Does Professional Teeth Whitening Differ From Drugstore Options?
Even if you brush, floss and see the dentist regularly, you can still have tooth discoloration (i.e. yellow teeth). Other factors like age, smoking and certain foods/beverages(i.e. Soda, coffee) can lessen the whiteness of your teeth. Nowadays, people have access to several options including over-the-counter whitening products from toothpaste companies like Crest and Colgate, but getting your teeth professionally whitened by a dentist is always going to be the best choice for long-lasting results and whiter teeth.
Like all of us, we want to save money, and over-the-counter options are cheaper than seeing a dentist. Some over-the-counter teeth whitening options are as cheap as $13 per application. However, seeing a dentist for teeth whitening will deliver beautiful, safe results, that last long term. Below we are going to explain the differences between seeing a dentist for teeth whitening versus using over-the-counter options.
Can Drugstore Teeth Whitening Options get my Teeth Whiter?
It’s logical to consider over-the-counter whitening treatments since they are less expensive than seeing a dentist and you have the convenience of applying the treatment in your home. However, patients that use the drugstore options, typically only get a few shades lighter teeth that only last a couple of weeks and can spend more time and money on multiple applications, trying to improve the results.
Over-the-counter options are less powerful and the results are typically short term. Though you might see some similar ingredients on the drugstore options like whitening gels or the bleaching agent, Hydrogen Peroxide, the dosage levels they use is significantly less. Professional teeth whitening solutions hold a peroxide concentration of up to 40%. Over the Counter, products will never exceed 20%. We also see some patients over-apply to get better results. Ultimately damaging their teeth causing issues from oversensitive tooth enamel to gum tissue damage. Signs of over-application varies from white spots on gums, and just general oral discomfort.
By going to a dentist like Dr. Gloria Lopez Bhushan in Flower Mound, she will closely monitor the teeth whitening process, so as not to cause sensitivity to the gums or teeth and use professional-grade products like ZOOM! teeth whitening which provides better, faster and longer-lasting results.
For Better Teeth Whitening Results, See a Dentist
When you visit Glorious Smiles for your teeth whitening needs, you get brighter, faster and longer-lasting results than you with an over-the-counter Teeth Whitening products. Here are the three main reasons to visit Glorious Smiles for your teeth whitening needs.
Safety - There are some risks with bleaching your teeth at home including damaging your gums when the bleaching agent isn’t used properly. At Glorious Smiles, Dr. Lopez Bhushan has several years of applying teeth whitening products like Zoom! Teeth Whitening and will make sure she applies the bleaching agent properly so it won’t damage your gums.
Professional Products - Dr. Lopez Bhushan utilizes ZOOM! which is a hydrogen peroxide whitening gel to remove deep-set stains from the enamel before they are exposed to the special ZOOM! Light. This product is excellent at removing stains on tooth enamel caused by eating, drinking, and smoking. The process is super quick, usually lasting a total of 90 minutes.
Longer Lasting White Teeth - The majority of over-the-counter teeth whitening systems use whitening toothpaste and gels. These can help whiten your teeth a few shades, for a shorter period (i.e. two weeks). With Professional whitening products like Zoom, Dr. Lopez Bhushan has seen the product last on some patients for up to two years.
Get your smile looking great again by whitening your teeth! Professional teeth whitening is quick and safe. Though there are several options for teeth whitening including over-the-counter whitening products, the best option is always to see a dentist like Dr. Gloria Lopez Bhushan at Glorious Smiles in Flower Mound for safer and longer-lasting results.