For many of us, even twice-a-day brushing and flossing cannot prevent teeth from discoloring over time. For patients who desire a bright, dazzling smile, Dr. Luminita Markham offers professional teeth whitening services for her patients in Auburn, CA. Maidu Dental offers two unique options to brighten your smile: in-office and take-home whitening treatments. If you are unsure which option will work best for you, this overview will help.
What’s the Difference Between Take-Home and In-Office Whitening Treatments?
Whether you choose our in-office or take-home whitening option, you will be benefiting from a treatment that is safer and more effective than store-bought options. Most grocery and convenience stores are stocked with whitening products that claim to whiten teeth. While some of these products can deliver a whiter smile, they may require weeks or months of use, and even then you may not be fully satisfied with the results.
One important difference between our professional whitening kits and store-bought kits is that only dentists are allowed to use gels that contain 20 to 35 percent bleaching agents by volume. Most store-bought kits will have 3 percent hydrogen peroxide. Some store-bought kits may not be as safe. Just because an item is sold at the store does not necessarily mean that it is safe to use. If you have questions about store-bought whitening kits, we recommend that you consult with Dr. Markham first.
If you do undergo whitening treatments at our office, you will have the benefit of close supervision by Dr. Markham and our experienced staff. We will work to ensure that you are 100 percent satisfied with your cosmetic results, something store-bought kits cannot guarantee!
Which Options Will Work Best for Me?
Deciding whether to undergo in-office or at-home whitening treatments can be based on three factors: time, convenience, and money. Our take-home kits are generally less expensive than procedures performed in our office because you are paying for the materials and not any services performed by our staff.
Patients should also consider how best to use their time. Whitening treatments performed at our office can deliver drastic results in a relatively short period of time. Most patients are able to whiten their teeth by several shades in around an hour. In-office treatments also have the benefit of being performed under the supervision of our dentist or one of our skilled and experienced staff members. We will be able to monitor your progress while ensuring that your gums are carefully protected from the potentially damaging effects of the bleaching agents.
The main benefit of take-home kits is that they can be used at a time that is most convenient for you. Many of our patients enjoy using the whitening product in the comfort of their homes, either in the evening or on the weekends. Individuals who have a difficult time sitting in a dentist’s chair for one hour may also benefit from take-home whitening treatments.
Take the First Step Toward a Brighter Smile Today
During your teeth whitening consultation at our Auburn, CA office, Dr. Markham will be glad to advise you on which treatment may work best for your time and budget. Both treatment options will deliver a drastically whiter smile. To learn how Maidu Dental can brighten your smile, contact our office online or call (530) 823-8771.
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