Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Home Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a common practice that many people choose to do to get brighter, whiter smiles. There are several methods to achieve whiter teeth, some of which can be done on your own. However, there are a few things to keep in mind before even considering the procedure. Teeth whitening may not work on all types of enamel. If you have veneers or copings or other dental appliances in your mouth, the process will not work on those items either. Stains and discoloration that result from certain garments are more difficult to clean. Most people who decide to undergo teeth whitening procedures have a number of options to consider.

whitening toothpaste
Several toothpaste manufacturers have special toothpaste that claims to make teeth whiter and brighter. They vary in how deep they can impact teeth, some dealing with surface whitening and others going deeper into the tooth as they clean. You should consult your dentist before you start using this type of toothpaste, as they may contain chemicals that are harmful to your teeth. Others rely on abrasive microparticles, which can wear down enamel, making it more brittle and easier to break.

At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
However, teeth whitening is not limited to toothpaste. Many drug stores sell at-home teeth whitening kits that incorporate chemicals that can help remove stains from your enamel. Its applications also range from strips to brushes to rinses. Almost all contain peroxide and take time to act on the teeth. Dentists can provide custom trays to help with these at-home procedures.

Professional Teeth Whitening
Your dentist can also provide teeth whitening services, but the chemicals used are much more powerful than any at-home option. These chemicals also contain significant amounts of peroxide, but are administered by someone who is trained to use these chemicals. The strengths of these solutions can generally offer much deeper and more significant whitening than an over-the-counter non-professional solution.

The in-office version takes about an hour, up to two hours at the most. At-home kits tend to require constant application for weeks before you notice any change in the whiteness of your teeth. This procedure, when performed by a dentist, also takes much longer to fade than OTC solutions or toothpaste. Professional whitening costs much more than an at-home kit or special cosmetic products, but you usually get what you pay for.