The Difference: DIY teeth whitening and whitening treatments in Chandler, AZ

Society as a whole is obsessed with white teeth. Having white teeth is seen as a sign of good health as well as good social standing. Most people say that they feel more confident when they have a gorgeous smile, while some say that having a pretty set of chompers has given them more opportunities than before. Regardless of how you feel about teeth whitening, the trend is here to stay.

The Teeth Whitening Craze

This obsession with whiter teeth has created a robust industry for teeth whitening product manufacturers. According to Statistic Brain Research Institute, a trusted research provider to Forbes, The Huffington Post, and Oxford University Press, along with other news organizations, the total annual teeth whitening industry revenue is at $11,000,000,000, which is an insane amount of money being put into teeth whitening!

According to the same source, the total annual spending on teeth whitening products is at $1,400,000,000. Meanwhile, the average price of one home teeth whitening kit is at $34.99, while in-office dental tooth whitening procedures usually average at $600.

This means that a lot of people are invested in having whiter teeth. In fact, 82.5% of people saw a noticeable difference in their smiles after having an in-office teeth whitening procedure. On the other hand, 63.8% saw a significant difference in their teeth color from using home teeth whitening products. Orthodontists say that 88.8% of patients request tooth whitening procedures, while 32% say they are “concerned by the look of their teeth.”

The reasons for wanting to have whiter teeth goes beyond the aesthetic. In fact, 96% of adults think that having a great smile makes them more attractive to the opposite sex, while 74% say that an unattractive smile is hurtful to their career.

All of these figures led to what the industry refers to as bleachorexia, a term used to describe an addictive obsession with teeth bleaching. While teeth bleaching is generally safe if performed by an expert, or if it is performed to the specifications of a home whitening kit, it can have dangerous consequences to a person’s dental health if performed excessively and incorrectly.

Teeth Whitening Options

The American Dental Association (ADA) has approved several systems for home teeth whitening. If used incorrectly or excessively, however, even these approved systems can damage a person’s teeth.

Here are some teeth whitening options:

• DIY teeth whitening procedures – Some people opt to use what Mother Nature gave them to get whiter teeth. Some try to reduce their food and beverage intake that can stain teeth, such as acidic items like coffee and wine. Others take supplements, like calcium, vitamin D, or use a solution with salt and baking soda.

Meanwhile, others eat a lot of food that are taught to whiten teeth. Some of these food items are carrots, strawberries, oranges, broccoli, raisins, pineapple, and apples.

• Over-the-counter whitening kits – Over-the-counter or home kits are some of the more popular forms of teeth whitening. There are several kinds to choose from, each with their pros and cons. Some of them are:

• • Teeth whitening toothpastes – Some toothpastes promise instantaneous results, while others work over a period of time. Whatever the case, there are many teeth whitening toothpastes being sold in pharmacies and stores all over the country. Using teeth whitening toothpastes work since they can remove the stains on the outer layer of the teeth.

• • Chewing gum – Chewing gum is typically used after meals. They contain ingredients that moisturize the mouth and removes food residue after meals. Chewing gum works by coating the outer surface of the teeth to protect from further straining.

• • Dental strips – Dental whitening strips are bought over the counter. They are small plastic strips that contain peroxide, which is directly applied to the teeth. They are left in the mouth for 30 minutes and can be repeated, depending on the instructions of the manufacturers. However, it is inadvisable that they are used for more than the recommended period.

• • Tray-based teeth whitening products – These products contain a tray that mimics a mouth guard. A gel-based bleach is placed on the mouth guard, which is then secured to your teeth. The tray is left in the mouth for a period of time, as recommended by the manufacturer.  

There are other DIY or OTC teeth whitening products that can be purchased online, but they are more or less of the same variants as the ones mentioned above.

• In-office dental whitening treatment – Perhaps the most intensive among all the options. In-office dental whitening treatment from your local dentist or Kyrene Family Dentistry offers significant results in less than an hour. Each clinic may have different methods to accomplish your desired results, but these non-invasive procedures usually return more gains than over-the-counter treatments.

An in-office dental whitening session usually begins with the application of a protective coating on the lips and the gum tissue. Next, your dentist will apply the whitening solution (oftentimes a gel-like substance) to your teeth. Depending on the product, an ultraviolet lamp may be used to activate the ingredients in the solution.

Why you should go for a professional teeth whitening treatment

Going for professional teeth whitening treatments, such as the ones offered by Kyrene Family Dentistry, has a lot of advantages. For one, you don’t have to waste your money as you will get results right after the treatment. It is also safer for you since there is no danger of overexposure, and it guarantees results. You no longer have to repeat treatments at home or wonder why your teeth are not becoming whiter – you can just waltz into the clinic and come out with a brighter, more beautiful smile.

Kyrene Family Dentistry ensures the comfort of each patient, as well as their complete satisfaction. For this reason, your chompers will be handled with utmost care during the whitening procedure, and you can expect great results right after. Call us today at 480-705-9005 to schedule a teeth-whitening session.