When we want to improve the color of our teeth, it's normal to wonder whether it's better to have them whitened at the clinic or at home. But there's an important difference: Professional teeth whitening done at home is nothing like using home remedies or products on your own..
There are different ways to perform teeth whitening and the choice depends on the condition of the teeth, the type of staining and the result we want to achieve.
Therefore, in Asistencia Dental Plus We always recommend starting with an assessment of the mouth before deciding which option is most suitable.
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How is teeth whitening performed in a dental clinic?
In-office whitening is performed directly in the office and under the control of the dentist.
Before we begin, we check that teeth and gums are healthy and that there are no problems that need to be treated beforehand. If there are cavities, gum inflammation, significant sensitivity, or other oral pathologies, these will need to be evaluated before the whitening procedure.
During the treatment, the gums and soft tissues are protected, and the whitening product is applied to the teeth following the concentration and times indicated for the system used.
One of its main advantages is precisely that. direct control throughout the procedure.
Is it possible to do professional teeth whitening at home?
Yes. And this is one of the most common misconceptions when we talk about teeth whitening at home.
Home treatment prescribed by a dentist It is still a professional whitening treatment, even if the patient applies the product themselves at home.
Custom-made trays are usually prepared for the teeth, and the whitening product is provided along with instructions on the amount to be used, the application time, and how many days the treatment should last.
The difference compared to buying a product on our own is that there is a Prior assessment, a patient-specific treatment plan, and professional follow-up.
It is important to follow these instructions. Using more product, leaving it on for longer, or increasing the number of days of treatment will not result in better outcomes and may even cause discomfort.
What if we combine in-clinic and at-home treatment?
In some cases we can combine both procedures.
Part of the treatment is carried out in the clinic and then continued at home with the prescribed splints and instructions. This option allows the treatment to be tailored to each patient's individual needs and enables close monitoring of their progress.
But There is no single whitening method that is best for everyone.. The type of staining, the initial color, tooth sensitivity, existing restorations, and the overall condition of the mouth all influence how to approach each case.
So what about home remedies for teeth whitening?
Here we must be especially cautious.
On the Internet and on social media, we can easily find recommendations for using baking soda, lemon, activated charcoal, hydrogen peroxide, or other products with the intention of achieving whiter teeth.
Just because a product can remove some surface stains doesn't mean it's providing proper teeth whitening. Some of these methods can be abrasive or irritating and end up damaging the enamel or gums.
We also do not recommend using whitening products without first knowing why the color of your teeth has changed.
A tooth stain, for example, isn't always simply a cosmetic issue. Before trying to lighten it, we need to know its origin.
Can teeth whitening cause sensitivity?
The Tooth sensitivity is one of the effects that can appear during or after teeth whitening., However, it does not affect all patients in the same way.
In many cases it is temporary. If it appears, we can assess its severity and adjust the treatment plan as needed.
Precisely for this reason, it is not worth trying to speed up the process by increasing the amount of product or the application time on our own.
Do all teeth whiten in the same way?
No. And it's something worth knowing before starting.
The result depends, among other factors, on the initial color and the origin of the stains. Furthermore, Fillings, crowns, veneers, and other restorations do not respond to whitening in the same way as a natural tooth..
That's why we shouldn't promise a specific shade before assessing the mouth. The goal is to achieve a natural and appropriate improvement for each smile, not to seek an artificial white at any cost.
Teeth whitening at home or in a clinic: which to choose?
Rather than asking ourselves where we want to have the treatment, we should ask ourselves What type of whitening does our smile need?.
In some patients, it may be indicated to perform it in a clinic; in others, to use splints at home under professional supervision; and there are also cases in which we can combine both options.
What is really important is that there is a prior diagnosis and that the treatment is carried out in a controlled manner.
If you're thinking about improving the shade of your teeth, you can check out our teeth whitening treatment to learn about the available options. After evaluating your mouth, we can explain which alternative best suits you and what results we can expect in your case.
