How to Choose Between In-Office and Take-Home Whitening Treatments in 7 Easy Steps
Learn more about whitening treatments to make an informed decision.
A white smile can do so much for your confidence. Think about that for a moment. Do you want to show your teeth when they are yellow or otherwise discolored? Or, do you prefer to flash pearly whites? If you’re like most people, you’ll opt for the latter.
But over time, our teeth can lose their luster. It’s not about necessarily doing something wrong, either. Your teeth are subject to so much wear and tear. Plus, we tend to eat foods and drink beverages that can lead to tooth discoloration. You know, favorites like red berries, caramel-colored sodas, coffee, and yes, even red wine.
So, if your teeth are no longer as white as they used to be, then what are your options? Thankfully, there are whitening treatments that can give you the bright, white smile that you’ve been missing. Here are seven steps that you can take to decide between in-office tooth whitening or take-home tooth whitening treatments from your dentist in Mystic.
1. Identify Your Whitening Goals
It all starts with identifying your whitening goals. And no, your goal isn’t likely to have a smile so white that it causes others to don their sunglasses. But it is worth thinking about what kind of change you hope to see. Do you want a subtle refresh, or are you hoping for a bigger difference?
Most professional tooth whitening treatments can lighten teeth by about three to eight shades after a single round of treatment. In-office whitening often works faster and may deliver brighter results in one visit, while take-home trays can gradually lighten your teeth over several days or weeks.
2. Consider Your Schedule
We get it. You’re busy. And sometimes, trying to find even a free hour to do anything can feel extremely daunting, if not impossible. That’s why you need to think about your schedule. In-office tooth whitening can typically be completed in just about an hour. But that does mean finding time in your schedule to go to the dentist, receive the treatment, and get back to wherever you need to go.
Take-home tooth whitening can be very convenient for those who simply can’t take the time away during the day. This, however, requires due diligence at home. If you’re forgetful or not the best about following certain routines, it might be better to make the time for a treatment in the office.
3. Consider Tooth Sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity isn’t all that uncommon. In fact, about one out of every eight Americans deals with sensitive teeth. If you are one of them, it may be worth thinking about how whitening could affect your comfort.
In-office treatments use stronger whitening gels and can feel more intense for some patients. Take-home trays from your dentist work more gradually, which many people with sensitive teeth find easier to tolerate while still brightening their smile..
4. Look at the Level of Staining
We’ve already talked about thinking through your smile goals. But the reality is that your goals will largely depend on the extent of your tooth discoloration.
Deep stains may respond differently depending on the method used. Surface stains from coffee, tea, or red wine often lighten fairly quickly. But deeper discoloration that has built up over time may take a bit more effort to improve. In many cases, in-office whitening can work faster on stubborn stains, while take-home trays may take longer but still provide noticeable results with consistent use.
5. Compare Cost and Convenience
The cost of tooth whitening, whether you choose the in-office option or our custom take-home treatment, may vary based on your specific tooth whitening needs. For that reason, the best way to get insights into costs is to request a consultation so we can assess the current state of your tooth discoloration and discuss your tooth whitening goals with you.
From there, you will have the information you need to make a decision based on both cost and convenience.
6. Review Your Dentist’s Recommendations
With your smile goals noted and your schedule and budget taken into consideration, next up is to consider your dentist’s recommendation. At Flanagan Dental, we will suggest the best approach to help you achieve your smile goals safely.
Remember, your dentist can also evaluate your teeth and gums before recommending a whitening method. This quick evaluation helps determine which option may work best for your situation while also protecting your enamel and overall oral health during treatment.
7. Decide How Soon You Need Results
It’s not uncommon for people to pursue tooth whitening treatment because they have an upcoming event. It might be something as simple as family photos. For others, it’s a wedding, a public speaking engagement, or another event where they want to look and feel their best. And the truth is that your smile is important for these things.
If you are in need of fast results, in-office tooth whitening is likely the best path forward. However, if you have some time, then take-home tooth whitening will still get you great results, just spread out over some additional treatments.
Request a Tooth Whitening Consultation With Flanagan Dental
What’s stopping you from achieving the whiter smile that you’ve always wanted? Request a consultation and see how tooth whitening in Mystic is what you and your smile have been waiting for. We look forward to working with you and showing you the difference that cosmetic dentistry can make.
