Professional vs. At-Home Teeth Whitening: Which One is Better?

Everyone wants beautiful teeth, and making sure your teeth are their whitest is a large part of maintaining good dental hygiene. No one wants to smile and reveal a mouth full of stained, yellow or otherwise imperfect teeth! Luckily, there are many options available for those of us who weren't blessed with naturally white teeth, or whose teeth need whitening due to prolonged exposure to coffee, sodas, wine, cigarette smoke or other stain-producing elements. When it comes to teeth whitening, you may be wondering whether you should choose a professional whitening service, or simply use an at-home kit from the drugstore. While do-it-yourself whiteners like strips, pens, toothpastes and gels have their advantages – namely, convenience and affordability – using the services of a dental professional is generally preferable, for the following reasons:

1. Your teeth will be whiter. While DIY whitening kits can be effective, they simply can't match the dramatic results that you can expect from a visit to your dentist. While toothpastes, strips and gels can whiten your teeth anywhere from one to six shades, depending on the brand you choose and how thoroughly and regularly you use them, your dentist can lighten your smile a far more noticeable eight to ten shades – in just one visit!

2. The process is safer. Whitening your teeth may not be a high-risk activity, but there are still some dangers involved – especially if you suffer from sensitive teeth. In fact, many patients with sensitive teeth can't stand to use regular over-the-counter strips or gels at home. However, with the help of a professional, you can whiten even the most sensitive teeth. Ask your dentist for pain relief and avoidance tips ahead of time, and he or she can tailor a whitening regimen especially for you.

3. You won't have to wait as long. If you choose an at-home kit, you're committing yourself to anywhere from a week to several months of whitening. Professional sessions, however, can yield results so significant that you may be done after just one visit! Think of all the time and hassle you could save by leaving the whitening to your dentist.

4. Even if you're leaning towards using a DIY kit for your whitening needs, why not contact your dentist beforehand? Many dentists offer professional-grade take-home kits to their patients, and the results will be far better than what you can expect from commercial brands at the store.

 

Don't leave your dental health or the fate of your teeth up to chance! Contact a professional with experience in teeth whitening today and find out how you can achieve that beautiful smile you've always wanted.