How Does the Teeth Whitening Process at a Dentist Differ from an At-Home Kit?
Posted on: 22 March 2023
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Teeth whitening is a very popular and common cosmetic dentistry procedure. While you can purchase over-the-counter products to do it yourself, there are certain advantages to having the procedure done professionally. So, what's the difference between teeth whitening at a dentist and an at-home kit?
At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
At-home kits come with trays that you fill with whitening gel and then wear for a set amount of time each day. These kits are available over the counter, so they come with instructions for use that are relatively easy to follow. The main advantage of these kits is convenience since you don't have to go in for appointments or wait for results. After all, you can just buy them and start using them right away. However, because these kits are not custom-made for your mouth like professional whitening treatments are, they may not be quite as effective when it comes to the desired result.
Teeth Whitening at the Dentist
When your teeth whitening is professionally performed by a dentist, you know that you will get personalised care tailored specifically to your teeth and gums. Professional whitening products used by dentists contain higher concentrations of bleach than anything sold over the counter and also have additional ingredients that help protect your enamel while still getting it brighter than ever before. This means that although you may need more than one session depending on how white you want your teeth, you are still likely to get better results in a shorter amount of time as compared to an at-home kit.
The other benefit of professional teeth whitening is that dentists can evaluate your oral health before starting any kind of treatment and ensure that nothing else needs addressing (like cavities). It's also important to note that if your teeth's discolouration is caused by something other than staining from food and drinks or poor oral hygiene habits (like medications or ageing), professional attention will be necessary. An at-home kit will not solve these issues.
What to Do Now
Both teeth whitening options can work, but ultimately, professional help will give you better results in less time spent. And remember, the dental professional will also be on the lookout for any other issues that may need to be addressed. So, if the dentist-supplied option sounds like something you're interested in, make an appointment with a qualified dental practitioner near you. They'll assess your needs and provide advice on which treatment would work best for your individual situation.
For more information on teeth whitening, contact a professional near you