Choosing the Right Teeth Whitening Option for You

Consuming foods and drinks such as coffee, soft drinks, red wine and highly pigmented foods will stain and discolour teeth over time. To combat this, there are many teeth whitening options in the market but which one is right for you?

Let’s take a look at some proven, professional methods and the pros and cons of each. As always, you should discuss with your dentist which whitening method is best for your teeth.

Teeth whitening procedures differ in how long they last, how white your teeth become, how the method is applied, and how easy it is to keep to the routine.

Before deciding on an over-the-counter option, it is worth understanding what professional teeth whitening involves. Keep reading for how the two approaches differ.

Your Teeth Whitening Options

Take Home Kits

There are both take-home kits and in-chair whitening options to choose from. Take-home teeth whitening kits are the lower-cost option, at around $300.

The take-home whitening system is a simple process. The dentist first takes a mould of your teeth, and then custom-fits a mouthguard for you to wear at home. Wearing this with the whitening formula for up to an hour a day typically takes 7 to 10 days. The professional formulation is higher potency than over-the-counter products, and the custom tray holds the gel closer to your teeth.

The drawback of this method is maintaining the daily schedule. It sounds simple enough to wear the mouthguard for an hour a day, but doing this for ten days straight can be hard for many people due to their busy lives.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

A popular method for those who don’t have time or the discipline for home whitening is the LED whitening system. The appointment takes about 45 minutes. How much lighter your teeth become varies from person to person, and your dentist will discuss what is realistic for you beforehand.

The light-activated system uses a higher-strength gel than home products. Because it is applied by a dentist, your gums and soft tissue are protected during the treatment, and your teeth are assessed for suitability first.

This option is more expensive than the take-home kits, and the change is visible on the same day.

Teeth Whitening at Maudsland Dental Care

To find out more about your teeth whitening options or make an appointment, contact us today and we can talk through which option suits your teeth.