What is the difference between in-office and at-home whitening?

Patients wishing to enhance their appearance through teeth whitening have several options. If you wish to complete teeth whitening in one brief treatment, in-office whitening is available. For those who have the time and wish to whiten in the privacy of their home at their own pace, take-home whitening will work best. Whichever category you fit in, tooth whitening is an affordable and effective smile makeover.

Zoom! teeth whitening is available in both in-office and take-home applications. When considering teeth whitening a consultation with your cosmetic dentist will reveal if you are a good candidate for whitening and recommend which solution will work best for you.

The first step following your consultation is to have your teeth professionally cleaned by your dental hygienist. This will remove all plaque and provide a “clean slate” for the whitening process to begin.

In-office whitening: Your whitening technician will barricade all soft oral tissues to protect them from the whitening gel. The gel will be applied to teeth and a laser or curing light will be used to expedite the whitening process. After one fifteen minute session, you and your dental professional will assess your need for further treatment. Another fifteen minute session may be added. It is important to remember that teeth will continue to react to this whitening method for up to two weeks, so you may see continued improvement. In-office whitening can light teeth up to eight shades in this one brief appointment.

Take-home whitening: Your dentist will fabricate custom fitted trays to use in conjunction with the whitening gel suitable for at home use. You will still have access to a dental professional to address your questions or concerns; you will follow the instructions issued and depending on your time frame, you will enjoy similar results but will take a little longer to get there.

Obtaining teeth whitening products through your cosmetic dentist has many benefits over what you might buy from your local store or online. Since it is being dispensed by a dental professional, you will be able to acquire the most powerful and efficient whitening products available. This means a better result for you in less time.

Whether you whiten at home or the office, Zoom! teeth whitening is a smile makeover you can enjoy with touch-ups as needed to make your experience last indefinitely.

Looking to brighten your smile? Call our team today to ask any questions or make an appointment!