Why Teeth Cleaning and Whitening is Best Done at the Dentist

It’s more difficult to follow up with teeth cleaning and whitening procedures nowadays. 

Your teeth can be stained by drinking coffee, wine and soda, smoking, or eating foods such as beets, tomato sauce and berries. Proper brushing and flossing will keep your teeth clean, but can also leave them dull and lifeless. Teeth whitening is an excellent way to restore the natural color of your teeth, or even make them brighter.

1. Fast Results in 1 Hour

Regardless of the method you choose, both at-home and in-office solutions will have hydrogen peroxide, which is the bleaching agent. In-office systems contain 15% to 43% peroxide, while at-home methods contain 3% to 20% peroxide. The higher peroxide content of the bleaching agent that is used at the dentist whitens your teeth better and in a shorter amount of time. 

In addition to a high peroxide content, dentists also use heat or light to further speed up the whitening process and intensify the whitening results. So, while at-home methods typically take weeks or even months to see any significant results, with professional teeth whitening, you can achieve a brighter smile that is 2 to 8 shades lighter within just one hour. 

2. Longer-Lasting, Brighter Smile 

One of the most significant advantages of teeth cleaning and whitening at the dentist is the treatment oversight before and during treatment to guarantee good results that you cannot get with at-home methods.

Unlike most at-home whitening methods (i.e. whitening toothpastes, baking soda, etc.), which remove plaque and discoloration on the surface of the teeth, in-office professional whitening penetrates teeth from within, where age and medication-related discoloration occurs. This results in far more dramatic and longer-lasting results than with at-home systems.

3. Less Risk of Tooth Sensitivity and Damage

Tooth sensitivity and gum irritation following teeth cleaning and whitening is a common side effect. When the whitening gel is left on the teeth for too long, it dehydrates the teeth and causes sensitivity. If the peroxide agent gets on your gums, it can irritate them and cause pain when eating certain foods. It’s much more likely that the patient will misuse the at-home whitening systems that will lead to sensitivity and pain, and less-than-desirable results. On the contrary, at the dentist, the dental professional will prepare your mouth, teeth and gums before applying the bleaching agent to protect them from harm. A dental professional performing whitening knows how to avoid damaging the teeth in the process and how to yield the best outcome.

Are you interested in professional teeth whitening? Call our office (925) 705-7093 or request a teeth whitening consultation by clicking the button below and filling out your information. We hope to see you soon!