Take-Home VS. In-Office Teeth-Whitening

bright smile timeChoices are what make modern dentistry so customizable to each patient’s situation. Regardless of your schedule and particular dental needs, Dr. Stewart can help you achieve the healthy, beautiful smile you deserve with a conservative treatment plan tailored specifically for you. Teeth-whitening, for instance, is the most popular cosmetic dental treatment around, designed to erase teeth stains that, in many cases, are unavoidable. Professional teeth-whitening is the most effective method to brighten your smile, but some patients prefer the convenience of an over-the-counter product they can take home. With the choices we offer at our Livonia cosmetic dentist’s office, you can enjoy the best of both worlds—professional results delivered with optimal convenience.

What Makes Teeth-Whitening Work?

Though they aren’t always easy to differentiate to the untrained eye, there are several different kinds of teeth stains and discoloration. The purpose of teeth-whitening is to provide a quick and easy solution to the most common stains, which occur on or within the outer layers of enamel surrounding your teeth (extrinsic teeth stains). The active ingredient in teeth whitening, usually hydrogen peroxide, can eradicate most extrinsic stains, and the main difference between take-home and in-office procedures is the method and frequency of application.

Brighter Smiles at Home

When your time is limited, quick and easy is about more than convenience; it’s a necessary pace. Since extrinsic teeth stains don’t typically indicate an emergency situation (other than where confidence is concerned), treating them shouldn’t take up too much of your time. During an in-office whitening appointment, Dr. Stewart will carefully apply a prescription-strength whitening gel to your teeth, then activate it with a curing light to stimulate the whitening agents. Your visit will last just over an hour, and you can leave our office with a smile that’s up to 10 shades brighter than when you walked in.

The Convenience of In-Office Treatment

Even if you prefer the freedom of brightening your smile on your own time, you don’t have to settle for a mediocre over-the-counter product. Our take-home whitening kit consists of a professional-strength bleaching agent and a set of custom-made trays that fit snugly over your teeth. The trays allow you to apply the gel evenly over your teeth’s surfaces, and when applied as directed, you may see noticeable results within the first few days. On average, take-home whitening requires 10-14 days to reach optimal results.

ABOUT YOUR LIVONIA COSMETIC DENTIST:

James Steward, DDS, and our compassionate staff proudly serve patients of all ages from Livonia, Farmington Hills, Plymouth, Northville, Dearborn Heights, Garden City, and all surrounding communities. To schedule an appointment, call our office today at (734) 425-4400.