Have you wanted to lighten your teeth for some time now, but get overwhelmed each time you start to review your options? Just at the grocery store or pharmacy alone, you will likely find hundreds of products claiming they can give you a brighter smile, and that’s not even counting all the other options available, such as at-home remedies and professional treatment through a cosmetic dentist. While many of the OTC options are safe, few are designed to provide dramatic results. In fact, most will only be able to lighten teeth by a few shades. So, depending on your desire for your smile, you may want to skip scouring the store aisles altogether. For noticeable results, you may want to see your cosmetic dentist instead, to learn about the benefits of professional teeth whitening treatment!
Is Professional Treatment Really That Different from OTC Options?
Professional whitening is made to effectively lighten teeth by up to ten shades, making it possible to achieve dramatic results in very little time. For instance, in-office treatment can generally be completed in less than an hour, while at-home treatment can be completed in a week or two.
Many cosmetic dentists offer both, to best fit the needs of their patients. Those on a strict budget, for instance, may prefer the affordability and convenience of completing treatment at-home, at their own pace. In-office treatment is desirable for those under a time crunch, but it is also more expensive.
Both can provide similar results, which can help make a smile noticeably brighter. So if your teeth are discolored or yellowed, you may want to speak to your cosmetic dentist about the unique benefits of choosing professional whitening treatment.