Should I whiten my teeth at home or at the dentist?

This is an automatically translated article.

The article is professionally consulted by Master, Doctor Dang Tien Dat - Doctor of Odonto-Stomatology - Department of Medical Examination and Internal Medicine - Vinmec Ha Long International General Hospital.

1. What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a way to whiten yellow or discolored teeth, with a chemical reaction that helps oxidize the tooth surface under the action of bleaching agent, thereby cutting off the peptide chains in the tooth color, helping teeth Naturally whiter without affecting tooth enamel.

2. Factors affecting the process and results of teeth whitening

Causes of teeth staining. Bleaching time, number of bleaching times and bleach solution. How much bleach is absorbed by each person.

3. Teeth whitening at home

This is one of the simple ways to whiten yellow teeth, easily done under the guidance of a dentist.
Currently, the commonly known home whitening methods include using a whitening tray with a certain concentration of bleach prescribed by a doctor or oral methods such as using teeth whitening strips, creams. brushing teeth... However, the most effective way is still to use the bleaching tray specified by the doctor to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth.
At-home teeth whitening with a tray is done through a dentist, after taking the size and making a set of trays that fit the tooth mold, the dentist will appoint a specialized bleach to perform bleaching. whiten teeth every day.
Advantages of teeth whitening at home The bleaching tray is designed specifically for each person's teeth, increasing the whitening effect. Teeth are in maximum contact with bleach inside the trough. The price is quite cheap, convenient and easy to do at home. Take the initiative to whiten teeth at home.
Cons of at-home teeth whitening Takes more time: every day you need to hold the bleaching tray for about 4 hours, continuously for about 5-7 days. Requires a dentist's examination and design a suitable size eraser. If used improperly, it can cause gingivitis side effects caused by bleach. Teeth are still stained if not taken care of after teeth whitening.

4. Teeth whitening at the dentist's office

This is a modern way of teeth whitening, done in a dental clinic. The doctor will use a whitening agent combined with laser light energy to cut the bonds in the pigment on the tooth surface, making the teeth whiter.
However, many people have the wrong opinion about this method when thinking that doing this can cause adverse effects such as damage to enamel, gingivitis, receding gums, sensitive and weaker teeth. However, the British Dental Association (BDA) has researched and concluded that teeth whitening technology is absolutely safe if performed at reputable facilities.
Method of teeth whitening at the dental office is indicated for cases of teeth that are severely stained, dark yellow, stained by tetracycline antibiotics or by drugs... when used at home, they do not have much effect.
Advantages of teeth whitening at the dentist Get thorough and scientific advice from a specialist. Whiter teeth than at-home teeth whitening methods. It does not need too much time to whiten teeth: only about 1-2 hours at reputable clinics. Teeth whiten longer (about 3-5 years). Teeth whitening is more uniform because it is done directly by the dentist. Cons of teeth whitening at the dentist The cost is higher. Without proper dental care, diet and daily activities will still make teeth yellow again.

5. Should teeth whitening at home or at the dentist?

If you do not have enough money, you should choose to whiten your teeth at home, but the bleaching time is slower (5 to 7 days). If you want to bleach quickly, you can choose to bleach at the dental clinic, your teeth will be whiter at the first time, but the cost is higher, modern machinery technology with a combination of laser and bleach helps to brighten the teeth. as quickly as possible (whitening time usually lasts from 90-120 minutes).
However, the choice of method depends on the color of the customer's teeth. If your teeth are in a normal yellowed state, you only need to bleach one course at a time to finish. In case the teeth are infected with Tetracycline, depending on the degree of discoloration of the teeth, the bleaching time will be longer.
Specializing in Dentistry - jaw - face, Vinmec hospital is equipped with KAVO dental chair system (Germany), camera in dental chair, panorama machine of Gendex, X-ray machine of in situ, Phosphorus film scanner of Gendex brand. , Dently ultrasound machine, Radii Plus Australia teeth whitening forging, endodontic machine, root canal length meter.... help provide maximum support in the examination and implementation of all dental and maxillofacial techniques.
In addition, Vinmec gathers a team of experts, leading doctors with high qualifications, experience, dedication and devotion to the health of patients.
Master, Doctor Dang Tien Dat graduated with a master's degree in Odonto-Stomatology from Hanoi Medical University. Dr. Dat has strengths in: performing wisdom tooth extraction procedures, root canal treatment, tartar removal, gentle tooth filling, minimal trauma, helping patients to minimize pain; Design and make beautiful porcelain teeth. Currently, dentist Dat is working at the Department of Odonto-Stomatology, Vinmec Ha Long International Hospital.
To register for examination and treatment at Vinmec International General Hospital, you can contact the nationwide Vinmec Health System Hotline, or register online HERE.