How Professional Teeth Whitening at the Dentist Compares to Over-the-Counter Products

The best way to do a quick makeover is to whiten your teeth — the bright new shade of white announces to everyone that you’re ready to take on the world. You have several options, though, once you’ve decided to go the whitening route.

You can find dozens of choices in the dental section at the store, or you can make an appointment at the dentist to get your teeth professionally whitened. But which is the right way to go?

The team at Brooklyn City Dental knows you have options — they also want you to know the difference between the two types of treatments.

At-home teeth whitening

In general, at-home whitening systems are cheaper and faster to obtain than setting up an appointment at the dentist, but your results may not be as effective. You can find several popular methods in the store:

• Whitening toothpastes can lighten the color of your teeth by about one shade by using a mild abrasive and a gentle polishing agent to help remove stains.
• Whitening strips use a peroxide-based gel, or there are gels you can apply with a brush. Results usually take a few days to show, and can last a few months.
• Whitening rinses are also available, but because they’re in contact with your teeth for so much less time, their effectiveness is greatly reduced.

The bleaching agents used in at-home kits contain about 3% hydrogen peroxide. The agents your dentist uses range from 15% to 43%, so they’re much stronger. Also, at-home options aren’t custom-fitted to your mouth, so you’re likely to end up with irritated gums and/or uneven results.

Professional teeth whitening

Professional teeth whitening, on the other hand, can lighten your teeth up to eight shades in one visit. Dentists use a powerful whitening product in combination with heat and a special light or laser to produce fast, noticeable results. Depending on how white you want your teeth to be, you may need several treatments. 

Dentists can also provide take-home bleaching products. They take an impression of your teeth and build custom trays that fit your mouth exactly.

Your dentist is also able to take protective measures to keep your gums and oral cavities from being adversely affected by the bleaching agents. And they’re able to help if you experience increased tooth sensitivity or tissue irritation as a result of the whitening process.

The downside to professional treatment is that the cost is greater than in-store kits. To make your final decision, you need to determine what’s most important to you — results or cost.

If you’re ready to take the plunge and get your teeth whitened professionally, call Brooklyn City Dental to set up an appointment today! Their expert team has whitened the teeth of hundreds of patients, so they’re experienced, knowledgeable, and effective.