Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Home Teeth Whitening

In today’s world, the desire for whiter teeth has become almost an obsession for some people.  This is understandable since having whiter teeth promotes confidence and boosts one’s self-esteem.  Through the whitening process, individuals can achieve a smile of which they can be proud!  As the need for whitening techniques grows, those who want to achieve a brighter smile may find themselves uncertain if they should pursue professional teeth whitening in-office, or if an at-home whitening kit would work just as well.  We’ve sought to answer your questions about both options, giving you the chance to make the decision that is right for you!

In-Office Professional Tooth Whitening

When you go to the office for professional teeth whitening, you can expect to start with a basic dental cleaning where plaque is removed, and your teeth are left free of build-up.  During this prep process, the dentist will do an over-all inspection to make sure that you have good oral health.  The next part of the process involves exposing the teeth with a cheek retractor and then putting a protectant sealant on the gums.  A solution of hydrogen peroxide is put on the teeth and then left for around half-an-hour – this part of the process is repeated at least once.  Some dentists choose to employ lights that will enhance the process.  After your teeth have been cleaned of the solution, you will immediately be able to see a change in your smile.  Teeth will continue to grow whiter as time progresses, giving you the chance to experience a pearly smile.

At-Home Tooth Whitening

There are now a long list of products that claim they will make teeth whiter from toothpastes to mouth rinses; however, it’s best not to put too much faith in any of these methods.  While these products may help to whiten teeth, they are no match for professional whitening.  Methods such as whitening trays, strips, and brush-on applications are more likely to provide noticeable results; however, these do come with a higher price tag and may require more dedication and work.  Some dentists offer tooth whitening products that can be purchased in-office and then taken home.  While these methods are better than simply relying on whitening toothpaste, they contain less peroxide than in-office whitening techniques.  If you choose to do at-home tooth whitening, you should expect to spend significantly more time reapplying the applications since stains fade much slower than they would during an in-office visit.

Which Option is Best?

At-home tooth whitening procedures typically cost much less than an in-office visit, and some patients find it appealing that they don’t have to set up an appointment to get their teeth whitened when they are doing it themselves.  However, while the price may seem right, you will likely get what you pay for.  Most at-home whitening methods provide poorer quality results and teeth will not be as white as those of individuals who choose in-office services.  At-home tooth whitening techniques can also end in extreme oral pain and even damage if you have unrecognized dental problems.  To avoid pain, it is advised that all patients have a professional dental cleaning and inspection before they start at-home whitening methods.

While both at-home and in-office whitening offer benefits, each has their own downside as well.  In-office whitening offers a safer and more successful option; however, the process comes with a larger price tag.  On the other hand, at-home whitening is cheaper but also comes with risks to your teeth and less satisfactory results.  In the end, it is your decision which option seems best for you and what makes the most sense for your lifestyle.

If you or a loved one is interested in professional teeth whitening, contact us today to arrange a free consultation.

Subscribe to our YouTube channel!