Teeth whitening is such a popular cosmetic procedure that there are at-home whitening options that many people consider getting. Here, our Whitehorse dentists share details about in-office versus at-home teeth whitening options.
Teeth Whitening to Help Change The Appearance of Your Smile
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses gentle bleaching agents to whiten the appearance of your teeth. There are many options to whiten your teeth today, which can make it difficult to choose the right one for you. Given that this is a desirable procedure, there are many at-home and in-office whitening options to choose from.
The Active Ingredients in Whitening Products
All whitening products use a peroxide solution and the strength of the whitening effect depends on how much peroxide is in the solution. A mild whitening agent may have as little as 10% peroxide while a much stronger teeth whitener could contain as much as 40%.
Over-the-counter whitening products from stores, such as whitening strips, are the mildest whiteners with the lowest concentration of peroxide. Dentist whitening agents, including take-home whitening trays, are much stronger.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office whitening provides an immediate transformation to your smile, and the results tend to be better because your dentist uses higher-concentration bleaching gels.
Because in-office whitening is performed by a trained dental professional, it is also generally a safe and reliable procedure. Dentists will not provide whitening to patients who do not pass a basic oral health screening.
If you choose to whiten your teeth at the dentist's office, the procedure is simple and non-invasive. You can even relax and listen to music while your dentist removes stains to lighten your smile.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
At-home teeth whitening is a do-it-yourself alternative that typically costs less than in-office teeth whitening available at your dentist’s office. The best part? You can do it from the comfort of your own home.
If you do opt for the at-home option, try to find one available through your dentist. Most dentists who offer in-office options also offer an at-home version, which involves creating a whitening tray custom-fitted to your smile.
If you want to lighten your teeth at home, avoid over-the-counter products. Drug store whitening kits don't have the strength that professional-grade whitening provides so patients often won't achieve the results they're looking for. These whitening kits can also irritate gums and soft tissue because they aren't customized to fit your mouth.