can be performed following a regular dental clean with your dentist or hygienist. This hassle-free complete hybrid whitening system can be performed in just 20 minutes.

Firstly, you will have your teeth cleaned by your professional. This is crucial to the success of any whitening treatment as it provides the best possible conditions for the whitening to be effective. The pellicle layer of the teeth is completely removed, enabling the whitening gel to penetrate the teeth without interference and facilitate stain removal, enamel brightening and powerful and consistent whitening across your entire smile.

Next, you will begin the whitening process with the easy-use pre-loaded patented tray. This tray is filled with the whitening agent and placed over your teeth. The comfortable fit means that you can sit back and relax whilst the treatment takes place. The gel is activated using a special Smile Perfected light. Meanwhile, vitamin E oil swabs will be applied to your lips and gums to keep them fully protected and comfortable for the duration of the treatment. Just 20 minutes later the process will be complete, and you will be able to rinse off the gel and go home without worrying about excess tooth sensitivity. You will be able to start enjoying a noticeably whiter and brighter smile straight away, although the overall number of sessions that you need in order to achieve the shade you desire may vary.

Smile Perfected patients are also provided with a take-home pen which they can use to touch up the color of their smile when they need to and keep their smile looking whiter and brighter for longer.

In-office whitening is considered a more effective way of achieving a long-term improvement in the color of your smile. For more information, please contact our dental office today.