When it comes to achieving a brighter, whiter smile, professional teeth whitening treatments can help remove stains and discoloration that build up over time from foods, drinks, smoking and aging. However, with various in-office and take-home options available from dental professionals, selecting the most suitable whitening treatment can be challenging. This article will discuss the different professional teeth whitening options and factors to consider when choosing the right treatment for your individual needs.
In-Office Treatments
One of the most effective professional teeth whitening methods are in-office treatments performed by your dentist. These typically involve applying a bleaching gel that contains a higher concentration of whitening agents directly to your teeth. Some key in-office options include:
Laser whitening - Also known as Zoom whitening, this fast-acting treatment uses a laser or LED light source to activate the bleaching gel. It can whiten teeth multiple shades in one appointment, which typically lasts 1-2 hours. The gel may be applied and reapplied as needed during the session.
Custom tray whitening - Your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and make a customized whitening tray just for your smile. A bleaching agent, usually a carbamide or hydrogen peroxide gel, is then applied to the trays which are worn for a specified period each day, such as overnight while you sleep. Most patients see results within 1-2 weeks.
Walk-in whitening - A less intensive version that doesn't require custom trays. The bleaching gel is applied to your teeth and left on for 30 minutes to an hour while you relax in the dental office. Results may take longer than laser whitening.
The benefits of in-office whitening include quicker results, professional supervision and higher concentration gels that may whiten teeth more than home kits. It's also more cost-effective per shade lighter compared to take-home trays. However, multiple dental visits are required.
Take-Home Whitening Kits
For flexibility and convenience, dentists also provide take-home kits for teeth whitening. The cost is typically lower than in-office options.
Custom tray kits - As with custom tray in-office whitening, an impression will be taken of your teeth to make tailored bleaching trays. You will receive the trays along with a supply of carbamide or hydrogen peroxide gel to apply at home as directed, usually wearing the trays overnight for 1-4 weeks.
Strip kits - Instead of a full tray, these contain thin, flexible strips imprinted with a bleaching agent that you adhere to your front teeth. You wear each strip for 30 minutes once or twice a day. Results may take longer than trays.
The main advantage of at-home options is the ability to whiten teeth in the comfort of your own home at your own pace. However, you aren't under the supervision of a dentist, and concentration of the gels may not be as strong as in-office treatments. Patience is also required as results surface gradually over weeks.
Factors to Consider
When deciding between the various professional teeth whitening options, it's important to consider several individual factors:
Desired level of whitening - Laser whitening provides dramatically faster results over multiple shades compared to take-home methods. However, most patients are satisfied with lighter results over 1-2 shades.
Time commitment - Laser requires the shortest single appointment but no maintenance. Custom trays are worn daily/overnight but whitening progresses more gradually over weeks. Strips are a compromise.
Sensitivity concerns - Stronger gels used by dentists carry a higher risk of temporary tooth sensitivity. Patients with existing sensitivity may prefer less intensive home treatments.
Cost - In-office laser or walk-in whitening provides instant gratification at a higher one-time cost. Take-home trays or strips are more affordable but require longer-term compliance.
Lifestyle - Busy schedules accommodate at-home whitening that doesn't demand dental visits. But custom trays must be worn as directed for best results.
Longevity - Effects of in-office whitening generally last longer, up to 3 years versus 12-18 months for take-home options due to weaker gels.
For fastest and often most dramatic results, laser whitening is ideal if cost and a single appointment are not concerns. Those prioritizing value and flexibility likely prefer custom tray take-home whitening. Strips suffice for less intensive lightening. By considering your individual priorities, the right professional teeth whitening option will deliver your perfect Hollywood smile.
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What ADA dental codes may be relevant in connection with professional teeth whitening?
D9972 - External Bleaching - Office Visit for Bleaching Furnished by the Dentist
This code is used when the dentist applies a bleaching agent to the teeth in the office.
D9975 - External Bleaching for Home Application, Including Materials
This code is used when the dentist fabricates and provides bleaching trays and materials for at-home bleaching.
D9976 - Internal Bleaching (Performed in Office)
This code is used when the dentist applies a bleaching agent inside the tooth to whiten it from the inside.
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