Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that can make the color of your teeth up to 8 shades lighter in just one dental visit. However, many patients wonder if over-the-counter whitening solutions can deliver similar results and whether or not it is safe to use them. In this article, we answer the question: how do professional and at-home teeth whitening treatments differ?
How Do Professional and At-Home Teeth Whitening Treatments Differ?
Even though it might seem like professional and at-home teeth whitening should deliver approximately the same results, it is almost never so. In fact, there are two main points we recommend taking into account before making a final decision on what option is best for you:
Safety
In the setting of a dental office, your doctor has control over the strength of the whitening solution. The most crucial point, however, is that your dentist will also be aware of the condition of your teeth and gums prior to the procedure. Adjusting the strength of the whitening solution based on your oral health will prevent the risk of irreversibly damaging the enamel of your teeth and the gum tissue. In fact, some of the patients might not be eligible for the teeth whitening procedure at all if it poses a risk of harming their teeth. Additionally, some stains can not be removed with a whitening procedure and will require other cosmetic procedures to mask them.
Teeth whitening solutions typically contain hydrogen peroxide that penetrates the enamel of your teeth and breaks down dark pigment. Essentially, hydrogen peroxide is a bleach that temporarily makes the enamel of your teeth more porous. That is why controlling the strength of the whitening solution is essential to avoid damaging your teeth.
When you use an over-the-counter whitening product at home, you can not prevent the risk of enamel and gum damage, as you can not assess the condition of your oral health without professional examination. You also can not control the strength of the solution, as over-the-counter products are not custom-made. Thus, choosing to do teeth-whitening at home means you risk damaging your teeth and making them look much worse as a result rather than acquiring that beautiful white smile. Also, treating damaged teeth might cost you much more in the end than the price of professional teeth whitening.
Outcomes
Since over-the-counter whitening solutions are not tailored to your particular goals and teeth condition, you can not predict the outcome of the procedure. The color of your teeth may be completely different from what you envision. When you undergo a professional procedure, you will be able to discuss your goal with your doctor and get a realistic picture of the outcome you can expect.
On top of that, a professional teeth whitening procedure can offer more noticeable results, as your doctor is able to use a stronger solution while maintaining the safety of your oral health.
What Happens During the Procedure of Professional Teeth Whitening
Prior to the procedure of teeth whitening, your dentist will thoroughly examine your oral health to determine if the procedure is going to be safe for you. Then, you and your dentist will discuss what results you want to achieve and how your goals correspond with your oral health. Your dentist might also recommend undergoing a professional dental cleaning before proceeding with teeth whitening.
During an in-office teeth whitening procedure, your dentist will apply a whitening solution to your teeth in one of these methods:
- A tray with whitening solution is placed on the teeth
- A whitening gel is applied directly to the teeth
- Additionally, your dentist might use LED light or laser to enhance the procedure
Another option for professional teeth whitening is a custom-made whitening kit for at-home use. This option should not be confused with over-the-counter whitening solutions, as your dentist provides you with whitening trays that are suited specifically to you after examining the condition of your oral health and discussing your desired outcome. You will also receive recommendations on how to use the trays.
Get a Professional Teeth Whitening at Dental Care of Chino Hills
If you want to boost the appearance of your smile in just one dental visit, do not hesitate to make an appointment with an experienced cosmetic dentist at Dental Care of Chino Hills today. Our specialists will use a comprehensive approach to the procedure, taking your oral health condition and goals into account and making it safe for your teeth and gums. We are looking forward to your visit.