For those wanting to upgrade their smiles, teeth whitening is one of the most popular ways to do so. While you can get this treatment done with your dentist, there are also store-bought products that you can easily get at a lower price. But will they work just as effectively? Keep reading to learn how over-the-counter teeth whitening compares to professional treatment.
How Effective Are Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products?
Although store-bought whitening products are capable of removing certain levels of tooth stains, they often offer lackluster results. This can be because the bleaching solution utilized with over-the-counter treatments is generally of a lesser grade compared to what your dentist will use.
Additionally, store-bought teeth whitening will not be specifically tailored to your unique smile. These products are designed for a more general application, but they won’t be customized to your teeth or gums like professional treatment. A lack of personalization can lead to uneven whitening and/or discomfort in your gum line.
What Makes Professional Teeth Whitening the Optimal Choice?
Professional teeth whitening treatment is recognized as an incredibly effective option for successfully brightening smiles, especially since it utilizes clinically-proven bleaching gel. Furthermore, your dentist will oversee the entire process, meaning you can expect this method to be much safer and more accurate.
This cosmetic dental service comes with two different methods:
- At-Home Teeth Whitening: You’ll be given a customized whitening kit, including personalized trays and professional-grade bleaching solution. You’ll apply the gel and wear the trays for a certain amount of time every day, and you should see incredible results after a couple of weeks.
- In-Office Teeth Whitening: Your dentist can apply the whitening gel to your teeth and then use a special UV light to complete the treatment and leave you with a brighter smile. This process usually takes just an hour to finish!
Over-the-counter teeth whitening might come with a lower initial cost, but professional treatment often provides a bigger bang for your buck! Consult your dentist if you’re interested in brightening your smile, and they’ll be happy to discuss which method works best for you.
About the Author
Dr. Ahmad Hakwati has been part of the dental world for over a decade, and he’s just as passionate about improving beautiful smiles as the day he started. He’s a proud member of the American Dental Association and the Massachusetts Dental Society, offering a variety of cosmetic dental services, including in-office and at-home teeth whitening. Want to brighten your pearly whites? Click here or call our team today at 978-297-0675.