Difference Between Whitening Products and Treatments
Difference Between Whitening Products and Treatments

A beautiful, bright white smile can improve both your appearance and your self-confidence. Many people look for ways to improve their smile, and teeth whitening is generally a simple way to achieve a significant improvement. Yellowing occurs as your teeth get stained from coffee, tea, soda, and even some foods. Getting your teeth back to their bright, luminous glow does not have to be difficult. However, there are many different options available, such as over-the-counter whitening products and professional teeth whitening treatments. Learn all the details below about the key differences between these whitening options.

Difference Between Whitening Products and Treatments 

You might think that whitening products and whitening treatments are the same thing. Surprisingly, these two things can be very different. Keep reading below to understand what makes these things different and how you can choose the right one to whiten your smile.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Most teeth whitening options work in much the same way. Typically, a whitening agent or bleaching agent is applied to the teeth, although the manner in which it is applied can vary. Often, the bleaching agent contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These active ingredients penetrate the enamel on your teeth and oxidize the stains. This oxidation process helps with stain removal.

Since the enamel has been penetrated, the teeth can sometimes be sensitive for a few days after the whitening. Most patients report that the sensitivity disappears after just a few days. Whitening your teeth regularly can help keep them whiter because deep stains are not allowed to form. Once stains get deep within the tooth, they can sometimes be hard to remove.

Whitening Products Vs. Treatments: What’s The Difference?

Teeth whitening products are typically sold over the counter, and they can come in many different forms. Specific examples of teeth-whitening products will be discussed in more detail in the next section. Most teeth whitening products are fairly gentle on your teeth because they do not contain high concentrations of a bleaching agent. Professional treatments can contain much higher concentrations of active ingredients. For this reason, most patients see much better results with professional treatments than they do with whitening products.

Another drawback to whitening products is that they are a one-size-fits-all solution. However, your dentist can tailor a professional treatment to fit your needs. For example, patients with existing teeth sensitivity may have trouble with whitening products. Similarly, those with gum disease or gum sensitivity might not be able to use most whitening products. Professional treatments are overseen by a dentist, so they are very safe and can make your teeth up to 8 shades lighter in a single visit.

Another big difference between whitening products and treatments is the cost. Whitening products are typically less expensive than treatments. Some teeth whitening products can be purchased for $20 or less, while professional teeth whitening treatments can cost anywhere from $300 to $1,000. Remember that most dental insurance plans will not cover these treatments.

Examples Of Teeth Whitening Products

Teeth whitening products can be great options for some patients. These products are affordable, generally gentle on your teeth, and can produce visible results. Some examples of whitening products include teeth whitening strips, whitening pens, whitening gel trays, and whitening toothpaste. Be sure to always check the label on any whitening product that you are considering for purchase. The product should be approved by the American Dental Association to make sure that it is safe for your teeth.

Also, keep in mind that some items labeled as teeth-whitening products don’t really provide any true whitening. These products contain no active ingredients, and they simply are made to remove food or other debris from your teeth. If you are looking for something that will make your teeth whiter, make sure the label includes an active whitening agent.

Should I Choose A Whitening Product Or Treatment?

Whether or not you should choose a teeth whitening product or treatment depends on your personal situation. You should consider factors such as your budget, the current color of your teeth, and any existing sensitivity issues. If you have a low budget and your teeth have mostly surface stains, then a whitening product would likely be a good option. However, if your teeth have deep stains or you already have sensitivity issues, a professional whitening treatment might be your best choice. Make sure to consult your dentist to discuss your options and decide what is right for you.

Schedule Your Professional Whitening Treatment Now

Northern Virginia Orthodontics can help brighten your teeth to give you that million-dollar smile. Schedule an appointment today for a professional whitening treatment to get rid of those pesky stains. With a bright white smile, you will never be afraid to show your teeth in photos and social situations. Our experienced team can work with you to address any concerns you might have, and we are sure you will be extremely happy with the results. Contact us today to get started.