Teeth Whitening: Using a Professional vs In-Home Kits
Today there are a lot of over the counter and DIY solutions to teeth whitening, but with so many options, it can be hard to discern what’s dentist approved and what’s just a new fad. If you’re stuck wondering what the differences are between professional teeth whitening gels and at-home options and when to use which, we’re here to put your mind at ease as we share a little about each.
What is Teeth Whitening Gel?
So happy you asked! Teeth whitening gel is a commonly used, usually safe, and effective way to whiten teeth. Teeth Whitening Gels are in several different over the counter and in-office products, many of these include at-home whitening strips, whitening trays, and more. Teeth whitening gel is most often recommended because it limits the mess of whitening your teeth, and it can be administered fairly easily, safely, and affordably.
Keep in mind “teeth bleaching” is not actually putting bleach in your mouth - yuck- but instead using a safe chemical that acts as a “bleaching” or whitening agent for your teeth. We suggest sticking to things that have been dentist approved and nothing that’s focusing on immediate results. Similar as it took time for teeth to darken or discolor, it will take a few weeks or months to get a brighter and healthier smile safely.
At-Home Whitening Gel
At-home solutions can be a great alternative when you need to brighten your smile and when your teeth, gums, and mouth are in very good health. Additionally, at-home solutions tend to be less expensive, which means more and more people are turning to home remedies for teeth whitening to save on costs. Still, if you cannot find one that fits with your needs, professional teeth whitening is a great way to go knowing that your teeth will be taken care of by a trusted professional. Teeth whitening at home can be done pretty easily and safely as long as you’re using the right products. Some that we’ve found to be dentist-approved are:
All of these options are tested and approved by dentists in the field, are affordable, and can garner great results.
Professional Teeth Whitening
For those who want more immediate results or those who have dental problems, a professional is the best option. Some common misconceptions with professional teeth whitening are that it has to be super expensive and that it has to be time-consuming. In our experience, a good dentist can provide affordable and effective teeth whitening solutions that you can wear at home.
When Should I Get My Teeth Professionally Whitened?
Home whitening solutions aren’t for everyone. Home whitening kits are better suited to those who have healthy teeth and gums, while those who have dental problems will be safer in the hands of a professional.
If you have sensitive gums, recently had mouth surgery, receding gums, cavities filled, or haven’t kept up with your bi-annual teeth cleaning, whiter teeth can still be in the near future for you! But, due to the nature of at-home remedies, some can be damaging to a mouth that may need some dental work or one that just had dental work done. The best solution is to ask a professional whiten your teeth or consult with your dentist before whitening your teeth.
If you’re considering whitening your teeth, but aren’t sure if you should do it at home or have professional whitening, why not bring it up at your next regular visit? We can help you decide which option is right for you!
If you need a gentle, caring dental team, please call our office at (623) 362-2550. We’ll give you the very best dental care we can!
