Categories: Teeth Whitening

What is the Difference Between Teeth Whitening and Teeth Bleaching?

If you have yellow teeth, stains on your teeth or are not happy about the appearance of your teeth, getting a teeth whitening or bleaching treatment is a great way to restore them to their original appearance. However, you should find out more about the procedures before deciding on which is best for you.

Differences between teeth whitening and teeth bleaching

Teeth whitening

According to the American Dental Association, teeth whitening is the process of restoring your teeth to their natural color by removing the stains on the surface of your teeth, using whitening agents that are found in toothpaste and mouthwash.

Teeth bleaching

Teeth bleaching is the process of whitening your teeth to the extent that they become whiter than they originally were, using bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide.

Even though the terms are often used interchangeably, it is important to know the difference because it will help you make a well-informed decision if you are interested in improving the appearance of your teeth.

Teeth whitening options

Going to the dentist

If you are interested in getting your teeth whitened, you can either get it done at your dentist’s office or from the comfort of your home. If you are looking for the best result, getting your teeth whitened by a dentist is your best option because your dentist uses a higher concentration of the whitening agent than what is available in the home kits, and completes the process in one visit.

The effects of the teeth whitening also last longer when you get it done at the dentist.

Home whitening kits

Using an at-home teeth whitening kit takes a little longer before you start to see results because the whitening agent is diluted and it has to be applied on your teeth on a daily basis for up to a few weeks. Take home kits are convenient to use and are cheaper than a trip to the dentist, but the effects usually do not last more than six months.

Teeth bleaching options

If you want to whiten your teeth beyond their natural appearance, your best option is to get it done at the dentist's office, especially if you have damaged or traumatized teeth. Using an at-home teeth bleaching kit will not help you achieve the desired results because the color of the damaged tooth will not match the rest of your teeth after you apply the bleaching agent, costing you time and money.

In this case, going to your dentist to get your teeth bleached is recommended because the dentist can get the damaged tooth to match the color of your other teeth by applying the bleaching agent inside the tooth, which you cannot do with an at-home kit.

Even if you do not have a damaged tooth, going to the dentist is still the better option, especially if you want fast results. The bleaching agent used by dentists contains 15 to 43 percent of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, the active bleaching ingredients, while the at-home kits have anywhere from three percent to 20 percent of the ingredients.

The bottom line

Getting your teeth whitened or bleached is a great way to improve your smile. If you are not sure which option is right for you, talk to your dentist to find out more about the procedures.

Are you considering teeth whitening in the Weatherford area? Get more teeth whitening information at https://www.millarfamilydentistry.com.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening.


Recent Posts

3 FAQs About Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening

Choosing to undergo teeth whitening treatment is something many people are doing nowadays. Even though it is easier than ever to buy over-the-counter whitening options, these options are not custom-made. This makes it a good idea for those in need of whitening services to choose a dental professional, as this allows for personalized teeth whitening…

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Take

It is normal for teeth to yellow or become stained over time, but teeth whitening can return a smile to its original brightness. The American Association of Orthodontics reports that more than 30% of Americans are unhappy with their smile. Getting teeth whitened is a simple, easy process that can help anyone regain confidence in…

6 Teeth Whitening FAQs

Teeth whitening is a dental procedure that can significantly reduce staining. Having the treatment done professionally by a dentist is a safe and effective way to see great results.Want to learn more about professional teeth whitening? When considering this treatment option, It is a good idea to take get familiar with all of the facts.…

5 Tips To Get And Keep Bright White Teeth

Having bright white teeth sure requires some work, but it does not have to be a difficult and highly involved process. The first thing to do in order to get and maintain white teeth that brighten your smile is to adopt certain habits that are easy enough to fit into your daily routine. The five…

Millar Family Dentistry

Share
Published by
Millar Family Dentistry

Recent Posts

Can All-on-4 Replace Multiple Teeth?

If you want to know if an All-on-4 can replace several teeth, here are the…

2 weeks ago

5 Ways of Caring for Your Teeth After a Smile Makeover

A smile makeover might be exactly what you need if you would like to improve…

3 months ago

Recovering from Getting Dental Implants

Choosing dental implants is a great idea if you are looking into your tooth-replacement options…

4 months ago

Dental Issues Treated by an Emergency Dentist

Experiencing dental trauma or severe oral health conditions can require a visit to the emergency…

5 months ago

How Can I Find the Right Family Dentist Near Me?

Finding the right family dentist now is a good step to take for your family.

6 months ago