In-Office or Take-Home? Teeth Whitening Explained in Arcadia

Mouth and teeth before and after whitening

You want to whiten your teeth, but you want more than what over-the-counter whitening solutions can deliver. You need professional help to get the dramatic change you’re looking for. Your dentist in Arcadia can offer two treatment options that can brighten your smile by up to ten shades: in-office laser bleaching and take-home whitening kits. Each has their own advantages and disadvantages, and it can be difficult to know which is right for you. Check out this useful information that can help you decide.

Regardless of the method, most whitening solutions consist of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide to safely and effectively bleach your teeth. The highest concentration is used for in-office treatment and provides the quickest, most dramatic results. Take-home whitening is applied over the course of two weeks, and therefore has a lower concentration. However, you can still see the same effect in the end.

In-Office Laser Bleaching Process

If you’re looking for fast whitening, in-office treatment may be the best option for you. The in-office whitening process generally goes like this:

1. Your dentist prepares your teeth by removing plaque and debris from your teeth. They also usually document the original shade to compare with the results.
2. Using a cheek retractor, a liquid rubber dam, and gauze the dentist establishes barriers to protect your gum tissue from the whitening gel, which is then applied to your teeth.
3. For up to 30 minutes, a special laser shines on your teeth to activate the peroxide. Gel can be reapplied for one or more additional rounds of exposure to the laser.
4. The results are immediately visible, but the full effect may not be seen for a few days afterward. Follow your dentist’s instructions to help your teeth retain their newfound whiteness.

Take-Home Whitening Kit Process

Although the whitening gel for take-home whitening kits is less concentrated than the in-office gel, some like the convenience of doing it in their own home. The process, however, is more drawn out, whitening over time. Here are the general steps for take-home whitening kits:

1. Your dentist makes impressions of your teeth. These are used to create custom trays for you to whiten and to ensure that your teeth are covered with the gel evenly.
2. When the trays arrive, you can begin treatment at home. Start by cleaning your teeth and removing plaque and food particles from your mouth.
3. After applying the gel to the trays as you’ve been instructed by your dentist, wear the trays for thirty minutes to an hour.
4. Rinse your teeth and avoid eating for at least thirty minutes after treatment.
5. Repeat this process for about two weeks, when you should be able to see the final results.

Candidacy for Whitening

Whitening works best for those who have good oral health. For those who suffer from oral health problems, either in-office or take-home whitening could cause more harm than good. You need to have a consultation with your dentist before beginning professional whitening to ensure that your mouth is healthy enough for the process.

In the end, with the help of your cosmetic dentist, you can decide which method suits you and your situation. Take-home whitening gives you convenience, while in-office whitening gives you fast results. Regardless of the option you choose, you will be able to restore your teeth’s brilliant whiteness and therefore your confidence in your smile.

About the Author

Dr. Kenneth Canzoneri tours the country lecturing about cosmetics and laser dentistry and has decades of dental experience. He also stays at the forefront of technology with his participation with the World Clinical Laser Institute and other organizations. To contact him for an appointment, you may call (626) 446-1679 or click here.