Professional Teeth Whitening vs. At-Home

It is normal to desire a brighter, whiter smile, but trying to decide between a teeth whitening kit for home use or a visit to a dental professional complicates the matter. Over-the-counter applications can seem more convenient and less expensive, but do they offer the same results as what can be expected with an in-office treatment plan? Because it is one of the most popular cosmetic services requested, there are several options available when it comes to whitening teeth.

Dental office whitening options

Under the care of trained professionals, in-office whitening treatments can provide reliable and safe results. Dental offices have access to professional-grade bleaching gels, often containing a higher concentration solution for more noticeable results. There are different whitening systems that are available as well, several of which offer patients results that whiten teeth by 10 shades in just one application.

In addition to the concentrated bleach solution, working with a dentist for whitening can provide a customized whitening tray and treatment regimen. Custom trays secure the product to the teeth more effectively, improving the success of the treatment. Dental office treatments can offer dramatic results in as little as an hour, saving busy individuals time and money over less effective brands. The dental staff also takes care to protect the gums and rest of the mouth from the solution applied to the teeth.

At-home whitening options

There are several at-home teeth whitening kits available for purchase at major retailers and drug stores around the country. While it is a do-it-yourself alternative to a professional treatment occurring in a dental office, the lower cost is an indication that the product is not the same as what would be used by the professionals. With a lower concentration in the bleaching solution, the alteration in teeth shades is not as dramatic or rapid as those treatments conducted in the office. Often, these plans have a slight whitening effect more than an obvious shade difference.

At-home kits offer a variety of application methods. Some kits have whitening strips, in which the individual applies a thin film coated with the bleaching agent onto the teeth, where it must remain for a specified period of time. This process must be repeated for several days. There are also whitening trays, LED whitening pens, and whitening toothpaste. Despite the supposed convenience of these applications, there are many complaints that the results are inconsistent because of the generic design of the tray or the inability to reach between the crevices of the teeth.

Conclusion

The desired result for anyone looking for teeth whitening is a smile that sparkles and shines more brilliantly than before. Especially for those who need to remove stains and discoloring from years of bad habits like smoking, substance abuse, or heavy coffee drinking, an in-office treatment plan carries a more concentrated dose of whitening in fewer applications than an at-home kit. For teeth that beam a brilliant white, a professional treatment plan may be a more effective course of action.

Request an appointment here: https://www.mediacenterdental.com or call Media Center Dental at (818) 473-1133 for an appointment in our Burbank office.

Check out what others are saying about our dental services on Yelp: Teeth Whitening in Burbank, CA.

Recent Posts

6 Teeth Whitening FAQs

Teeth whitening is a dental procedure that can significantly reduce staining. Having the treatment done professionally by a dentist is a safe and effective way to see great results.Want to learn more about professional teeth whitening? When considering this treatment option, It is a good idea to take get familiar with all of the facts.…

How Often Should You Do Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening?

Considering undergoing professional teeth whitening treatment services? Even though there are many over-the-counter teeth whitening products to choose from nowadays, these generic options are often hit and miss. The fact that it is often very difficult for someone to know which generic whitening option might work for them makes it both easier and safer to…

5 Teeth Whitening Tricks That Give You A Beaming Smile

Teeth Whitening is one of the most common procedures a cosmetic dentist performs. It can significantly improve the color of a person's teeth in one or two visits. The appearance of your teeth is one of the first things people notice when they meet you. It is important to keep your teeth looking their best…

5 Tips To Get And Keep Bright White Teeth

Having bright white teeth sure requires some work, but it does not have to be a difficult and highly involved process. The first thing to do in order to get and maintain white teeth that brighten your smile is to adopt certain habits that are easy enough to fit into your daily routine. The five…

Nancy Lee

Share
Published by
Nancy Lee

Recent Posts

Ask an Implant Dentist About Natural vs. Artificial Teeth

If you are thinking of replacing a lost tooth with dental implants, you will probably…

1 week ago

How to Keep Clear Braces From Yellowing

In recent years, clear braces have been a preferred method of straightening teeth. People of…

3 weeks ago

Root Canal Aftercare: Tips for a Smooth Recovery

Finding out that you need a root canal can be nerve-racking.

1 month ago

How Dental Implants Improve Oral Health and Function

A dental implant is the gold standard in dental restorations. It can replace an entire…

2 months ago

Preventive Dentistry: Choosing the Right Toothbrush

Preventive dentistry professionals recommend replacing a toothbrush every three to four months.

2 months ago

How a Dentist Treats a Loose Dental Filling

A loose dental filling occurs when the adhesive material that holds the filling in place…

3 months ago