While routine dental exams are the most effective way to ensure optimum oral health, they don't always lead to a brighter smile. In this case, you may be looking for a solution to whiten your teeth. The two most common options are at-home kits and visits to the dentist. Here's a breakdown of the key distinctions between your choices so you can make an informed choice.

Consumer Whitening Kits

There are several options for people who want to whiten their teeth at home. Whitening toothpastes and whitening strips are the most popular forms of this treatment. Whitening strips are applied to the teeth once or twice a day for about half an hour, while whitening toothpaste is used similarly to regular toothpaste. 

While whitening kits are inexpensive, they rarely produce the desired results and, due to their abrasive nature, can actually cause damage to tooth enamel. Because of the saliva in the mouth, whitening strips often shift and leave unsightly streaks in the crevices of your teeth.

Other DIY kits include both a mouthpiece and a gel to treat sensitivity. The mouthpiece is boiled to mold to the wearer's teeth when bit into. The mouthguard is filled with whitening gel and worn for a minimum of three hours. Though more effective, the gel's peroxide content can cause tooth sensitivity and even gum irritation if used for too long. In general, it takes at-home treatments a few weeks to show any results.

Professional Services

Conversely, you can have your teeth whitened in a dentist's office by a trained professional, often the same one who performs your regular dental exams. The dentist begins by covering the gums to prevent any irritation from the whitening gel. The teeth-whitening agent is then put on the teeth. By doing so, you can be sure that your teeth will be uniformly white after the application of the coating.

Your dentist may use a halogen light to accelerate the whitening process and aid in stain breakdown after applying whitening gel. This makes it possible to see a noticeable difference after just one visit, speeding up the process of achieving your ideal appearance. However, you can usually schedule a follow-up appointment to undergo the procedure again if you want a whiter shade.

From routine dental exams to teeth whitening services, the team at Total Health Dentistry has got you covered. Dr. Rachel E. Gold is proud to offer residents of Cold Spring, KY, a broad range of solutions designed to ensure a healthy, happy smile. Give them a call today at (859) 441-1230 or visit their website to learn more.