How Winter Illnesses Affect Tooth Health
It's everyone's least favorite part about this time of year. No, not the cold weather; we're talking about the cold season. As the temperatures drop and the winter season sets...
Your smile can brighten a room, or it might not. Fortunately, teeth whitening methods are available and accessible, offering you a chance to reclaim that brilliant shine.
But there are a range of options available. Should you gamble on over-the-counter methods or splurge on a professional treatment?
Home Whitening Methods
Home whitening methods seem to be everywhere you look. These methods often involve over-the-counter whitening strips, trays, gels, or toothpaste you can buy at your local pharmacy, food store, or big box store.
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste is extremely convenient. However, it isn’t the most effective method. Many toothpastes achieve their whitening result by “polishing” the teeth with abrasive materials. This means that over time they can be connected with tooth sensitivity and even weaken enamel. In addition, simply polishing the teeth means that whitening toothpaste can only work at the surface of the tooth, missing deeper stains.
Kits
Most home whitening kits use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as a bleaching agent. These chemicals react with pigments to break up the stains on tooth enamel.
Bleaching compounds are quite effective as a whitening method. However, overexposure to strong chemicals like hydrogen peroxide has the potential to cause damage to tooth enamel.
The concentrations of these chemicals in-home whitening products are typically much lower to ensure safe use without professional supervision. Home whitening methods often require consistent application over several days or weeks to achieve a noticeable effect.
BriteSmile Professional Whitening
On the other side of the spectrum are treatments from your dentist. BriteSmile is a professional teeth whitening method that uses a patented technology involving a non-acidic gel and a special light to enhance the whitening process.
The gel used in BriteSmile contains a potent bleaching agent. During the procedure, this gel is carefully applied to your teeth. Next, a special blue light is directed onto the gel. The light accelerates the bleaching process by activating the hydrogen peroxide, which in turn breaks down into free radicals that whiten the teeth by oxidizing the stains on the enamel surface.
This entire process takes about an hour. The end result? Your teeth become noticeably whiter, often up to 14 shades brighter.
BriteSmile vs. Home Whitening Methods: The Comparison
While both BriteSmile and home whitening methods have their merits, there are key differences that might tilt the balance in favor of one or the other, depending on your individual needs and circumstances.
- Effectiveness: BriteSmile usually yields a much more significant whitening effect due to the higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide and the acceleration effect of the blue light. On the other hand, home whitening methods, due to lower concentrations of bleaching agents, may not yield as dramatic results.
- Speed: BriteSmile offers a near-instantaneous result, with your teeth getting up to 14 shades brighter in just one hour. Home whitening methods, in contrast, require consistent use over a more extended period.
- Professional Supervision: During a BriteSmile procedure, we oversee the entire process, ensuring that the bleach does not harm your gums and that your teeth are whitened evenly. Home methods lack this professional oversight, which might lead to uneven whitening or potential gum irritation.
- Customization: BriteSmile allows your dentist to customize the procedure according to your specific needs and dental health, while home whitening methods come in a one-size-fits-all format.
Why Professional Treatments Are Safer and More Effective
When it comes to teeth whitening, safety and effectiveness should be your top priorities. BriteSmile outshines home methods in these aspects for several reasons.
So, are you ready to embark on your journey to a whiter, brighter smile? Reach out to us today, and let us guide you on the path to achieving that dazzling grin you’ve always dreamed of!
