Do you want to whiten your teeth? A whiter smile is something many people wish to achieve. Whiter teeth simply look healthier and can have a positive impact on your overall appearance. A simple teeth whitening treatment can boost your confidence and help you feel better about yourself.
If you’re weighing the pros and cons of different teeth whitening treatments, this comparison of professional and at-home kits may help you decide which option is most likely to provide your desired results.
What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening refers to dental-grade whitening treatments provided by your dentist. There are options for in-office or at-home treatments, but these can only be applied or prescribed by a dental professional. The reason is that the active ingredient (carbamide peroxide) is stronger and more concentrated, meaning it is best to have your dentist’s approval before trying it.
In-office whitening is applied in a single appointment. A protective guard or gel is placed over the gums to prevent irritation. Then the whitening agent is applied to the teeth and activated with a UV light to accelerate the whitening process. Patients experience immediate, dramatic results in just one treatment.
What Are At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits?
There are also teeth whitening treatments you can apply yourself at home. Some at-home kits are provided by your dentist and others can be purchased in stores or online. Here’s the difference:
- Professional at-home whitening. Professional take-home whitening kits contain dental-grade ingredients, which is why they are ordered for you by your dentist with approval. These kits often include a custom made tray for application that is made by your dentist for an accurate fit.
- Store bought at-home whitening. There are a wide variety of whitening products available in stores and online. These typically contain hydrogen peroxide, which is not as strong as carbamide peroxide. This is why these treatments are safe to use without your dentist’s approval.
Comparing Whitening Options
The following considerations can help you determine the best type of whitening treatment to meet your needs.
- Results. If your biggest priority is getting the brightest shade of white possible, professional in-office treatment would be your best option. The results of in-office treatment are unparalleled.
- Side effects. Professional in-office teeth whitening is the most concentrated treatment, which can lead to sensitivity. In most cases sensitivity subsides within a few days to a few weeks after treatment. It can help to use sensitive toothpaste following your whitening appointment. If your teeth are already sensitive, it may be in your best interest to try at-home treatment.
- Timing. How soon do you want whiter teeth? If you have an important event coming up soon, professional in-office treatment is the fastest option. However, if time is not a factor, dental-grade at-home treatment is nearly as effective with less sensitivity.
- Convenience. Some patients simply find it more convenient to whiten their teeth at home. You can speak to your dentist about ordering an at-home whitening kit during a routine dental appointment. It can then be shipped to your home with no need for any additional appointments.
Frequently Asked Questions About Teeth Whitening
Are whitening treatments safe for my teeth?
Your dentist will evaluate the health of your teeth to ensure that teeth whitening treatment would be safe for you. Professional in-office treatment is applied by your dentist in a controlled environment to ensure safe and natural results.
Why is professional teeth whitening more expensive?
Due to the ingredients contained in professional teeth whitening treatments, they tend to be more expensive than store bought products. However, it is important to note that the results last longer, sometimes as much as 3 years, meaning you won’t have to keep purchasing more products from the store to maintain your results.
Choosing the Best Option for You
It can be difficult to determine what is the best teeth whitening option to meet all of your needs. Talk with the experts at Chagrin Falls Dental about the various options available to you and get a professional recommendation that will take into consideration your goals and your oral health.
Chagrin Falls Dental provides a variety of cosmetic dentistry options to boost your confidence and give you a smile that looks as healthy as it is. Through a variety of dental services we help you maintain your oral health and a natural smile. Contact us today to learn more and schedule an appointment.