Teeth Whitening: Comparing Professional Treatments and Over-the Counter Options in Pittsburg PA

Teeth whitening Pittsburgh PA methods encompass both at-home choices such as over-the-counter whitening toothpastes, strips, and gels, and in-clinic treatments like in-office bleaching and custom-fitted trays. Typically, professional methods yield more effective outcomes, whereas at-home choices are more accessible and cost-efficient.

Methods of Teeth Whitening

Available without a prescription tooth-whitening products.

For individuals who prefer a non-professional treatment, at-home teeth whitening Pittsburgh PA kits can be purchased, utilizing the same bleaching agent found in professional teeth whitening. Typically, the primary component is of a lesser quality, and it may take several weeks to observe any significant improvement.

Charcoal Toothpaste

Charcoal toothpaste is generally unproductive, as it is merely more abrasive than standard toothpaste and fails to tackle the problem of internal discoloration. A toothpaste can effectively handle surface stains that cause yellowing.

Hydrogen Peroxide-Based Teeth Whitening Gel

Whitening toothpastes are only slightly less effective than gels due to their lower peroxide content. For peroxide to be effective, it must maintain continuous contact with the tooth. Unlike toothpaste, which is removed from the teeth almost immediately after application, gel strips are pressed onto the teeth, molded into place, and held securely for an extended period, thereby allowing the chemicals and peroxide more time to exert their effects.

Teeth-Whitening Strips

Teeth-whitening strips have a significant drawback in that they are unable to effectively utilize their full capabilities, which are restricted to two dimensions. The strips cannot conform to the crevices between the teeth, resulting in the fronts of the teeth appearing whiter while the curved sections remain yellow. When purchased over the counter, non-customizable strips will have prolonged contact with the gums, potentially resulting in discomfort or damage to the soft tissue.

Professional Tooth Whitening

Compared to over-the-counter products, the teeth whitening Pittsburgh PA methods offered by your dentist are more successful in achieving a bright and white smile. Typically, dental professionals will employ a more potent peroxide bleaching agent and specific lighting to lighten your smile. In-office whitening treatments can also drastically improve your smile by up to eight shades, leading to results that last for approximately one and a half years.

Laser Teeth Whitening

At present, the most commonly selected teeth whitening Pittsburgh PA treatment is Philips' Zoom! laser teeth whitening. Typically, a patient undergoes an hour-long laser teeth-whitening session and subsequently uses custom-made take-home trays for prolonged teeth-whitening results. Individuals seeking exceptionally white teeth may opt for multiple teeth-whitening treatments.