With so many teeth whitening options available at your local drug store it might seem unnecessary to visit a dental clinic St. Paul patients use for a professional teeth whitening. However the over-the-counter (OTC) kits you can purchase will not provide the effective whitening you will discover at a dental office.
OTC Teeth Whitening
OTC teeth whitening kits can have some very unpleasant side effects. Most people will experience the discomfort of tooth sensitivity as OTC kits do not provide protection for your gums. You can also experience uneven whitening and sometimes streaking due to the poor fit of the strips and/or trays provided. It is not as quick to use OTC kits which usually require several longer treatments and you will see a far less brilliant white as the OTC kits contain a lower level of hydrogen peroxide content. When not used properly you can even damage your tooth enamel.
Sensitivity and Damage
There have been so many advances in professional teeth whitening you may be surprised at how much easier having your whitening done at a dental clinic St. Paul patients use has become. Your gums will be protected from the dangers and risk of tooth sensitivity which is a huge plus. You will also see a drastic difference in the intensity of whiteness as professional whitening uses higher concentrations of carbamide peroxide. An OTC kit will average 3 to 10 percent hydrogen peroxide, the main ingredient in whitening kits, compared to 38 percent in professional whitening treatments. You also will often find you have the option to use the treatments at home if you prefer. The main difference you will find with at home professional strength whitening is that you will require less treatments and you will also see even results as you will be using custom trays designed to match the shape of your teeth. Many new professional whiteners also contain sensitivity and enamel protecting ingredients something you will not find in any of the OTC kits.
Dental Care
Stains will begin to build up on your newly whitened teeth right away as you continue to enjoy the same foods and drinks such as coffee or red wine. As well if you continue to smoke stains will build up more quickly. When you have your teeth whitened at a dental clinic St. Paul uses they can provide you with the proper instructions as well as the whitening maintenance products to keep your teeth whiter, longer.
