If you want a brighter smile, tooth whitening can help. This cosmetic dentistry treatment has become more popular, increasing the demand for easy and affordable options. Many whitening products in stores claim to whiten teeth.
However, whitening treatments from a dentist’s office offer superior results. Dr. Keyshla Escobar provides professional teeth whitening in Huntsville, TX. It’s more effective, safer, and lasts longer than store-bought whitening products.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs Store-Bought Whitening Products
Professional teeth whitening and store-bought whitening products aim to whiten teeth and brighten smiles. However, they are vastly different in many ways. Store-bought whitening may seem cheap and easy to get, but it will probably let you down in the end.
If you are interested in whitening your teeth, your best option is to invest in a professional whitening treatment. Here are the key differences between the two:
Effectiveness and Strength
- Professional teeth whitening treatments use higher concentrations of bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. This ensures a more profound and faster whitening effect, often noticeable after just one session.
- Store-bought whitening products, including whitening strips and toothpaste, have lower concentrations of bleaching agents. They are less potent, requiring more time and consistent use to achieve noticeable results.
Safety and Supervision
- With professional whitening, your dentist will always support you to ensure your safety. Your dentist can immediately address any sensitivity or adverse reactions, providing a safer overall experience.
- You use store-bought products at home without professional guidance, increasing the risk of misuse or overuse. This can lead to tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or enamel damage.
Cost
- Professional teeth whitening will generally cost more because it’s stronger and done by a dental professional. The cost reflects the immediate and noticeable results and the treatment’s professional nature.
- Whitening products from a store are affordable, accessible, and cheap, making them attractive for many patients on a budget. However, the lower cost comes with reduced effectiveness and a higher risk of improper use.
Duration of Results
- Tooth whitening lasts longer due to the higher concentration of bleaching agents and the more precise application. Dentists can also advise on maintaining the results for as long as possible.
- Results from other products may not last as long. You often need to use the products repeatedly to maintain the whitening effect. This will increase your risk of tooth sensitivity and enamel damage.
Teeth Whitening in Huntsville, TX
Huntsville Family Dental offers take-home whitening kits that allow you to treat your teeth at home. You can purchase them at our office during regular business hours. Each kit comes with pre-filled trays for the top and bottom teeth. Our professional whitening treatment kit is a user-friendly and convenient way to achieve a brighter smile at home.
To begin treatment, brush your teeth to help the whitening gel reach your teeth directly. Open one kit and remove the upper and lower trays. You can use them right out of the box. Start with one tray and then apply the other.
Gently create suction in your mouth or lightly press the trays against your teeth to secure them. The dentist will ensure they contact all areas of your teeth.
Dr. Escobar will advise you on how long you should wear each tray. Typically, you should wear the trays for 15-60 minutes daily. Repeat this process daily for 5-10 days or as your dentist directs. Be sure to gently brush your teeth after each use to remove all of the gel.
How Long Will My Whitening Results Last?
The longevity of your results will depend on your habits. Teeth whitening results can last anywhere from six months to a few years. However, if you properly care for your teeth and avoid foods and drinks that cause staining, your results can last longer. Additionally, do not smoke, as this habit leads to yellow teeth.
If you want permanent options to whiten your teeth, Dr. Escobar offers other cosmetic dentistry treatments. We cannot remove some stains on teeth. In these cases, we can provide you with a more long-lasting solution:
- Porcelain Veneers
- Dental Crowns
- Tooth Bonding
What Causes Discolored Teeth?
Discolored teeth are a common issue that can affect anyone, making your smile look dull or unhealthy. Understanding the reasons behind tooth discoloration can help you take steps to keep your teeth bright and white. Many factors cause teeth to change color, including what you eat and drink, your oral hygiene habits, medications, and aging.
Foods, Drinks, and Oral Habits
One of the most common causes of discolored teeth is the food and drinks we consume. Dark-colored beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, and soda contain strong pigments called chromogens that stick to teeth and stain them over time. Foods like berries, tomatoes, and soy sauce can also stain teeth. When you consume these items regularly, the pigments build up on the enamel, causing stains.
Poor oral hygiene is another major factor. If you don’t brush and floss regularly, plaque and food particles can build up on your teeth, leading to discoloration. Plaque is a sticky film of bacteria that coats your teeth and gums.
If not removed, plaque can harden into tartar, a yellow or brown substance that is much more difficult to clean. Good brushing and flossing habits are essential to prevent these stains.
Tobacco use is a significant cause of tooth discoloration. Smoking cigarettes or chewing tobacco can turn teeth yellow or brown due to the nicotine and tar that stick to your teeth. Tobacco stains are usually stubborn and can penetrate deeper into the tooth, making them harder to remove. In addition, smoking increases the risk of gum disease, which can also impact the overall appearance of your teeth.
Medications, Aging, and Genetics
Certain medications can also lead to discolored teeth. Antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline can stain the teeth of children whose teeth are still developing. Even some adult medications can cause teeth to darken or change color. These stains often affect the tooth’s inner layers, making them more challenging to treat with regular whitening methods.
Aging is a natural process that can also cause teeth to become discolored. As you get older, the enamel on your teeth wears down, revealing more of the yellowish dentin underneath. Dentin is the layer beneath the enamel; your teeth can appear darker or yellow as it becomes more visible. This is a gradual process, but it’s a normal part of aging.
Genetics can play a role in how your teeth look, too. Some people naturally have brighter, thicker enamel, while others may have thinner enamel with more yellow dentin underneath. If your parents have discolored teeth, you might be more likely to experience the same.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure. Read the answers to these commonly asked questions to learn more.
How long do the effects of teeth whitening last?
This number varies with each patient. Genetically, some people’s teeth respond better to whitening treatment than others. It also depends on lifestyle habits.
If you’re a heavy coffee drinker, your whitening results don’t last as long. They can last anywhere from a few months to a year.
How long do your pores stay open after teeth whitening?
The two to three days after whitening are crucial in avoiding staining foods and beverages. Teeth whitening works by opening up the pores of your teeth, letting the bleaching agent into the deepest parts of the tooth. These pores stay open for around 48 hours. Do your best to avoid coffee, red wine, or strawberries during this time.
How many times can I whiten my teeth?
We recommend getting professional teeth whitening treatments no more than twice a year. Too much whitening can make teeth more sensitive, which can cause pain and discomfort when eating or drinking hot or cold things. Professional products are safer, but they can still cause sensitivity.
Does whitening your teeth make them weaker?
No, this misconception often circulates because people experience sensitivity after they whiten their teeth. This is mainly only for the first couple of days after the procedure, and the effect dissipates after a few days.
Does it take longer to whiten the bottom teeth?
It’s all about the distribution of the whitening product. Take-home products usually consist of custom trays containing professional-grade whitening gel. Since the bottom teeth are smaller, it’s generally harder to distribute the product evenly and cover every tooth.
Am I a good candidate for teeth whitening?
We don’t perform tooth whitening procedures on patients who are teenagers, as their mouths are still growing and developing. You also need clean teeth so the whitening process works properly. If you have patches of plaque or tartar, you’ll end up with a splotchy result.
Call Today to learn more about Professional Teeth Whitening in Huntsville, TX
Call Huntsville Family Dental today at (936) 220-3158 to learn more about professional teeth whitening in Huntsville, TX.