If you are planning to whiten your teeth, the important first step is to choose a whitening method. It may seem like there are a multitude of options, but it’s important to remember that they all employ a peroxide-based whitening solution. The difference lies in the strength of the bleaching solution and method of delivery. In-office whitening procedures, such as those offered by Stephen T. Cutbirth DDS, generally use a solution with a relatively higher concentration of peroxide. In other words, it is stronger.
Let’s look at the pros and cons of DIY and in-office teeth whitening.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Advantages
- Generally less expensive
- Doesn’t require a trip to your Waco dentist
- May cause less tooth sensitivity and pain
At-Home Teeth Whitening Disadvantages
- Takes longer to achieve the desired level of lightening
- Whitening appliances don’t protect gum tissue
- Solution must be applied many times over a period of weeks
In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening Advantages
- Same day results
- Administered by a dental professional
- Gum tissue is protected
- You may be able to pay for it with HSA or flex spending
In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening Disadvantages
- More expensive
Did you know that to maintain the brightness achieved from an in-office teeth whitening treatment, a patient must follow up with at-home touch-ups? Therefore, a combination of in-office and DIY methods is often the most effective solution.
A note about non-professional teeth bleaching kiosks:
A few years ago during the height of the tooth-whitening craze, teeth-whitening kiosks started popping up in Waco area malls. Though some have closed their doors, a few remain in business. Steven T. Cutbirth DDS urges patients to avoid these establishments. There is little regulatory oversight and customers have no guarantee of the safety of their services or the qualifications of their employees. As always, it is critical to only trust your smile to dental professionals.
Steven T. Cutbirth DDS advises patients to meet with their Waco dentist before starting any tooth bleaching regimen. An oral examination will help your dentist know if tooth whitening will deliver the results you are seeking. This is especially vital when you have tetracycline stains or multiple cosmetic or restorative dentistry treatments.
Contact Steven T. Cutbirth DDS:
254-772-5420
Location (Tap to open in Google Maps):
1613 Lake Success Dr
Waco, Texas
76710