Are you tired of lackluster results from drugstore whitening strips that promise a bright white smile but deliver minimal changes? The glowing smiles you admire on celebrities and friends likely come from professional teeth whitening treatments, not products lining store shelves. While both approaches aim to brighten your smile, the variations in strength, safety, and results are significant. Understanding these differences and the realistic results you can expect could save you time, money, and potential dental headaches down the road.
At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM provides professional teeth whitening services designed to safely and effectively enhance your smile. With her extensive training and devotion to excellence in dental care, Dr. Sharbash can help you achieve the brilliant smile you desire while protecting your oral health.
Understanding the Whitening Process
Teeth whitening works by breaking down stains that have accumulated on your teeth over time. These stains can come from various culprits, including:
- Food and drinks like coffee, tea, wine, and berries
- Tobacco use
- Aging
- Certain medications
- Genetics
While both professional and over-the-counter whitening methods use peroxide-based bleaching agents to remove these stains, they differ significantly in their concentration level, application, and results.
Professional Whitening: The Gold Standard
Professional teeth whitening performed at Newport Beach Dental Center offers several advantages compared to store-bought options. Dr. Sharbash uses high-quality whitening agents with significantly stronger concentrations than what’s available over the counter. These professional-grade products can only be administered under dental supervision, ensuring safety and effectiveness.
Pre-Treatment Exam
Before beginning any whitening procedure, Dr. Sharbash thoroughly examines your teeth and gums. This crucial step helps identify any underlying issues, like cavities or gum disease, that need to be addressed before treatment. It also allows her to determine if whitening is appropriate for your situation, as not all types of discoloration respond to whitening treatments.
In-Office Whitening Procedure
Professional whitening typically delivers dramatic results in just one office visit. The in-office procedure uses protective measures for your gums and careful application of the whitening agent, often activated by special lights to enhance results. For patients who prefer at-home treatment, Dr. Sharbash can create custom-fitted trays that ensure even application and maximum contact with your teeth, providing professional-level results in the comfort of your home.
Over-the-Counter Options: Convenience with Limitations
While more affordable and accessible, over-the-counter whitening products come with significant limitations. These products contain much lower concentrations of whitening agents to meet safety regulations for unsupervised use. At-home whitening options include:
- Strips
- Toothpastes
- Rinses
- One-size-fits-all trays
The lower concentration in these products means they typically require longer, more consistent use to achieve noticeable results. Even then, the improvement may be subtle compared to professional treatment. Additionally, ill-fitting trays or improperly applied strips can result in uneven whitening or increased tooth sensitivity.
Without professional guidance, you might select a whitening product that’s inappropriate for your specific type of discoloration. For example, over-the-counter products won’t effectively whiten internal teeth discolored from certain medications or dental trauma.
Safety Considerations and Results
Professional whitening has clear advantages when it comes to safety. Dr. Sharbash monitors the entire process, ensuring your gums and teeth remain healthy. She can also address any sensitivity issues that may arise during treatment.
While over-the-counter products are generally safe when used as directed, they carry more risks when misused. The American Dental Association recommends professional supervision to ensure safety during the whitening process. Without professional guidance, some patients might overuse these products, leading to increased sensitivity, gum irritation, or damage to tooth enamel. Results from these products are also more temporary, often requiring ongoing use to maintain even modest improvements.
In terms of results, professional whitening typically produces a more dramatic, longer-lasting effect. The higher concentration of whitening agents combined with professional application leads to teeth that are several shades whiter after just one appointment. With proper maintenance and touch-up treatments, these results can last for many years to come.
Schedule Your Professional Whitening Consultation at Newport Beach Dental Center
At Newport Beach Dental Center, Dr. Laura Sharbash, DDS, FAGD, D.ABDSM, brings extensive expertise to every teeth whitening procedure. As a Fellow of the Academy of General Dentistry (an achievement earned by only 6 percent of dentists), Dr. Sharbash is committed to providing the highest standard of care for all your dental needs.
Experience the difference professional teeth whitening can make for your smile and confidence. To learn more about our whitening services and the best approach for your unique situation, call us at (949) 760-9212 or schedule a consultation through our contact form.
