Teeth Whitening: Professional vs. At-Home Solutions

Teeth Whitening Options

If you want to achieve a shinier smile, there are different options. Before you proceed with any of these, you should consult a doctor to ensure you won't face any issues. There are three key categories that most teeth whitening options fall into.

Whitening Toothpaste

This is one of the most simple options. It's an easy form of dental stain removal and the most gentle option available, making it ideal for people with sensitive teeth.

Some other options use bleaching chemicals, which can be quite harsh. Whitening toothpaste instead uses a polishing action. This means that there are rarely any side effects.

The disadvantage here is that whitening toothpaste is also one of the less effective solutions. It won't have the same impact on stained teeth as more intense options.

Additionally, the effects can take some time to be noticeable. In most cases, this will be several weeks or months.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

Home teeth cleaning kits are another option that many people go for because they can take care of everything themselves. They're highly accessible so that you can get one of these from your dentist or over the counter.

There are several types of kits, which work in different ways. Some typical versions include whitening strips, lights, rinses, trays, and brushes.

Most of these typically contain peroxide to achieve the brightening effect. It works below the surface, lightening tooth enamel. They require regular use over a period of days or weeks.

Your dentist may be able to make you a special whitening tray. This will be custom-designed to fit your upper and lower jaw, which you may prefer to the one-size-fits-all options available in stores.

You squeeze a whitening gel into the trays and wear them for a specified time. Your dentist will be able to advise you on when you should wear yours and for how long. Bear in mind that the peroxide in the gel can cause irritation if you wear the trays for too long, so follow your dentist's guidance.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Professional whitening is done by a dentist and is typically the strongest option available. This is because it uses solutions with a higher concentration of peroxide. As a result, it will usually whiten teeth much faster than at-home methods.

Professional teeth whitening can be completed in as little as an hour. Your dentist will cover the gum tissues with either a protective gel or a thin sheet of rubber. This will help protect you from any issues that could come from the peroxide.

In some cases, a laser or a light is also used. The results of professional teeth whitening are the most noticeable.

At-Home vs Professional Solutions

Any one of these options could be beneficial to you, so you may be uncertain about which to go with. There are some key factors you should consider to help you decide.

Time

There can be a significant difference in how long different treatments take. If you use an at-home method, the timespan can vary greatly, often taking days (if not weeks) with one or two hours a day spent on your treatment. During this time, teeth will typically become three to six shades whiter.



A professional dentist will be able to generate results much faster. You may just need one session of about one to two hours, and your teeth may become about eight shades lighter.

Cost

One factor that steers people away from professional teeth whitening is the cost. It can often cost several hundred dollars depending on your current dental situation. Home kits typically cost around $50, which sounds more appealing to most.



Considering that, it can be seen as a "you get what you pay for" situation. Professional teeth whitening is faster and more effective, so you can see it as a more worthwhile investment. The results from home kits can also be inconsistent, so you may end up needing to use more than one.

Longevity

While all of these solutions can produce good results, they will vary depending on what you choose. This isn't just in terms of how much they whiten your teeth but also how long the effects last.

At-home teeth whitening methods offer natural teeth stain removal on the surface of the teeth. As such, it may not take too much time for some discoloration to return.



Professional teeth whitening methods, however, can penetrate deeper below the surface. This is because the concentration of peroxide is higher. As such, it will whiten your teeth for longer than at-home methods.

Other Considerations

It's important to note that teeth whitening may not work on all teeth. You should check with a dentist beforehand. They'll be able to advise you on what method is likely to work best for you.

You should also be aware that teeth whitening doesn't work on dental appliances like crowns, caps, veneers, or fillings. Again, if you have any of these, your dentist will be able to advise you on the best course of action.

Remove Stains From Your Teeth

If you want to remove stains from your teeth, you can choose from the options above. It's always best to speak to your dentist first as they'll be able to offer advice and guidance to make sure things go smoothly.

The Dentist Practice of Dr. Julio C. Rosado & Associates has been providing professional dental services to the residents of Miami, FL, for over 30 years. If you're ready for the smile you've always wanted, schedule your consultation today.