Let’s face it – most of us want to have the whitest teeth possible. And to get the best results, a quick visit to your Alhambra dentist is one of the fastest ways to make those pearly whites even whiter.
However, At-home kits like whitening strips have become increasingly popular in recent years. And while they won’t give you the same results as professional teeth whitening, they can be effective if used correctly. Let’s take a look at the pros and cons of both methods to make the best decision for your needs.
A dentist’s office visit is one of the most popular ways to have your teeth professionally whitened. Usually, it only takes one appointment to achieve the desired results, and you can feel confident that your teeth are being treated safely and effectively, as your dental professional will have the necessary training and experience.
Like any other type of service that offers at-home or professional options, whitening solutions are no different; professional results are just better results. Teeth whitening at home may take multiple tries to get the perfect shade of white, whereas office whitening treatments will give you instant results in one appointment.
When you undergo teeth whitening treatment at the dentist, the entire process usually only takes around an hour. That means you can get it done during your lunch break or after work without taking much time out of your day. Compared to at-home treatments, which have to be repeated constantly, professional whitening only takes up a small amount of time.
Professional teeth whitening treatment is painless. In fact, many people say that it’s one of the most relaxing and stress-free dental procedures they’ve ever undergone. Therefore, when considering both time and comfort, making an appointment for teeth whitening shouldn’t give you any “waiting room jitters” since it can feel like an effortless process.
While convenience and results are a significant plus for professional whitening, some drawbacks may make you think about choosing an at-home kit.
Most insurance companies don’t cover the cost of dental treatment, and patients have to pay for their treatment out of pocket. Teeth whitening at home is more affordable, ranging between $25 and $100.
Most of us expect instant and dramatic results after going to the dentist for a whitening service.
However, patient expectations can sometimes be unrealistic. In truth, results will vary based on the individual’s overall dental health and general habits.
For example, does the patient use tobacco products? Does the patient frequently consume foods and beverages that stain the teeth? Results vary on various factors, and results will change in a case-by-case scenario. Furthermore, your dentist may determine that you have other more urgent issues that should be taken care of before starting any whitening procedure.
While most patients get exceptionally better results with professional whitening, it’s not uncommon for some to experience unusual sensitivity following their procedure. Sensitivity is caused by teeth becoming more porous, making them more prone to absorbing heat and cold. If you suffer from tooth sensitivity, make sure you inform your dentist beforehand.
These days, there’s no shortage of at-home teeth whitening products, everything from whitening toothpaste to strips and other more advanced methods that promise spectacular results at home for a fraction of the cost. Let’s look at some of the positives.
Considering that most dental insurance plans don’t cover teeth whitening, affordability is a significant reason. For about $10, you can find a decent teeth whitening kit that can give you apparent results.
Another big plus of at-home teeth whitening is the convenience factor. You can do it on your own time and not have to take time out of your busy schedule to visit a dentist.
Generally speaking, at-home teeth whitening kits are very safe. Before they go out into the market, these products must undergo rigorous testing to ensure that they won’t cause any damage to teeth or gums. They also have to be approved by the FDA (Food and Drug Administration), ensuring that all teeth whitening products are safe for consumers.
Although there are some advantages to teeth whitening at home, there are also a few disadvantages that you should be aware of before you make your purchase.
Doing your own teeth whitening can prove to be frustrating for many reasons. One of the most common complaints is that it takes longer to see results, sometimes taking weeks or even months to see a difference.
If you’re looking for Hollywood-like results, teeth whitening at home will probably let you down. Home treatments often produce more subtle effects than professional teeth whitening.
If you don’t follow the instructions that come with your kit, you could end up causing permanent damage to your teeth. For example, if you leave the bleaching gel on for too long, it could begin to eat away at your tooth enamel.
Other drawbacks include experiencing severe sensitivity after each use. Though sensitive teeth are also an issue with professional whitening, it only lasts temporarily for a brief period of time after the procedure has been completed. With in-home treatments, sensitivity may happen after each use which may outweigh any of the benefits.
While home whitening kits can be done on your own time, these kits require the “c” word – commitment. To get results, at-home treatments require multiple sessions over an extended period of time – typically a few weeks. If you’re unwilling to put in the time and effort, you may not achieve satisfactory results or simply give up without getting anything back in return.
So, which are the better teeth whitening options? Office teeth whitening or at-home treatments? The answer is – it depends. Both have their own pros and cons that should be considered before making a decision.
Professional teeth whitening treatments are more expensive, but they often produce better results. At-home treatments are less costly and can be done in the comfort of your own home, but they may not be as effective.
If you’re looking for a whiter smile, Evergreen Dental Care offers professional GLO teeth whitening services that can help you achieve your desired results. Give us a call and schedule your next teeth whitening appointment.
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Evergreen Dental Care
937 E Main St
Alhambra, CA 91801
(626) 285-0285
