Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental procedure out there. It turns out, almost everyone is concerned about the looks of their chompers. There are many options out there if you, too, want a whiter and brighter smile. Which one is the right one for you? In this article, we will go over at-home whitening versus in-office whitening at your dentist’s.
Home-Whitening
Do-it-yourself teeth whitening kits are available online and in most pharmacies. For example, there are whitening gel strips, whitening trays, and whitening toothpaste and rinses. The DIY approach may appeal to those with busy schedules who can’t make any extra appointments with their dental clinic.
A big pro with at-home whitening kits is that you can use them on your own time and on your own terms. One downside to over-the-counter whitening kits is that the whitening solution inside the kits are not as strong as what you would typically find at a dental clinic. Therefore, it is quite hard to get the same dramatic results as you would in a professional setting.
Whitening tray kits are ready-to-use trays that are filled with whitening gel that fits over your teeth. These trays are able to whiten your teeth fast, and are able to evenly distribute the product to each of those pearly whites. Although, the trays sold with the kits are not custom-made to fit your teeth, so you may find them uncomfortable as they may cause irritation to your mouth and gums.
Whitening gel strips are the most commonly used product by those who want to whiten their teeth at home. They are small strips that stick to your top and bottom rows of teeth. The strips are quite small and only able to provide whitening on the front row of your teeth and cannot reach any of your back teeth. This will cause your back teeth do not match your front teeth and is a common problem when using this type of product.
Whitening toothpaste and rinses are convenient to use and easy to fit into your daily routine. These products will not cause a dramatic difference in the whiteness of your smile, but they are great for upkeep and keeping staining at bay after you have whitening done.
In-Office Whitening
In-office whitening refers to the whitening procedures carried out by your dentist. These procedures require you to schedule an appointment (or appointments) with your dentist. These in-office whitening procedures are also typically more effective than your at-home whitening kit. Dentists have access to bleaching solutions with higher concentrations since they are being handled by a trained professional.
Which is right for you?
This depends on the state of your teeth and gums. If you are not looking for dramatic results, then go with at-home whitening kits that are made to upkeep your smile. If your teeth are sensitive and you are looking to go 8-10 shades whiter, then it’s best to book a consultation and appointments with your local dental clinic.