Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Strips
A professional teeth whitening takes a much more detailed and focused approach than the DIY teeth whitening kits you might find in a drug store. The procedure starts with a deep and professional cleaning to remove any plaque or tartar from the surface of your teeth. Any cavities are also filled in. Your Cincinnati dentist will use a dental dam to protect your gums from the bleaching agent. A solution of anything from 10-35 percent carbamide or hydrogen peroxide is applied for about 35 to 45 minutes. That solution is removed and a second layer is added. This is significantly more powerful than what you can get over the counter. For example, most teeth whitening strips are about 6 percent hydrogen peroxide. Your dentist will also use a UV or argon laser on your teeth for further cleaning.