At-home teeth whitening kits are products that you can get from your dentist. These kits feature a high level of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. They are a bit more expensive than over-the-counter versions, but they are less pricey than in-office teeth whitening procedures. Professional in-home kits are easy to use and provide exceptional results within a week or two of using them.
This type of teeth whitening option features custom-made trays that match the exact contours of your teeth. Dentists must manufacture the cosmetic treatment option to ensure that they distribute the whitening solution properly. Without this kind of even distribution, you will waste a large amount of the solution, or it could wind up in parts of the mouth where it may cause damage. Professional teeth whitening at Lovett Dental Heights can help you get the white teeth that you want.
How to Use At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
To obtain and use an in-home teeth whitening kit, your dentist will take an impression of your upper and lower teeth with a non-toxic dental putty. Your dentist will then send the impressions to a dental lab to manufacture the trays. Expect for this part of the process to take about a week or two. Your dentist will make a record of the original shade of your teeth to compare the results once the whitening process is complete. When your trays are ready, you’ll visit your dentist’s office to receive instructions on how to dispense and use the solution to achieve the best results.
Before you begin the treatment at home, you’ll need to brush, floss and rinse your mouth completely. Plan to perform the treatment for an hour each day for two weeks. You can wear certain types overnight, but you would need to avoid drinking, eating or smoking while using the trays and continue to avoid these activities for 30 minutes following the treatment.
After using the trays for two weeks, your dentist will probably want to see you for a follow-up appointment to check your results and compare them to your original shade. You may receive additional whitening solution for touch-ups.
Tips About At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
If you purchase a whitening kit from the store, then be sure to follow the instructions carefully. Check for the amount of bleach that is in the whitening product. Make sure that it’s not more than a 10% concentration of bleach. Confirm that the strips provide a proper fit. If you’re using trays and experience gum irritation, then this is likely because the trays don’t fit well. To decrease the risk of your gums becoming irritated, be sure to use trays that fit properly.
Consider using a whitening toothpaste. Take a photo of your teeth before using it, and then compare the results after several weeks to see if you want to try something more aggressive. Ask a professional about using at-home teeth whitening remedies. Dentists can offer you information based upon their years in the field and by knowing your personal teeth and dental history.
While teeth whitening kits are safe for most people to use, there are a few things to consider. For instance, if you’re allergic to peroxide, then you may want to try a different method because many kits contain the substance. Also, if you have any dental problems like cavities, exposed roots or periodontal disease, then check with your dentist before using a kit. If you have dental restorations, crowns or fillings, then it’s also a good idea to talk to your dentist first. The reason for this is because restorative dental work may not whiten with these products, leading to uneven whitening.
Easy to Use and Effective
Does at-home tooth whitening work? It often does, and kits are convenient, affordable and effective. At-home kits are available from the store or from your dentist. If you don’t get the results that you want from a home kit, then talk to your dentist about options that are available in the office. To get professional teeth whitening at Lovett Dental Heights, contact us at 832-767-2210 for more information or to make an appointment.