Like many other people, you want a whiter, brighter smile, but getting your teeth to that perfect shade isn’t always as easy as simply brushing and flossing. Sometimes things like our diets, habits, and age can stain our teeth beyond what our toothpaste can handle, and professional whitening is the best option.
But not all whitening treatment is the same. The “affordable” over-the-counter strips, gels, and devices you see in stores and on social media differ from the professional treatments available from your dentist. In fact, what may seem like a good deal can cause more harm than good.
Here are a few important differences between at-home and in-office whitening treatments.
Cost
While some of the “at home” whitening treatments are touted as being more affordable than professional treatments from your dentist’s office, buyer beware. Often, they are less expensive because they are less effective, which means it will not only take longer to get results, but you will also spend more money over time getting the results you want.
Efficacy
Using over the counter whitening products limits how much active ingredients are in your bleaching agent, which could make your treatment less effective than professional treatments. This means not only will your teeth not get as white, that white may not last as long as with professional treatments because they cannot penetrate deep enough to remove deep stains.
Safety
Another danger of consumer whitening kits is that they are not always closely monitored by the FDA like the products used at your dentist’s office. Because of this, you could be applying an unsafe amount of peroxide or other chemicals to your teeth. These chemicals can not only damage your tooth enamel, but they can also cause chemical burns to your cheeks, gums, and tongue.
Convenience
Whitening your teeth in the convenience of your own home is a luxury no matter how you do it, but when you use a professional whitening kit from your dentist, you can expect faster results than you’d get with a store-bought kit. You can look forward to reaching your desired shade sooner and can save time over those so-called bargain kits. After all, time is money!
Remember, not all whitening kits are created equal. Their active ingredients can often cause great variations in treatment times and effectiveness. If your teeth are looking a little lackluster, speak to your dentist about your options. They will ensure that your teeth are healthy and are good candidates for professional whitening and can help you get the look you want faster than commercial brands.
About Our Practice
At Grateful Dentists in Billerica, MA, Dr. Danzig, Dr. Snook, and their friendly team are happy to assist you with all your dental needs. From general dentistry to cosmetic procedures like veneers and professional whitening, we combine the latest in technology with compassionate care in a relaxed, family-friendly setting.
For more information about any of our services, please visit our website or call us at 978-924-8186.