24 Sep Professional Teeth Whitening vs At-Home : Which One Is Better?
You have great daily habits! You brush your teeth twice daily for at least two minutes, you floss regularly, and you never miss a biannual dental exam. Yet your teeth are still stained, and they just aren’t the pearly whites you want them to be.
It can be tempting to run and grab the hottest at-home whitening kit on the market, or try the newest DIY whitening trend. However, before you try something that might do more harm than good, the staff at Hicks Dental Group want to weigh in on the professional teeth whitening vs at-home kit debate.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs At-Home Whitening Kits
Which Method Is More Effective?
Many home whitening kits boast pretty impressive results, but how do they hold up to professional whitening?
While many at-home kits are made with ingredients similar to those in professional whitening products, they lack the same strength. Even if the whitening agent is the same, the results won’t be as good, especially if your teeth are extra stained.
A stronger, professional whitening agent will yield much better results than an at-home kit. Professional whitening typically takes less time, too. Instead of working through two weeks of whitening strips, you can see results from professional whitening in as little as 20-40 minutes.
Which Method Is Safer?
Like all dental treatments, teeth whitening is safest when performed by a professional. One of the biggest reasons why professional whitening is safer than a home kit is because your dentist can make adjustments specifically for you. If you have sensitive gums or teeth, home kits could irritate your mouth and cause pain.
DIY and “natural” at-home whitening treatments can also be very dangerous. Most are not approved or tested by dentists, and can cause permanent damage to your enamel, leading to further staining, cavities, and decay.
Which Whitening Method Lasts Longer?
Professional teeth whitening treatments last a long time! A home kit treatment may only last a few months, while professional whitening lasts up to three years. Because of their weaker strength, home kits can’t get to deep-down stains—they’re only good for fading surface stains.
Which Treatment Costs Less?
Professional teeth whitening used to be pretty expensive, so many people still think of it as a treatment they can’t afford. Not only has professional whitening become much more affordable, it also offers more bang for your buck because it lasts a long time.
Home kits don’t yield the same results and don’t last as long, so the cost of repurchasing kits can add up quickly. Professional whitening may be more expensive up front, but it will cost you less in the long run.
Do You Have Questions about Professional Whitening Treatments?
If you’ve got questions about professional teeth whitening treatments, ask your dentist at Hicks Dental Group! We know how important it is to have a glowing white smile, and we want to help you achieve your goal. To schedule an appointment at your local Prescott dental office, contact us by calling 928-445-6030 or texting 928-487-4583.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (9/24/21). Photo by Autumn Goodman on Unsplash