Professional vs Home Teetth Whitening

Teeth stain over time.

Cigarette smoke, red wine, coffee or tea expedite the process.

Regardless of brushing and flossing teeth on a frequent basis, and regular visits to the dentist, your teeth will stain to some degree.

There are two solutions to this.

One is to have it sorted out professionally. The other is to purchase a do-it-yourself home kit.

A professional dental hygienist will be able to determine the best treatment for you.

When you get your teeth whitened professionally, you are assured of great results and the process is fast and straightforward. Bright white teeth are however not guaranteed; it depends on the original condition of your teeth. Teeth that are stained from within can not always be fully restored to their original whiteness by a whitening procedure alone.

Getting a home kit is also an option. It is usually a 2 week process and does not always get the same result as having it done professionally; but if the directions are followed, a good result can be possible.

Teeth whitening has become increasingly popular and is provided as a regular service at most dental clinics.

Dental clinics usually have professional hygienists perform the tooth whitening, however dentists also regularly perform the procedure where there is no dedicated hygienist.

Patients who have had professional whitening are usually so impressed that after a few years, they go back to the dentist for a follow-up treatment, to keep up the whiteness of their teeth.

Even though home tooth whitening can obtain results, there are a number of do's and don't's, regulations to be followed prior to the use of tooth whitening products - for which a trip to the dentist is highly recommended. The dentist can tell check to see whether your teeth and gums are able to take the chemicals used in the process of whitening your own teeth. Also, if you have tooth colored fillings, resin composite materials used in dental restorations (such as crowns, veneers, bridges etc) that have stained over time, they will not whiten the same as your teeth and can stand out like a sore thumb if you are not careful. Your dentist will be able to advise you on what the best course of action is in these instances.

In a nutshell, home tooth whitening solutions can work, however if you want a professional job, which is both fast and reliable, you are better of seeing a professional hygienist or dentist and get it done right the first time.