What's the Difference Between Professional Teeth Whitening Vs. At-home Products?

Most people turn to teeth whitening to make their smiles brighter and more appealing. Their teeth are often white. However, the enamel can have different shades and may get stained or discolored over time. Various reasons can cause teeth discoloration. 

Know the facts about teeth whitening before you go ahead with the process. There are usually two options—professional teeth whitening and at-home products. Read on to learn the difference.

Professional Teeth Whitening

Certified and well-trained dentists offer the best professional teeth whitening. The highly concentrated bleaching gels used make the process effective.

Your dentist will clear plaque and debris before they start the whitening process. They will perform a dental assessment to ensure you have optimal gum and tooth health. Your dentist will also capture your oral condition digitally to make comparisons. Doing so will show the effectiveness of the treatment.

The treatment will begin by using a cheek retractor to expose your teeth. A liquid rubber dam will help protect your gum cells. Your dentist will then apply hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel and leave it for 15 minutes to half an hour. After that, they will rinse off the gel and repeat the procedure at regular intervals once or twice.

Your dentist will then use a high-intensity light after the whitening treatments. Doing so will make the bleaching process more effective. You may find instant changes. However, you will see the complete results after 48 to 72 hours.

Your dentist will discuss the precautions and preventions you need to follow for long-lasting results. You will also receive additional prescribed medication to help maintain your smile.

At-home Teeth Whitening Products

At-home teeth whitening products allow you to whiten your smile without the help of a professional. You do not have to wait for an appointment to get the job done. You can order trays, strips, and brush-on whiteners online and purchase them at your nearest grocery store or pharmacy. You can add other at-home whitening products to your regimens, like whitening toothpaste. 

Whitening strips coat teeth with a gel containing carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. You press the strips against your teeth and let them stay there for five to 30 minutes. 
 

Whitening strips have a bleaching gel that is peroxide-based. You wear a tray that looks like a mouth guard for several hours. Whitening toothpaste also has whitening agents or polishing agents to whiten teeth.

Difference Between Professional Teeth Whitening Versus At-home Products 

Many individuals get confused about getting their teeth professionally whitened and doing it at home. There are different factors to determine which option is more suitable and beneficial.

Time

The time difference between whitening teeth using at-home products and doing it at the dentist is significant. You may spend one to two hours at the dentist and get your teeth eight shades whiter. However, whitening your teeth at home can take one to two hours every day for a couple of days or weeks to make them three to six shades whiter.

Longevity

Professional teeth whitening penetrates below the teeth surface. It does so because of the highly concentrated solution used. As a result, teeth stay whiter for a long time compared to at-home whitening products.

Cost 

At-home whitening products cost lower than professional treatments. However, the whitening done at your dentist is much faster and more effective than the multiple kits used at home.

For more about professional teeth whitening versus at-home products, visit Today's Family Dental at our office in Tampa or Lutz, Florida. Call (813) 212-8700 to book an appointment today.