The color of our teeth can change drastically over the years. The natural aging process alone can see our teeth losing their previous pearly white status. Combine that with smoking, and eating and drinking foods that can stain our teeth, and there’s the potential for teeth that are simply not as brilliantly white as they once were.

There are a number of teeth whitening solutions that we, your go-to dentist in Colorado Springs, can offer. There are in-office teeth whitening solutions and also take-home teeth whitening kits that can also help to get your teeth white and your smile brighter.

But which option is the right one for you? Let’s examine in-office teeth whitening vs. take-home teeth whitening, so that you can better understand which one will work best for your teeth whitening needs.

In-Office Teeth Whitening Treatments

Visiting your Colorado Springs dentist is your first step to getting your teeth whiter. An in-office teeth whitening treatment can change the color of your teeth several shades lighter. Professional teeth whitening is often touted as being the most effective solution, and the longest-lasting solution. 

This is due in part to the fact that in-office whitening treatments use whitening solutions that contain higher levels of the active ingredient hydrogen peroxide than can be found in other treatment options. The concentration of this active ingredient could be between 25 and 40%. Compare this to at-home whitening solutions that contain around 10% of the active ingredient.

In addition, not only will you find in-office teeth whitening treatments to be more effective, but you will appreciate that it’s a quick visit to the office. In just one trip and in less than an hour, you’ll be able to see great whitening results.

Take-Home Teeth Whitening Treatments

The next best option for professional in-office treatment is the professional take-home teeth whitening kit that can be supplied by your dentist. These treatments begin with a visit to your dentist so that impressions can be taken of your teeth. These impressions are then sent to a lab so that custom-fit whitening trays can be made for you.

Once the trays have been made, you’ll be sent home with them. Combined with a whitening gel, you’ll need to wear your whitening trays for up to an hour a day, for up to two weeks. 

This is a more affordable option than the in-office treatment. However, Dr. David Moghadam, a cosmetic dentist in Easton, PA, says it does take more time than the in-office treatment takes. The results will be pretty similar to the results you’ll see from in-office treatments, but again it does take some additional work and time.

Considering Over-The-Counter Whitening Kits

There are several over-the-counter teeth whitening kits, some of which can produce moderate results. Broadly speaking, there are four types of teeth whitening options.

• Gels
• Toothpaste
• Strips
• One-size whitening trays

These whitening kits are more cost-effective options. However, the one-size whitening trays won’t fit your mouth as comfortably as you would be able to get from your dentist. Another consideration is that the bleaching agent in the over-the-counter kits won’t be as strong as those used by your dentist.

To instantly and permanently transform your smile, consider getting veneers in Colorado Springs. Patients are always blown away by the end result. As a cosmetic dentist in Colorado Springs that patients rely on, we are committed to keeping you smiling brightly.