Are your teeth stained, discolored, or not as white as you want them to be? Whether you opt for in-office whitening or take-home trays, professional teeth whitening is more effective and reliable than something that’s over the counter. But is professional teeth whitening worth it?
Our dentists have been providing cosmetic dentistry services in Omaha, NE for over 30 years, and they're here to break down the benefits of professional teeth whitening.
5 Reasons Professional Teeth Whitening is Worth It
Safe and Effective
While each layer of your teeth serves an important function in its structure, the outermost layer is what you’re trying to whiten. When you use over-the-counter products with unreliable ingredients, you risk harming this layer instead of merely eliminating stains.
Professional teeth whitening is safe, effective, and performed under the supervision of a dental professional, so there’s no risk of gum irritation or hypersensitivity. Having your teeth whitened professionally is also an easy one-time procedure.
Consistent & Even Teeth-Whitening
If you’re in the market for whiter teeth, you want to see consistent results. Unfortunately, uneven whitening is a common issue for people trying to whiten their teeth with over-the-counter products. Because the center of the teeth has a thicker enamel layer than the edges, internal teeth whitening may take longer to show results.
Before professional teeth whitening, a dentist will assess any areas that may whiten at a slower rate than others. For example, a patient’s fillings may whiten differently than their natural teeth. If this is the case, a dentist will modify the whitening treatment to deliver a uniform shade.
Immediate Results
Trying to whiten your teeth with over-the-counter products can be a tedious process. Most at-home treatments gradually whiten the teeth, which means multiple treatments are usually needed. And sometimes, even those results can be questionable.
With professional teeth whitening, your teeth can be lightened by several shades within an hour, depending on the whitening technology used. Because professional whitening is a fast treatment, you can add teeth whitening services to any standard dentist appointment.
Latest Teeth Whitening Technology
Dentists are constantly researching the latest innovations in teeth whitening, so they’re aware of outdated products and procedures. For example, our dentists in Omaha use Philips Zoom! QuickPro’s two-layer whitening technology to ensure patients see results in one appointment.
A 20% hydrogen peroxide gel is first applied to remove staining from the teeth. A sealant later is used to lock in the varnish, preventing the whitening varnish from affecting your gums. After 30 minutes, the whitening gel and varnish are removed, revealing a noticeably whiter smile.
Long-Lasting Teeth Whitening
While how long professional teeth whitening lasts depends on how you care for your teeth after the procedure, most patients see lasting results for about six months to three years. Specialized treatments, like Zoom! QuickPro, break down stains, which helps whitening results last longer.
When you opt for professional teeth whitening, our dentists will send you home with touch-up solutions and tips for extending results. We generally advise avoiding food and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, red wine, dark tea, etc.
How Much Does Professional Teeth Whitening Cost?
The cost of professional teeth whitening varies depending on the frequency of treatment and whether additional dental treatment is needed. While professional whitening isn’t as kind to your wallet as some at-home options, the benefits of having a dentist whiten your teeth make up for the extra cost.
Professional Teeth Whitening in West Omaha
If you’re unhappy with your smile, we provide professional teeth whitening services in Omaha, NE. With over 30 years of combined experience, our dentists can help you decide if teeth whitening is right for you. Contact us or call 402-498-8804 to schedule an appointment today!