Is Professional Teeth Whitening and Teeth Bleaching the Same?

Professional Teeth Whitening Brentwood, CA

Everyone wants to walk around with a bright and healthy smile, and professional teeth whitening is becoming a more and more popular way to achieve it. Our smile is our first impression on the world, and we all want to make a good one. Some people look into over-the-counter home bleaching kits, and others decide to seek professional treatment at their dentist. There are commercials for whitening toothpaste and dental strips everywhere we look today. 

Do your research before you buy anything at a department store, and it is a good idea to ask your dentist if you are unsure if the treatment may work at all or harm your teeth during the process. 

What is professional whitening and bleaching?

If you decide to schedule a visit to your dentist to accomplish your teeth whitening, keep in mind it could be costly. Discuss the procedure with your dental coverage before your visit to be sure if they will cover any of the costs. 

In-office treatment is safe and very effective. Your dentist can use hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide to achieve optimum whitening. This process uses an abrasive ingredient to remove stains better than at-home kits mechanically. 

When purchasing teeth whitening kits for at-home use, you may be able to achieve a whiter smile, but these do-it-yourself kits will not give you the same results as in your dentist’s office. Your dentist can use a much higher chemical concentration to achieve your whiter smile quicker than any at-home kit is designed to do. 

Side effects of teeth whitening

After you have your teeth whitened either professionally or at home, you may experience some side effects. Your teeth will become more sensitive. The chemicals used in professional teeth whitening can break down your enamel and cause sensitivity. This should subside in time, and using sensitive toothpaste is recommended. 

You may also experience tingling sensations and discomfort. These symptoms should also calm down after time. Do make an appointment with your dentist if you are concerned. The chemicals involved in any bleaching or whitening can be harsh, and sometimes if you aren’t careful, you can swallow some and feel nauseated. Consult your dentist on what you can do to settle your stomach if this happens. 

Gum irritation can also occur. The chemicals for professional teeth whitening are meant for your teeth and not your skin or gums. You may experience skin irritation or gum inflammation after any whitening or bleaching. 

Weigh the pros and cons

Do your research before spending money on teeth whitening, whether over the counter or at your dentist’s office. Look at the possible side effects, read the ingredients to be sure you aren’t allergic to them, and follow all the instructions provided. 

Talk to your dentist about teeth whitening 

Your dentist is the best source on this subject and ask them any questions you have. They may recommend a certain over-the-counter whitener and ease your worries about using one, or they may offer in-office treatments. Your whiter smile awaits!

Request an appointment here: https://oakstreetfamilydental.com or call Oak Street Family Dental at (925) 301-4289 for an appointment in our Brentwood office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Professional Teeth Whitening in Brentwood, CA.

Recent Posts

Pros And Cons Of Professional Teeth Whitening

A cosmetic procedure that has dramatically increased in popularity over the years is teeth whitening. Bright, white teeth can be visually appealing as well as a sign the teeth are healthy. For these and other reasons, many people try different methods to get rid of tooth stains. Here are some of the pros and cons…

What Is The Difference Between Teeth Whitening And Teeth Bleaching?

If you have yellow teeth, stains on your teeth or are not happy about the appearance of your teeth, getting a teeth whitening or bleaching treatment is a great way to restore them to their original appearance. However, you should find out more about the procedures before deciding on which is best for you.According to…

Preventive Dental Care Reduces The Risk Of Contracting Oral Health Conditions

Preventative dental care is an effective way to help reduce the risk of oral health conditions. Preventive dental care includes regular checkups, brushing teeth twice a day, and flossing at least once daily. These tasks can be time-consuming and seem trivial, but they are crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene. The American Dental Association recommends…

Bone And Gum Grafting Before Dental Implant Placement

Getting approval for dental implants is the first step in the process. Anyone interested in dental implants must undergo a consultation, examination, and assessment to be a viable candidate for the surgical process. Since an implant is surgically inserted into the jawbone, the patient needs to have sufficient bone and be free of gum disease.…

Recent Posts

Preventive Dental Care Reduces The Risk Of Contracting Oral Health Conditions

Preventive Dental Care Reduces The Risk Of Contracting Oral Health Conditions

Preventative dental care is an effective way to help reduce the risk of oral health conditions. Preventive dental care includes regular checkups, brushing teeth twice a day, and flossing at least once daily. These tasks can be time-consuming and seem trivial, but they are crucial for maintaining good oral hygiene. The American Dental Association recommends…

Bone And Gum Grafting Before Dental Implant Placement

Bone And Gum Grafting Before Dental Implant Placement

Getting approval for dental implants is the first step in the process. Anyone interested in dental implants must undergo a consultation, examination, and assessment to be a viable candidate for the surgical process. Since an implant is surgically inserted into the jawbone, the patient needs to have sufficient bone and be free of gum disease.…