Many people want to get teeth whitening, but they do not know what it contains. You see all these products online and influencers' recommendations, but do they work?
As dental professionals, the first we would like to tell you is to look for professional teeth whitening near you instead of Social Media tutorials (unless they are specialists). The truth is the majority of these famous people get paid to show products that damage the enamel due to its abrasion.
When looking for a bleaching agent, you must look at the back of the product. It should contain hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. If the main component is not it, we do not recommend it. Bleaching products based on fruits, carbon, or other acids harm the enamel.
On the contrary, studies show that hydrogen or carbamide peroxide is effective in teeth whitening both in a dental office or from the comfort of your home.
Types of Teeth Whitening
1. In-Office Teeth Whitening
You may benefit from our in-office teeth whitening in Okotoks. A cosmetic dentist supervises it and may last up to three years.
The procedure requires a single visit. First, your doctor will place a retractor over your lips to separate them from your teeth. Then, they will add a resin over the gumline for protection since the peroxide harms the gingiva (it should only contact your dental pieces).
Next, the dentist will paint each tooth (the front surface) with a pen or a brush immersed in the product. They will add the peroxide from the incisors to the premolars.
The product acts for 25 minutes. After this time, the dentist washes it and dries your teeth. Another application is necessary for better results.
Afterward, the dentist will add a desensitizing gel that contains Potassium Nitrate for sensitivity since it is a common side effect.
2. At-Home Teeth Whitening
Our cosmetic dentist in Okotoks also uses home systems. Even though the patient is the one who wears it at home, our professionals guide the process.
The dentist will schedule an appointment for the molds of your mouth. They will send them to a dental technician for the whitening trays, and in about a week, they will be ready. The dentist will give you the kit (syringes with the bleaching agent) and the customized trays.
Depending on the case and sensitivity, they will prescribe it every day or every other day. The time of application is usually 20 minutes. Since this product has a lower dose (3% to 10%), you will notice results after a couple of weeks.
The results last from three months to two years, depending on the lifestyle.
3. Laser Teeth Whitening
Nowadays, laser teeth whitening is popularizing. Many dentists use a blue light that supposedly speeds up the treatment; therefore, instead of two 20-minute applications in the dental office, they perform two of 8-minute each.
However, there is no scientific evidence of laser teeth whitening being better or more effective. We suggest looking for a cosmetic dentist near you who does not use a laser because, if they do, treatment will cost twice the price without any differences in the results.
In-Office vs. At-Home Teeth Whitening
Choosing one or another depends on your wants and needs. For example, if you prefer going little by little and whitening your teeth from home, we recommend a home kit with the guidance of a professional. If you prefer a single appointment, you may opt for the professional one. The dentist will perform it in one visit and clarify all your doubts.
As for costs, consult with your dentist. Keep in mind that cosmetic treatments do not usually get insurance coverage.
Business Address:- 100 Southbank Blvd #304, Okotoks, AB T1S 0G1, Canada