A bright, white smile can have a huge impact on your appearance and your confidence. It’s no wonder that teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures available today. If you’re looking to whiten your smile, you have two main options: you can purchase an over-the-counter (OTC) whitening kit from a drugstore, or you can opt for a professional whitening treatment from your dentist. While OTC kits may seem like a convenient and affordable option, professional whitening treatments offer a solution that is significantly safer, faster, and far more effective.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
The color of our teeth is naturally determined by our genetics, but it is also affected by age and staining from the foods and drinks we consume. Coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking are major culprits that can cause our teeth to become yellow or discolored over time. Teeth whitening products, both professional and OTC, typically use a bleaching agent—either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide—to break down these stains and lighten the color of the tooth enamel. The primary difference between the two options lies in the strength of the bleaching agent and the method of application.
The Limitations and Risks of Over-the-Counter Kits
The whitening strips, gels, and trays you can buy at a drugstore have several drawbacks.
- Lower Strength: For safety reasons, OTC products contain a much lower concentration of the active bleaching agent compared to what a dentist can legally use. This means the results are often very subtle and may take many weeks or even months of consistent use to become noticeable.
- Uneven, Splotchy Results: Whitening strips are a one-size-fits-all solution. They often don’t fit the unique curves of your smile perfectly, which can lead to an uneven, splotchy whitening effect. They may whiten the flat front surface of a tooth but miss the curved areas in between the teeth.
- Increased Tooth and Gum Sensitivity: Without professional supervision, it is easy to misuse these products. The bleaching gel can easily come into contact with your gums, causing significant irritation and sensitivity. Many people also experience increased tooth sensitivity with prolonged use of these products.
The Advantages of Professional Teeth Whitening
A professional whitening treatment performed by your dentist is the gold standard for achieving a dramatically whiter and more even smile, safely and quickly.
- Much More Powerful and Effective: A dentist can use a professional-strength bleaching gel that has a much higher concentration of the active ingredient. This allows for a much more significant and noticeable whitening effect in a much shorter amount of time.
- Customized and Safe Application: For a take-home professional kit, your dentist will create a set of custom-fitted whitening trays that are made from a precise impression of your teeth. These trays fit your teeth perfectly, ensuring that the whitening gel is held in even contact with every tooth surface while also preventing the gel from leaking out and irritating your gums.
- Professional Supervision: Your dentist will first perform an exam to ensure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for a whitening treatment. They can also advise you on how to manage any potential sensitivity.
- Faster, More Dramatic Results: In addition to custom take-home kits, many dentists also offer in-office whitening treatments that can dramatically whiten your teeth by several shades in a single appointment of about an hour.
As the American Dental Association (ADA) advises, it’s always a good idea to consult with your dentist before starting any whitening regimen to ensure it’s the right choice for you.
Your Redlands Dentist for Teeth Whitening
If you want to achieve a truly brilliant, beautiful, and evenly white smile, a professional treatment is the best investment. For patients in the Redlands, CA area who are ready to brighten their smile, Dr. Michelle Wang offers safe and effective professional teeth whitening. We invite you to schedule a consultation at Michelle Wang DDS. Contact us today.