Is It Best To Whiten Teeth At the Dentist or At Home?

Everyone wants a brighter smile, but not everyone knows how to get one. Because there are many different ways to whiten your teeth, the choices can feel confusing. It may help to know that there are two basic categories of teeth whitening options. Some patients get professional teeth whitening from a trusted dentist, while others prefer over-the-counter (OTC) tooth whitening at home.

If you are trying to decide between cosmetic dentistry and at-home tooth whitening, we encourage you to reach out for a consultation at our office. MINT dentistry provides effective solutions to tea and coffee stains, yellow teeth, and similar issues in Dallas and Houston, TX. Our dentists can help you better understand the advantages of each method so you can get the best results.

Tooth whitening at home

OTC tooth whitening includes products such as strips, trays, and even LED pens to deliver small concentrations of solutions to your teeth. At-home whitening products usually contain hydrogen peroxide to achieve the desired effect. Whitening toothpaste is also common, but many people do not see reliable results from brushing and toothpaste alone. Even though these methods can be successful, they are not necessarily a good fit for everyone.

If you are debating teeth whitening at home versus dental treatments, you should consider the results you want. Most OTC tooth whitening makes your teeth several shades whiter with frequent use. Individuals need to keep purchasing and using their kits for long-lasting results. Those who want to see great results with less maintenance can visit a dentist for professional tooth whitening. Their procedures are designed to last longer than traditional methods.

Professional tooth whitening

Professional tooth whitening is easy and minimally invasive, making it one of the most requested cosmetic dentistry treatments in Dallas and Houston, TX. The results of our in-office whitening treatments tend to be more effective because we use higher-concentration products. To begin, MINT dentistry performs a simple examination to make sure your teeth are healthy enough for treatment. We then prepare your teeth to clear away any plaque or debris.

Our dentists use a protective barrier on your gums and eyes before applying a professional-strength gel to your enamel. We then expose your teeth to a laser light, which breaks down the stains on your teeth. Based on your original enamel color and desired results, this process may be repeated several times. Afterward, we remove the remaining gel and gum barrier before rinsing out your mouth.

Learn more about cosmetic dentistry

If you have stained or yellow teeth, you may find yourself hiding your smile. MINT dentistry believes it is important to feel confident about your teeth, so OTC tooth whitening products may be able to help. Our team helps you get the beautiful teeth you desire with custom at-home whitening kits. These kits come with custom dental trays and whitening gel, which can be replenished during regular dental check-ups.

If you feel uncomfortable with tooth whitening at home, MINT dentistry also offers in-office cosmetic dentistry services in Dallas and Houston, TX. Whether you want natural or dramatic results, our staff can personalize treatment according to your needs and wants. Contact our office to schedule your next consultation and learn about the process. We are proud to offer innovative solutions for healthy and beautiful smiles.