Different people have different reasons for wanting whiter teeth. Some people want a friendly smile for their wedding, while others hate the yellowing effect of coffee and red wine on their pearly whites. In addition to these personal factors, there are also some significant differences between at-home teeth whitening kits and professional treatments.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
Professional teeth whitening can cost you hundreds of dollars, but at-home whitening kits are often cheaper, easier, and safer. Unlike professional whitening, you can use an at-home whitening kit anytime and place. Why? Because they’re non-invasive and don’t require any special equipment. If you want to buy an at-home whitening kit, read the labels and warnings carefully. Ensure the product you’re considering is safe for your teeth and gums, as some ingredients can cause sensitivity and tooth decay. Regarding results, at-home whitening kits can help lighten your teeth by up to 10%, but keep in mind that results vary significantly from person to person. Be sure to follow the directions on the box, as some kits require you to wear the whitening strips for longer than others.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Unlike at-home whitening kits, professional whitening treatments are much more quick and effective. While at-home whitening can lighten your teeth by only a few shades, professional whitening can lighten your teeth by up to 10 times as much. As with at-home treatments, the results of a teeth whitening session depend on the individual. Factors like age, dental health, and how often you stain your teeth can all affect how much you can expect to whiten. When you go to a professional, like Dr David K Skeels, for a teeth whitening treatment, they’ll use a special bleach that’s much more concentrated than the stuff in at-home kits. Most dentists recommend a few sessions to get the best results.
Differences Between Professional and At-Home Treatments
As we’ve seen, professional teeth whitening is more effective than at-home teeth whitening kits. However, there are many other differences between the two treatments. Let’s take a look at a few of the most important ones:
Safety and Effectiveness
As we’ve seen, professional teeth whitening is more effective than at-home treatments. It’s also safer, as at-home treatments can sometimes cause tooth sensitivity and decay.
Price
While the cost of a professional teeth whitening treatment varies from dentist to dentist, it is almost always more expensive than an at-home treatment.
Timing
The timing of professional and at-home treatments is very different. The dentist can whiten your teeth in as little as one visit, while at-home treatments can take weeks or even months.
Convenience
While professional treatments are more effective than at-home regimens, they’re also less convenient. An at-home whitening kit is easy to use and can be applied in any situation, while a professional treatment requires a trip to the dentist.
Choosing between at-home teeth whitening kits and professional treatments can be difficult. However, professional whitening treatments far outweigh the benefits of at-home whitening kits. Professional whitening is safer, more effective, and more convenient than at-home treatments, making it the obvious choice for most people. However, if professional treatment costs are too prohibitive, or if you need quicker results, then an at-home teeth whitening kit may be the better option.
