If you’re like most people, you have probably noticed your teeth aren’t as white as they used to be. The causes of yellow teeth or stain teeth are many, from lifestyle choices such as smoking to the foods and drinks you consume. Having teeth that become more yellow over time is also a part of the natural aging process.
If you walk the aisles of any department or drug store, you’ve probably seen a myriad of teeth whitening products. There are strips, gels, rinses, and pastes that all promise to make your teeth whiter and brighter. But how well do these products work? This is a question we frequently hear as a cosmetic dentist in Irvine, CA.
Let’s compare OTC teeth whitening products and professional teeth whitening.
Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening
Many products you find in stores will probably remove some of the surface stains from your teeth. They can also be cumbersome to use; for example, popular whitening strips will only work on a few teeth at the front of your mouth. Their chemistry is weaker than what you’ll get at the dentist office because the whitening procedure isn’t supervised, so the whitening gels are not made very strong, or they could be dangerous if ingested.
People also tend to misuse these products, so they often experience sensitivity after using the whitening product.
Professional Teeth Whitening in Irvine
For the safest, most effective results, nothing beats professional teeth whitening at your Irvine, CA cosmetic dentist. Whether you opt for in-office whitening or a take-home whitening kit that includes custom trays (made to fit your teeth, so more of the whitening agent touches the surface of your teeth), you’ll notice much more dramatic results than anything you can buy OTC.
Our in-office teeth whitening treatment also includes a high-intensity light to further break up and remove even the most stubborn stains.
For the most effective teeth whitening, count on professional teeth whitening. Professional teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatments we offer at our Irvine, CA dental office. Call us today to make a cosmetic dental appointment!