Professional Whitening Tricks Dentists Won’t Share Online

The desire for whiter, more radiant smiles has led to the rise in popularity of teeth whitening as a cosmetic procedure. Whether it's for a special occasion or simply to boost confidence, many opt for over-the-counter products or even at-home remedies. But what most people don’t know is that professional whitening treatments, like those offered by a private dentist in Oxford, provide results that are far superior to anything you can achieve at home. In this post, we’ll explore some insider tricks that dentists use for teeth whitening that you won't find online.

Why Professional Whitening Is Different

Teeth whitening isn’t just about applying a whitening gel to your teeth. There’s a science behind it that many over-the-counter products ignore. Professional treatments, like Teeth Whitening Oxford, are more precise and tailored to your individual needs. While store-bought products can sometimes offer temporary results, they often don’t address underlying causes of discolouration, and they may even cause tooth sensitivity if used incorrectly. Here’s what makes professional whitening treatments stand out:

• Stronger Ingredients: Professional-grade whitening gels contain higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, which can break down tougher stains that over-the-counter products can’t touch.
• Personalised Care: A private dentist in Oxford can customise your treatment based on your unique dental health, the type of stains you have, and your smile goals.
• Long-Lasting Results: When done properly by a professional, teeth whitening can last for a longer period compared to DIY methods.

So, while whitening strips and gels can give a quick fix, they don’t provide the lasting, effective results that a professional service like Teeth Whitening Oxford can offer.

Professional Whitening Tricks Dentists Use

1. Customised Whitening Trays

One of the key differences between DIY whitening and professional treatments is the use of customised trays. The dentist uses a mold of your teeth to make bespoke trays that fit over your teeth securely when you choose to get your teeth whitened by a private dentist in Oxford. This custom fit ensures that the whitening gel is evenly applied to your teeth, covering every surface for a uniform result.

Why it’s better: Off-the-shelf whitening trays can leave gaps where the gel doesn’t reach, leading to uneven results or potential irritation. The personalised trays used by your dentist help avoid these issues and ensure maximum whitening potential.

2. Professional-Grade Whitening Gel

Whitening gels from your local supermarket or pharmacy often have a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide, which limits their effectiveness. Dentists use stronger, more concentrated gels that contain up to 40% hydrogen peroxide, which can break down stains faster and more efficiently.

Why it’s better: These professional gels can target deep stains that over-the-counter products can’t, such as those caused by coffee, red wine, or smoking. The stronger formulation allows for a more thorough and lasting whitening effect.

3. UV or LED Light Activation

Many professional whitening treatments involve the use of UV or LED light to accelerate the whitening process. By activating the whitening gel, this light increases its efficacy and expedites the course of therapy.

Why it’s better: While some at-home kits include light systems, they often aren’t as powerful or as precisely controlled as those used by dentists. For optimal results, the whitening gel and the professional lighting used in dental offices are made to complement each other.

4. Desensitisation Treatments

A common concern with teeth whitening is sensitivity, which can occur when the peroxide in the whitening gel irritates the enamel. Professional dentists know how to address this by using desensitisation treatments before and after the whitening process. These treatments help protect your enamel and minimise any post-treatment discomfort.

Why it’s better: At-home whitening treatments don’t typically come with desensitisation steps, which can leave you with sensitive teeth. By taking this extra step, a dentist ensures that the treatment is as comfortable as possible.

5. Pre-Treatment Polishing

Before applying any whitening gel, many dentists will first polish your teeth to remove plaque, tartar, and surface stains. This gives the whitening treatment a clean surface to work on, ensuring that the gel can be applied directly to the enamel.

Why it’s better: At-home treatments often don’t include any preparatory steps like polishing, which can result in less effective whitening. The cleaning process also ensures that your teeth are in optimal condition for the treatment.

6. Tailored Whitening for Stubborn Stains

Not all stains are the same. Some are superficial and easily addressed with a whitening treatment, while others are deeper and require more advanced solutions. A private dentist in Oxford can assess the nature of your stains and recommend a treatment plan that is specific to your needs.

Why it’s better: Dentists can combine different techniques, such as professional whitening with other cosmetic procedures, to address more stubborn stains. Whether the stains are caused by ageing, medication, or lifestyle choices, a dentist has the knowledge to treat them effectively.

How Long Will the Results Last?

One of the biggest advantages of professional whitening treatments is their longevity. Depending on the type of treatment you choose, the results can last anywhere from six months to two years. However, this is largely dependent on your diet and lifestyle choices. If you continue to drink coffee, tea, red wine, or smoke, the effects may wear off more quickly.

Here’s a general breakdown of how long different types of teeth whitening treatments last:

If you’re looking for a long-term solution with minimal upkeep, professional whitening treatments from a private dentist in Oxford are your best bet.

Cost vs. DIY Products

While professional whitening treatments tend to be more expensive than over-the-counter products, the results are far superior, making them a better investment in the long run. Consider the cost of repeated treatments with whitening strips or gels, which often need to be reapplied every few weeks or months. A one-time professional whitening session may cost more upfront but will deliver longer-lasting, more noticeable results.

Here’s a comparison of costs:

While at-home options may seem cheaper, the professional route offers a higher return on investment.

( Cost Disclaimer: The prices mentioned are approximate and can vary depending on the location, dental practice, and the specific treatment chosen )

Conclusion

While over-the-counter whitening products may seem like an easy, budget-friendly solution, they simply cannot match the results and benefits of professional whitening treatments. From custom trays to stronger whitening gels and desensitisation treatments, a private dentist in Oxford offers a tailored solution that is designed to give you a brighter, more confident smile with long-lasting results.

At EDO, we provide expert teeth-whitening procedures that can give you a lasting, beautiful smile. If you're considering whitening your teeth, make sure to consult a qualified dentist for the best results.