Is Teeth Bleaching Different From Teeth Whitening?
Like most health and beauty products, the FDA has set regulations specifying how smile enhancement treatments can be promoted to the public. FDA guidelines state that the term teeth whitening can be generally applied to items that remove discoloration, while teeth bleaching products must contain a formulation of bleach.
With this distinction in mind, there are multiple professional and over the counter methods for cleaning teeth to make them whiter. This could include brushing with toothpaste (not just varieties labeled “whitening”) or a professional cleaning at your dentist’s office.
These options can make your smile brighter. But it’s not what most people would consider when they talk about “teeth whitening.”
Most of our patients who ask about teeth whitening are thinking about store-bought strips and gels or chairside bleaching systems that go beneath the tooth surface to break up persistent stains. These options commonly contain some formulation of peroxide (a natural bleaching compound), but with several important differences:
- Professional teeth whitening is stronger and usually leads to better results than over the counter varieties
- A dentist will protect your gums from potential irritation
- Results tend to last longer after sessions with a professional
Some patients maintain a white smile with routine cleaning and biannual visits to the dentist. Others, however, need teeth bleaching to remove stains and reach their aesthetic goals.
To find out which tooth whitening solution is right for you, please contact Hardin Advanced Dentistry or call (513) 398-4448 today for a cosmetic consultation. Our dentists serve patients in Mason, Cincinnati, and Dayton, Ohio, as well as Northern Kentucky and SE Indiana.