Professional vs At Home Teeth Whitening Kits: Which Should You Choose for a Beautiful Smile?

Nothing will make you self-conscious of your smile more than discolored or stained teeth. If you want a brighter, whiter smile that boosts your confidence, you’re probably wondering how to whiten your teeth.

Teeth whitening is already one of the most popular cosmetic procedures. A recent report suggests that the global teeth whitening market will reach $7.99 billion by 2026.

Although many options are available, your decision will most likely come down to professional vs at home teeth whitening kits. Each option has its pros and cons, and your decision will depend on various factors.

Read on as we compare professional and at-home teeth whitening kits and explain the factors that can help you decide which option is best for you.

What Are At Home Teeth Whitening Kits?

At home teeth whitening kits aim to give you professional-grade results without visiting the dentist. They contain a bleaching agent, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. This agent breaks down into oxygen molecules and bleaches your teeth.

The concentration of the bleaching agent is usually lower in at home teeth whitening kits than what’s used in professional teeth whitening treatments. At home teeth whitening kits also come with trays or strips that you need to apply the bleaching gel to your teeth.

Your dentist can customize trays for you, or you can buy them off the shelf. The trays need to fit snugly around your teeth so that the gel doesn’t leak out and come into contact with your gums.

Strips are a simpler option as they’re already shaped to fit your teeth. You just need to peel them off and apply them to your teeth.

What Are the Pros and Cons of At Home Teeth Whitening Kits?

At home teeth whitening kits offer several benefits over professional services. One benefit is that you’ll whiten your teeth in the comfort of your home. You can also save money since at home teeth whitening kits are more affordable than professional treatments.

Another advantage is that you have more control over the process. You can decide how often to use the kit until you achieve the desired results. You can also stop treatment if you experience side effects such as tooth sensitivity.

However, there are also some drawbacks to using at home teeth whitening kits. One downside is that the results may not be as noticeable as what you would get from a professional teeth whitening treatment.

This is because at home teeth whitening kits have a lower concentration of bleaching agents. At home teeth whitening kits may also take longer to produce results than professional treatments.

The bleaching gel can leak out of the tray and come into contact with your gums. The leakage increases the risk of tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.

If you have sensitive teeth or gums, talk to your dentist before using an at-home teeth whitening kit. They can recommend desensitizing toothpaste or other products to reduce the risk of side effects.

What Are Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments?

Professional teeth whitening treatments are usually done in a dental office. The dentist or dental hygienist will apply a bleaching gel to your teeth and then use a special light to activate it. They use a stronger bleaching agent than what’s found in at home teeth whitening kits.

The light breaks down the bleaching gel into oxygen molecules, which bleaches your teeth. Professional teeth whitening treatments usually take one to two hours.

The dentist will likely need to apply the gel multiple times during the treatment. They’ll cover your gum tissues with a rubber dam or gel to protect them from the bleaching agent.

What Are the Pros and Cons of Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments?

One of the benefits of professional teeth whitening is that you’ll get faster and more noticeable results because of the stronger bleaching agent. The light also helps the gel penetrate your teeth, further speeding up the whitening process.

Another benefit of professional teeth whitening is that it’s usually done by a dental professional. Experienced dentists from institutions like Newbury Dental Group will closely monitor the treatment to ensure that your teeth and gums are protected from the bleaching agent. You’ll also receive personalized treatment based on your specific needs.

However, there are also some drawbacks to professional teeth whitening treatments. One downside is that they’re usually more expensive than at home teeth whitening kits. Another drawback is that you may need multiple treatments to achieve the desired results.

Which Is the Best Way to Whiten Your Teeth?

The best way to whiten your teeth depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, considering the following factors can help you make a faster decision:

How Soon You Want Results

If you want immediate and more noticeable results, professional teeth whitening treatments are the best option. However, if you’re willing to wait for results, at home teeth whitening kits will do the job.

The Cost

At home teeth whitening kits are usually more affordable than professional teeth whitening treatments. An at-home kit is the better option if you’re on a budget.

But if you’re willing to spend more money, professional teeth whitening will give you better results. Professional services will cost you an average of $500 per visit.

Your Teeth and Gums

If you have sensitive teeth or gums, it’s best to seek professional treatment. A dental professional can closely monitor the treatment and ensure that your teeth and gums are protected from the bleaching agent.

It’s also advisable to talk to your dentist before using an at-home teeth whitening kit.

Your Schedule

Professional teeth whitening treatments usually take one to two hours. This means you have to take time off from work or other commitments to go to the dentist.

You can do at home teeth whitening kits in the comfort of your own home and at your convenience. It’s the best option if you have a busy schedule.

Make an Informed Decision About Professional vs at Home Teeth Whitening Kits

Professional vs at home teeth whitening kits is a personal decision. Remember to weigh the pros and cons of each option before deciding.

Consider your needs, preferences, and budget when choosing between professional and at home teeth whitening kits. Don’t forget to consult with your dentist before beginning any teeth whitening treatment.

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