CONTACT OUR OFFICE TODAY TO SCHEDULE YOUR VISIT. OUR NUMBER (336) 788-5073

TEETH WHITENING IN WINSTON SALEM

LSJGenDent1

OUR PRACTICE IS BUILT ON TRADITION, EXCELLENCE, AND POSITIVE PATIENT OUTCOMES. WE MAKE YOU SMILE.

Our practice has over 50 combined years of experience. Call (336) 788-5073 Today.

PROFESSIONAL WHITENING SERVICES

If you want real results quickly, your best option is to see a dentist with experience in teeth whitening. However, there are also choices available for those who don’t want to spend the money on professional whitening. There are many different types of whitening procedures, including both over the counter products and dentist-supervised treatment. The two most popular ways of improving the color of your teeth are laser bleaching and bleaching gel.

Generally, laser bleaching is intended for those looking for drastically improved whiteness in a shorter period of time, who are also willing to spend more to get what they want. On the other hand, bleaching gel, whether over the counter or at a dentist’s office, can also be incredibly effective if you’re willing to put in the time to get your teeth where you want them. However, bleaching gel alone comes with its own limitations and side effects. Keep reading for details on the benefits and drawbacks of each option, along with a discussion of what to expect.

THE RIGHT WHITENING METHOD FOR YOU

If you’re not sure of the best course of action as you try to improve your color, talk to your dentist about the available options—he or she should be able to inform you of the benefits and drawbacks of each and recommend one or the other.

If you end up seeking professional treatment, your dentist may provide a range of options, each in turn having pros and cons. It’s important to make sure you understand each possibility so you can make an informed choice for yourself. They will also answer any questions you have about the risks, side effects, and costs of each type of whitening.

Many people are unsure about pursuing professional whitening, but it’s almost always easier, cheaper, and more effective than they expected—a radiant smile is much closer than you think! All kinds of people have seen their smiles transformed from something to hide into something to be proud of.

Read more about your different teeth whitening options here >

BLEACHING GEL

On the other hand, if you’re looking for a more moderate solution, simple bleaching gel may be right for you. If you end up going in this direction, you have the choice of buying bleaching gel yourself over the counter to apply at home or going to a dentist for bleaching at the office. There’s no right or wrong answer here; it’s simply based on how quickly you want results, how much different you want your teeth to look.

Over the counter gel is intended for those who are only looking for small improvements, rather than those with severe discoloration or people who want drastic change. Additionally, this process can take much longer than the other options, especially compared to laser bleaching, which can give you whiter teeth in a single hour. By contrast, bleaching your own teeth at home can take multiple applications and be harder to manage than if you leave it to an experienced professional.

Generally, over the counter bleaching gel comes in strips which are applied to the top and bottom teeth multiple times over a short period. These work similarly to those found in a professional office, but they’re usually somewhat less effective, and they can be hard to secure on your own teeth. Therefore, this option is typically recommended for those with mild or moderate discoloration.

Those with experience using over the counter bleaching gel know how hard it can be to keep the strips tight against your teeth over the entire recommended period of use. While the top teeth are usually simple to work with, the bottom teeth usually have a more irregular shape and are harder to access given their position in the mouth. This is one of the main reasons professional treatment is known to be more effective than that applied at home, but it’s not the only one.

Bleaching gels provided by dentists generally have a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide (the active ingredient), meaning that they can be more effective in a shorter amount of time. Additionally, supervision from a professional means that any issues are likely to be resolved before they become problematic.

One of the most common side effects of bleaching gels—whether over the counter or professionally applied—is sensitivity and irritation in the teeth and gums. Hydrogen peroxide can cause pain, which is why the strips you see in stores have a lower concentration. If you apply the strips incorrectly or for longer than recommended, you can end up experiencing these side effects. The best way to avoid or at least reduce them is to have the process supervised by a dentist, who will be able to avoid causing any unnecessary issues.

PRACTICE REVIEWS

CONTACT DRS. LEAL, SPANGLER, AND JOHNSON TODAY

Please enter your name.
Please enter a valid email address.
Please enter a valid phone number.
Please type your message.