It would come as no surprise that having stunning teeth is the key to a million-dollar smile. Fortunately, several solutions for whitening teeth are available. You can schedule a dentist appointment in London for more guidance.
Using teeth-whitening strips and getting your teeth professionally whitened are two of the most popular techniques. Is one superior to the other, and what are the primary distinctions?
Understanding the Teeth Whitening Options
The two main options for obtaining whiter teeth are in-office professional treatment and at-home teeth whitening strips. Although both options have the same overall goal of removing stains and giving your smile a brighter colour, the process by which they function, the strength of the ingredients, and the outcome are very different.
Teeth Whitening Strips Overview
These are very gentle, thin plastic strips implanted with a hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide whitening gel. Usually, they are sold over the counter and through the Internet. Generally, a user has to wear them for half an hour daily for one to two weeks.
Professional Teeth Whitening Overview
The procedure becomes even more customised and effective if your teeth are professionally whitened at the dentist’s office. A dentist will apply high-strength bleach solutions, generally with greater amounts of peroxide content than at-home treatments and can also apply new technologies such as lasers or lights to supplement the treatment.
Pro teeth whitening uses a special tray made just for you to help make the treatment work better and protect your gums from getting hurt. Most of the time, it takes less than an hour and can make your tooth colour lighter by eight shades in one visit.
Teeth Whitening Strips Disadvantages
1. Damage to the enamel
As mentioned earlier, most people can safely apply teeth-whitening strips as long as they follow the guidance. However, in high doses and prolonged use, the hydrogen peroxide in the gel can damage the teeth’s enamel. Most over-the-counter strips will be fine as long as they are ADA-permitted. In case of doubt, you can always book a dentist visit in London for a second assessment.
However, the use of whitening strips with chlorine dioxide is not good. Chlorine dioxide is, in fact, one and the same substance that is used for residential swimming pool disinfection. Manufacturers can employ it as a constituent in the strip to clear stains.
On the other hand, chlorine dioxide dissolves the enamel on your teeth to remove stains and plaque. Once the enamel has been stripped, the stains will disappear. It’s a dangerous and irreducible process, so be sure your whitening strips do not contain chlorine dioxide.
It is best to use whitening strips lightly. Even if chlorine dioxide is absent in the strips, too much use leads to tooth sensitivity and permanent enamel destruction.
Eroding tooth enamel cannot be regrown. Thus, the nerves of your teeth will be exposed to temperature variations. Moreover, your teeth are at risk of decay and other grave issues. Hence, it is important to have healthy teeth while using whitening strips and strictly following the instructions.
2. Gum damage
Gum irritation can occur even though tooth sensitivity and permanent enamel erosion are the most significant dangers of whitening gels. This can happen if the gel contacts your gum line and irritates the soft tissues.
So, you must always do your best to keep the whitening strips away from your gums. But since the strips are cut crosswise and not in line with your gum sculpting, we know it is easier said than done. For better application accuracy, attempt to cut the strips to the shape of your smile, or consider using the dentist-designed trays with moulds of your gum contours.
3. Uneven teeth whitening
No matter how carefully you apply, you cannot completely cover your teeth with the whitening strips. There will always be cracks and crevices that the strip cannot reach because of its rectangular design. The untreated surfaces will keep their colour while the other surfaces become whiter, even though you will be carefully whitening the regions. As a result, it will be easy to see the ugly yellow patches on your teeth.
Request whitening trays from your dentist to prevent uneven whitening. By covering every tooth surface, the trays ensure the gel gets to your teeth’s crevices and nooks, improving the outcome. Additionally, the trays prevent the gel from being washed away by saliva.
Why Professional Whitening Outshines Whitening Strips
- Superior whitening power: Professional treatments employ more powerful bleach substances that penetrate deeper to erase stubborn stains.
- Custom fit for better results: Professional trays fit your teeth precisely, allowing for even gel distribution and balanced whitening.
- Safer for your enamel and gums: Professional whitening is supervised by dental professionals who use the correct concentration safely and shield your gums throughout treatment.
- Fast, long-lasting results: In-office treatments whiten teeth in one visit and can last longer if well-maintained.
- Professional oversight and peace of mind: Dentists examine your oral health and direct the treatment, something that a strip from the pharmacy cannot.
When to Avoid Whitening Strips
Whitening strips may have adverse effects on some people. They should be avoided if you have:
- Sensitive teeth
- Receding gums
- Dental restorations (like crowns or veneers)
- Existing oral health issues
You need to schedule your dentist appointment in South Kensington, London. This is important for advice before embarking on any whitening program. Professional whitening is safer. It is more tailored to your specific dental requirements.
Choosing Professional Whitening for the Best Results
Cheap and easy to use, teeth whitening strips are, however, not perfect. Nothing compares with professional bleaching for cutting through the brilliant barrier to a beautiful and healthy smile.
From stronger whitening solutions to customised trays and in-office monitoring, in-office treatments deliver superior quality and performance not found in at-home systems.
Ready to Brighten Your Smile?
Whether you are preparing for a big event or simply want to boost your confidence, professional whitening services are here to deliver results that last. Schedule your dentist appointment in South Kensington, London.
Read Also: A Comprehensive Guide to Invisalign cost in the UK
