If you want a better smile – try teeth whitening. There are many ways people can damage their smile. One of the most common is using products and living a lifestyle that stains your teeth. Coffee, tea, balsamic vinegar, soy sauce, and a multitude of other products that have become part of our daily life, are responsible for tooth discoloration. This ultimately results in a smile that is not as white as you would want it to be.

The good news is that technology and science have kept up on the other end, making it easier than ever to restore your pearly whites and give you the radiant, confident smile you deserve.

Store bought and Professional Teeth Whitening

There are two different ways to approach whitening teeth. As the demand grows for whitening products, they are more easily available. There are even over-the-counter solutions that one can buy at any grocery store. These products are DIY kits that will help one to whiten teeth at home. However, these kits are not nearly as effective as other options.

The other and more recommended way are to have a dentist oversee the process. There are fundamental differences in the two options, which go beyond just the price. Naturally buying a do-it-yourself product at the store is cheaper but, will have little positive change in the long run. A professional overseeing the process is more effective, faster, and better for overall oral health.

Understand the differences

The first and most important difference with the store bought whitening and a dentist supervised teeth whitening is the oversight of an oral health professional. We know everything about your teeth, including all your medical and oral history, and can make sure that the product you use is the best suited for you. We will design a custom-fit tray that is formed from an imprint and mold of your teeth.

This tray holds the gel that contains the whitening solution. A customized tray will remain in place, providing the most effective results. On the other hand, store bought products come as a one-size-fits-all option. There is no specialized attention paid to the individual patient’s circumstances. The tray may not fit properly, be uncomfortable or even leak solution onto the gums.

An effective and efficient teeth whitening treatment

A common question is which one is more effective.As a dentist, providing teeth whitening services, we have access to a much larger array of tools and stronger whitening solutions than you do at the local store. Store-bought whitening solutions typically only have up to 3 percent hydrogen peroxide in the gel’s make up.

Compare this to the solution being used by our dentist office, which can have between 15 percent and 43 percent hydrogen peroxide, and it quickly becomes apparent what the better and faster way to get your teeth whitened is. We can also make recommendations for the best way to remove your particular stains. On the other hand, a store bought teeth whitening solution is designed to tackle all stains the same, regardless of how effective it may be.

Ultimately, there are choices, and you do not have to live with stained teeth.Finding the solution that meets both your needs and your budget is relatively simple. To learn how affordable in-office teeth whitening is, give our office in Long Branch a call at (732) 504-6914.