Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening, or bleaching, is a cosmetic dentistry treatment at William A Larkin DDS, that brightens and whitens teeth. Discolorations from food, drink, and tobacco can occur over time, and teeth whitening treatments can help reverse those effects. Teeth whitening will remove stains from enamel and dentin, and the procedure can be performed in the dentist’s office or at home. 

Types of Teeth Whitening

Professional Treatment

At-home whitening kits are an affordable, convenient way to brighten your smile. However, if you want whiter teeth in just one visit to the dentist’s office, professional treatment may be right for you. At-home whitening kits use a lower concentration of the whitening solution, while professional whitening ensures you get even, consistent results.

Over-the-Counter Treatment

Over-the-counter whitening products usually come in a gel form, though some are strips or trays that are left on the teeth and allowed to sit. Most products will contain an active ingredient or ingredients that help with whitening. Most products do not contain bleach, but some contain hydrogen peroxide.

These products can provide some improvement, but the results will be minimal and superficial. Your dentist can provide an in-office whitening treatment that can provide a more noticeable improvement.

Professional vs. Over-The-Counter Teeth Whitening

Some patients choose over-the-counter whitening products, which are designed to be used at home. While these products can be effective, they are not as potent as professional whitening and may take multiple applications to achieve the desired results. Professional teeth whitening is the fastest and most effective option for whitening teeth, ensuring patients achieve a smile up to 8 shades lighter in just one visit.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening is the process of removing deep stains and discoloration, as well as surface stains, from the teeth. It’s considered one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures, and it’s easy to see why.

The dentist may perform in-office whitening, which involves applying a bleaching gel to the teeth and activating it with a special light. The patient can typically see a whiter smile after just one appointment. However, in-office teeth whitening can take longer to show results than take-home whitening trays.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe?

Professional teeth whitening is very safe when performed by a qualified dental professional. It’s one of the most common forms of cosmetic dentistry and one of the best ways to improve your smile.

When you choose professional teeth whitening, it’s usually recommended that you have your teeth whitened every six months or so. That way, you can maintain your white smile.

Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments

Teeth whitening treatments are safe, painless, and effective when administered by a dental professional. While at-home teeth whitening systems are available for purchase, our dentists can recommend professional teeth whitening treatments, depending on your needs. Professional teeth whitening uses a higher concentration of whitening gel and is often more effective.

Professional teeth whitening treatments also provide:

• A customized whitening plan
• A more predictable outcome
• Lower risk of tooth sensitivity

Visit William A Larkin DDS at 600 E Riverpark Ln Ste 120, Boise, ID 83706, or call dentist in Boise, ID at (208) 344-5024 to schedule an appointment for the best dental care.