One of the clear hallmarks of a beautiful smile is bright, white teeth. Unfortunately, many of us don’t have teeth that are as white as we would like. This can be due to numerous causes — tobacco use, drinking coffee or tea, drinking red wine, certain medications, or just plain aging. As a result, there are many different products and services that claim the benefit of teeth whitening. These can range from professional teeth whitening services to a variety of at-home products and treatments.
At Rafi Dental Group in Tustin, we offer highly effective professional teeth whitening services. However, we understand the draw of an at-home whitening product. So, let’s take a deeper look at the differences between professional teeth whitening and at-home treatments.
CONVENIENCE
Although we all want a beautiful, white smile, the majority of us are also busy and value our time. So the question stands, which teeth whitening option is the most convenient? At-home treatments provide an element of convenience in that you can do them any time you like and don’t require a dentist appointment. At-home teeth whitening products can also be found in most stores.
However, at-home teeth whitening treatments are also less long-lasting than professional treatments and usually require you to apply them several times. Although professional teeth whitening requires an appointment, you are less likely to need to repeat the process often. Having to repeat the at-home treatment consistently can become more of a hassle over time.
EFFECTIVENESS
If you are going to invest time or money into any teeth whitening, you want to be sure that the treatment is effective and provides noticeable results. At-home teeth whitening products vary quite a bit in their realistic ability to remove stains. From whitening trays to whitening strips, these products typically take up to 30 days of consistent application to provide visible results.
Alternatively, professional teeth whitening services, such as those from Rafi Dental Group, are effective at treating a wide variety of stains. Staining and discoloration can have a wide variety of causes, so it is unlikely that any one treatment is suitable for every person. Whether you have extrinsic, surface-level stains, such as those caused by food and drink, or intrinsic stains found inside the tooth, a dentist will be able to assess your staining and choose the right treatment for your needs.
SAFETY
Although the main focus of teeth whitening is usually cosmetic, caring for the health of your teeth is also very important. With at-home teeth whitening products, it can be difficult to evaluate the safety of any given product on your own. You want to ensure that you are not damaging your teeth while you are trying to whiten them.
Professional teeth whitening services from a trusted dentist are usually the safest and most reliable way to whiten your teeth. Your dentist will be best able to evaluate the health of your teeth if they can tolerate whitening, and what the best treatment for you will be. They use medically safe teeth whitening products, which is not always a guarantee when whitening your teeth at home.
SCHEDULE AN APPOINTMENT WITH RAFI DENTAL GROUP TODAY
Undoubtedly, if you are looking to whiten your teeth, a professional teeth whitening service from the dentist is your best option. While at-home teeth whitening may seem appealing and potentially more convenient, you can save time and energy in the long run with a safe and effective professional service. If you have any questions or are interested in scheduling your professional teeth whitening appointment, contact Rafi Dental Group in Tustin today. We look forward to hearing from you!