Store kits are made for everyone to use at home. Professional whitening is different because it is a medical treatment. It happens in a dental office or uses special supplies that a dentist gives you to take home.
The biggest difference is the strength of the gel. Dentists can use much stronger whitening ingredients than what you find on a store shelf. Also, a dentist looks at your teeth first to make sure the treatment is a good fit for you.
Getting Better Results
A common problem with store strips is that they take a very long time to work. Since they have to be safe for anyone to buy, the chemicals in them are very weak. You might use them every night for weeks and only see a small change.
Professional teeth whitening treatments can reach deep stains from coffee, tea, or soda that have been there for years. Because a professional is watching the process, they can use a formula that makes your teeth several shades whiter in just one visit.
A Plan Made for Your Smile
One-size-fits-all kits do not always work well. Every person has a unique smile. You might have sensitive teeth, uneven colors, or old fillings that will not change color at all.
A dentist checks your enamel and your gums before starting. They make sure you do not end up with splotchy teeth or a mouth that hurts. This personal touch is the only way to get a bright look that still looks natural.
Keeping Your Gums Safe
If you have ever used a cheap kit and felt a sharp sting, you know the risks. If the whitening tray does not fit right, the bleach leaks onto your gums. This can cause pain or even chemical burns on the soft parts of your mouth.
In a dental office, the team protects your gums with a special barrier or trays made just for your mouth. This keeps the whitening gel on your teeth and away from your sensitive skin. It makes the whole experience much more comfortable.
Saving Time
If you have a wedding or a job interview coming up soon, you probably do not have a month to wait for a box of strips to work.
In-office whitening can change your smile in about an hour. It is a great shortcut to a better look without the mess of using strips every day for a month.
Brightness That Lasts
Since professional whitening goes deeper into the tooth than a basic strip, the white color usually lasts a lot longer.
As long as you keep brushing and flossing every day, your smile will stay bright. You will not have to worry about your teeth turning yellow again as fast as they would with a home kit.
Investing in Your Look
Your teeth are an important part of your health. Going to a professional ensures you get a big change without hurting your enamel.
The team at Irvine Family & Implant Dentistry knows how to give you a healthy smile that you will want to show off. If you are tired of kits that do not work, give us a call at (949) 552-1380. We can talk about your options and help you get the bright smile you want.