Metro East Dental Care answers the top 6 teeth whitening FAQs.

There is actually quite a bit of science behind white teeth. Not only do we like to see white teeth on others, but we prefer them for ourselves too. White teeth are generally associated with health and cleanliness, and they can also be an indicator of good genetics, which can be important for those on the dating scene. And if all of that isn’t enough, a bright white smile evokes confidence. When we have a white grin, we are more likely to show it off by smiling at others. This can be quite a boost to our self-confidence. That being said, teeth are rarely white naturally so it may be time to look into teeth whitening treatments.

But many busy professionals fear that they don’t have the time available for a brighter and whiter smile. For this reason, many people put off tooth whitening treatments, thinking that they will never be able to make the time. So, of course, this begs the question – can I get professional teeth whitening done at home? Thankfully, the answer to this question is yes!

1. Is teeth whitening safe?

Before we take the time to get into the differences between over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening and professional whitening, it’s essential to discuss the safety of teeth whitening in and of itself. The good news is that as long as you follow the direction of your family dentist, teeth whitening is not only safe but recommended. So always follow the instructions on the product, and never hesitate to reach out to Dr. May if you have questions and are in Granite City, Illinois, trying teeth whitening at home.

2. Who is a good candidate for teeth whitening?

As we mentioned previously, it is always wise to consult with your family dentist before trying teeth whitening services at home. The best candidates for this treatment are those with healthy teeth that do not have fillings or restorations, and have healthy gums too. In addition, patients whose teeth are more yellow in color will likely better respond to treatment.

This said, some patients are not the best candidates for tooth whitening. Dr. May will tell you that you might not be best suited for a tooth whitening treatment if you have any of the following conditions or circumstances:

  • Women who are pregnant and or lactating
  • Those with fillings, implants, crowns, and dental bridges
  • Children under age 16
  • Those with periodontal disease, cavities, tooth decay, or exposed roots
  • Those with allergies to peroxide and other teeth bleaching whitening agents
  • Those with sensitive teeth

3. Is OTC whitening just as good as professional teeth whitening?

Now that you understand that teeth whitening is safe, the next thing is to understand the differences between in-office and at-home teeth whitening. We’ll make it easy by sharing the three different approaches to tooth whitening.

  • Over-the-counter (OTC) tooth whitening
  • Dentist-prescribed at-home tooth whitening kits
  • In-office tooth whitening

OTC whitening kits, dentist-prescribed at-home tooth whitening kits, and in-office tooth whitening treatments all consist of a peroxide-based whitening agent that breaks down the surface stains on the teeth and lightens the dentin layer. OTC whitening strips approved by the American Dental Association (ADA) and whitening gels and trays are considered safe when the manufacturer’s instructions are precisely followed and you don’t have any underlying dental issues, cavities, or gum disease. And though OTC whitening products can make a difference in making your smile whiter, the truth is that if you have deeper and darker stains, they might not cut it.

Dentist-prescribed at-home tooth whitening kits consist of custom-to-you trays and a prescription-strength whitening gel that gradually and conveniently whitens your teeth from home. Not only do you get to apply treatments from the comfort of your own personal place, you’ll see results in as little as two to three weeks. OTC products can take months and several applications to take effect.

4. Can I do professional teeth whitening at home?

You can get professional teeth whitening from the comfort of your own home or private space by using dentist-prescribed at-home tooth whitening kits. At-home whitening treatment from Metro East Dental Care works faster than OTC treatments you can purchase from a pharmacy or at the grocery store, and can help get you a brighter and whiter smile. So you guessed it, the answer is yes, you can indeed get professional teeth whitening at home.

5. How much does at-home tooth whitening cost?

As with anything, the cost for dentist-prescribed at-home tooth whitening can vary based on your unique circumstances and your desired goal. The best way to find out the recommended tooth whitening program and costs for you individually is to request an appointment with Dr. May and the Metro East Dental Care team. Aside from looking at the financial costs of tooth whitening, it is also essential to consider the non-financial benefits.

  • Tooth whitening boosts your self-confidence
  • Tooth whitening enhances your appearance
  • Tooth whitening minimizes the look of wrinkles

Another excellent benefit of professional at-home tooth whitening is that it only takes two to three weeks to experience the benefits.

6. How long does professional at-home tooth whitening last?

When you decide to get your teeth professionally whitened through a dentist-prescribed approach, you must manage your expectations. Though In-office tooth whitening will last longer than OTC or dentist-prescribed at-home tooth whitening trays, tooth whitening doesn’t last forever. At-home OTC tooth whitening products may give results that last for a few months. Dr. May’s prescribed at-home tooth whitening treatment can last for two or three years, and in-office tooth whitening may last even longer.

Request an appointment with Metro East Dental Care to learn more about professional teeth whitening done at home.

Whether you complete a tooth whitening treatment in-office or with Dr. May’s prescribed custom at-home tooth whitening trays, it is important to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy before you get started. Dr. May can help advise you of the best timing for teeth whitening treatment, especially if you require any other restorative dentistry or cosmetic dental services.

If you are ready to learn more about tooth whitening, now is the time to request an appointment with your dentist in Granite City, IL. We can work with you on the best teeth whitening treatment for you and provide you with all of the information and instructions that you need for the longest possible lasting white smile that you can get. So, what are you waiting for? Request an appointment now.