Almost everyone wants to have a gleaming, pearly white smile. Many of our patients come in asking about teeth whitening solutions for their individual discoloration issues and desired price point. We’ve broken down the answer to your question, “what is the real difference with professional whitening?”
The Issue of Cost
The difference that stands out the most to patients tends to be the higher price point of professional teeth whitening treatments. Sure it may seem more enticing at the time to save $50 or $100, but down the road the investment is worth it for lasting, successful results, as well as for oral health benefits. Plus with typically uneven or inadequate results provided by over the counter whitening solutions, you will most likely end up spending more money as you have to repeat the treatments over shorter periods of time.
Health Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
Although many healthcare professionals and the ADA have created regulations and ensure that all whitening solutions are safe for your mouth and your overall health, it is still important to be cautious when it comes to whitening solutions’ effect on your gums. While over the counter whitening strips are all made at a generic size, professional systems use custom-made trays to fit just over your teeth and keep the solution contained below your gum line. It is important to limit the whitening solutions’ contact with the soft tissue in your mouth, including your gums, in this way because the bleach and hydrogen peroxide can cause a “chemical burn” that can lead to irritation and inflammation.
More Effective Solutions
Over the counter treatments have to follow regulations that only allow for a 3% concentration of hydrogen peroxide, the key ingredient to making your teeth shine, so it takes longer to see the results you are hoping for. Since professional teeth whitening treatments have a custom fit and take precautions to protect your soft tissue, the concentration of hydrogen peroxide can be much higher at levels closer to 35%. This concentration allows for more dramatic results in shorter time periods.
Our dental professionals at Central Avenue Dental will be more than happy to provide a thorough examination and help determine if professional teeth whitening take-home kits or in-office treatment is best for your individual whitening and oral health needs. Call us today at 704-900-7301 or use our easy online scheduler to book your next appointment with us and start your cosmetic dentistry journey together!
