22 Jun

At-Home vs. Professional Teeth Whitening

Looking to brighten your smile? Between in-office and at-home teeth whitening treatments, there are many options to choose from. At Lifetime Family Dental, we want to help you get effective, long-lasting results. We put together this guide to professional vs. at-home teeth whitening to help you make the right decision. 

In-Office Teeth Whitening vs. At-Home Kits

What to Expect from Professional Teeth Whitening

With in-office whitening, you can expect same-day results. Your dentist uses a peroxide gel to whiten the surface of your teeth. The benefit of in-office professional whitening vs. at-home kits is that the dentist also uses a special lamp to speed up the whitening process and make the gel more effective. Your dentist will also protect your lips and gums during treatment to prevent irritation. 

How Does At-Home Teeth Whitening Work?

There are many types of kits you can purchase for at-home teeth whitening. At-home kits typically contain a carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide solution to remove stains from your teeth. 

Depending on the kit, you will use either strips or pre-filled trays to adhere the whitening agent to your teeth. At-home teeth whitening kits typically take one or two weeks of following the instructions in order to show results. Make sure to check with your dentist before choosing an at-home kit, to make sure it is the right option for you. 

Many dental practices also offer professional kits to whiten teeth at home. At Lifetime Family Dental, our at-home teeth whitening kit uses a professional-strength peroxide gel along with a custom mold of your teeth for more effective results. 

Which Method Works Better?

Store-bought at-home whitening kits simply aren’t as strong or effective as professional kits or in-office treatments, especially if your teeth are severely stained. The most effective teeth whitening treatment is in-office whitening followed by the use of a professional at-home kit to keep your teeth white longer. If you drink lots of staining beverages like coffee or red wine, follow-up whitening treatments will be necessary to keep your smile bright. 

Professional Teeth Whitening vs. At-Home Cost

While at-home whitening treatments typically cost less up front, they could cost you more in the long run. The effects of at-home kits don’t last as long as professional teeth whitening treatments, so you will need to keep purchasing and using new kits over time. Plus, professional teeth whitening works much faster than store-bought kits, whether it’s done at home or in the office. 

Are You a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

As long as you don’t have any underlying dental problems, you are most likely a good candidate for teeth whitening. Tooth decay, gum disease, and other issues can cause pain when using a whitening gel, so it’s best to get treatment before you whiten your teeth. If you plan to use an at-home kit, you must be able to follow all of the instructions in order to achieve effective results. 

Whether you choose to use in-office or at-home teeth whitening, it’s a good idea to have your teeth professionally cleaned first. A professional cleaning will ensure that your whitening treatment is as effective as possible. 

Quitting tobacco is also important for maintaining white, healthy teeth, as nicotine can quickly turn your teeth yellow or brown. Vape products that contain nicotine should also be avoided if you’re trying to whiten your teeth. Nicotine causes a variety of dental health problems, so it’s a good idea to quit smoking or vaping even if you don’t decide to whiten your teeth. 

Teeth Whitening in Gilbert, Arizona

If you’re interested in professional teeth whitening, Lifetime Family Dental in Gilbert can help. We offer both in-office and at-home professional teeth whitening services to help you brighten your smile quickly and effectively. If you have any questions about teeth whitening or would like to schedule an appointment, call 480-558-4331 today. 

Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (6/22/2022). Photo by Eye for Ebony on Unsplash