A brighter, whiter smile can do wonders for your confidence and first impressions. But over time, your teeth may become stained or discolored from food, smoking, medications, or simply aging. If you’ve noticed your teeth looking more dull and yellow, teeth whitening is an excellent cosmetic solution to rejuvenate your smile, but you may not realize you have cosmetic choices. At Decker Dental in Enumclaw, WA, we provide professional in-office whitening procedures as well as at-home whitening kits to help you achieve dramatically white teeth. Here's some of the differences between these two options.
At-home teeth whitening involves the gradual brightening of your smile over days or weeks using custom-fitted trays and lower concentration whitening gels. We’ll take impressions of your teeth and fabricate custom trays that fit precisely over your teeth. We provide whitening gel with lower levels of hydrogen peroxide to place in the trays daily for 1 to 2 hours or overnight while sleeping. Over 7 to 14 days, your teeth lighten by 2 to 3 shades typically. You may need to repeat the whitening regimen to achieve your desired level of whiteness.
The main perks of at-home whitening are it’s gentler and causes less sensitivity than in-office treatments. It also requires less time commitment as you can wear the trays on your schedule daily. However, it produces results more slowly and requires diligence in wearing the trays consistently. But for those with sensitive teeth or busy lifestyles, at-home whitening gently improves tooth discoloration over time.
At-home teeth whitening involves gradually brightening your smile over 7 to 14 days using custom-fitted whitening trays and lower concentration whitening gels. Here are some of the main benefits of at-home whitening:
In-office teeth whitening performed by your dentist provides the fastest way to significantly brighten your smile in one visit. We first examine your teeth to ensure they are healthy enough for whitening treatment. We protect your gums with a rubber dam or protective gel before applying a strong peroxide-based whitening gel directly to your teeth. Many times, a special blue light is used to accelerate and activate the whitening process. The entire appointment takes about an hour, and you’ll see immediate results, leaving with markedly whiter teeth after the first treatment. At Decker Dental, we create a relaxing, spa-like environment and provide blankets and glasses to maximize your comfort during the procedure.
In-office whitening can brighten your teeth by up to eight shades in one session. It’s safe for most people but isn’t recommended for those with sensitive teeth. Mild tooth sensitivity or gum irritation is common after whitening, but we can provide desensitizing treatments to relieve discomfort. Though in-office whitening produces drastic results quickly, periodic touch-up treatments may be needed to maintain your white smile.
In-office teeth whitening performed by a dentist offers these advantages:
While in-office whitening costs more per session and can cause temporary sensitivity, it offers faster dramatic whitening results under professional dental supervision.
When weighing teeth whitening choices, consider these factors:
If you want to improve your confidence with a radiant, whitened smile, contact Decker Dental, your cosmetic dentist in Enumclaw, to determine if in-office or at-home teeth whitening better fits your budget, sensitivity, and schedule. We deliver personalized care in a relaxing setting using advanced technology to help you achieve your healthiest, most vibrant smile. Contact us to schedule a teeth whitening consultation. We look forward to giving you the stunning smile you’ve always wanted!
Call 360.825.3191 or click the link below to schedule an appointment online.
