Professional teeth whitening is a procedure that our patients ask us about again and again. A stunning, bright smile looks more hygienic and does wonders for confidence and overall appearance.
It’s understandable that for many, at-home DIY teeth whitening is an attractive option. But is your favourite influencer advertising a cheap product that seems too good to be true? Don’t risk chemical burns for a product that will give you only short-lived or limited results. The choice may not be as simple as you think.
In this post, we’ll compare professional, in-chair teeth whitening and at-home kits and help you reach a decision.
What is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Unlike over-the-counter solutions, professional teeth whitening is safe, effective and carried out by skilled dental experts. During this procedure, powerful whitening gels containing ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are carefully applied. These agents work wonders under the watchful eye of a specialist, with concentrations specifically chosen based on your level of discolouration and other factors. While DIY kits use similar formulations (reputable ones at least), only licensed cosmetic dentists have access to high concentration whitening products.
Your dentist will use a protective shield on your gums before putting on the whitening gel. This process enhances the whitening and prepares your teeth and gums for optimal recovery. Your dentist will ensure your teeth transform into their brightest selves without compromising your oral health.
How Do At-Home Whitening Kits Work?
DIY whitening kits generally contain milder forms of the active ingredients found in professional treatments. Their applicators can take many shapes – strips, gels, pens or dental trays – and are designed so that users can easily apply them, following the package instructions.
Have you ever found yourself standing in the dental care aisle, wondering if these kits really work? Whileconvenient, their lower concentration of bleaching agents often means that more frequent use is needed to achieve the desired brightness. A typical application time is over 30 minutes, with some kits requiring daily repetition.
By law, over-the-counter DIY teeth whitening kits contain a maximum of 6% hydrogen peroxide, a bleaching agent used to remove stains. In contrast, professional treatments tend to use higher concentrations, which partly explains their increased effectiveness.
Safety: Professional Whitening vs. DIY Kits
A sparkling smile doesn’t have to mean compromising your dental health. With professional treatments, your safety comes first. Your dentist acts like your personal guardian angel for your teeth. Your dentist will:
- Ensure the product only contacts your teeth (not your sensitive gums or soft tissue)
- Check for hidden cavities that whitening could make worse
- Monitor you for any adverse reactions
Ever used a teeth-whitening kit and suddenly found yourself wincing every time you sip your coffee? That’s because DIY kits come with a higher risk of user error – you risk overusing the product or allowing those potent bleaching agents to irritate your gums.
As the strength of clinical-grade agents is limited, be wary of any other additives at-home kits contain to try and make up the difference. There is a reason most products instruct you to ‘discontinue if your gums start bleeding’.
Effectiveness: Why Professional Whitening Offers Superior Results
Do you really want to mess around with teeth whitening strips at home for two weeks? Or would you rather get whitening done in one session? Professional treatments deliver more dramatic results in a shorter time frame. Higher-strength products, combined with precise application techniques, can lighten teeth visibly in a single session.
At-home kits typically require days or weeks of consistent use to achieve noticeable results. Even then, changes are usually more subtle than a professional treatment.
Customisation: The Professional Advantage
Dental professionals tailor the treatment to your needs. DIY kits are one-size-fits-all and it’s impossible to consider factors like tooth sensitivity, existing restorations and your desired final shade. Additionally, people with unique oral conditions might find professional treatments more effective in addressing their specific needs without causing discomfort or damage.
Cost Comparison: Short-Term Savings vs. Long-Term Value
Have you ever calculated how much those DIY teeth whitening kits truly cost over time? Sure, they seem inexpensive at first glance, but because they often require frequent re-purchases for maintaining those pearly whites, the costs really add up. Not to mention the potential damage you’re doing to your gums or enamel (fixing these is much more costly!).
Professional whitening is a larger upfront investment that gets you safer and more reliable longer-lasting results. When you consider the cost of replacing DIY kits, the price difference often balances out. We don’t hide our prices, visit our teeth whitening page for more info.
Convenience: The Reality of At-Home Kits vs. Dental Visits
Time-wise, at-home kits mean committing 30 minutes every day, often for weeks. Many users find this routine tedious and time-consuming (and that’s assuming you don’t forget a session).
On the other hand, professional whitening typically requires one or two visits to complete. While you need to schedule these appointments, the actual time investment is much shorter in practice.
Longevity: How Long Do Results Last?
Professional whitening results typically last between one and three years with proper care. On the other hand, DIY kit results often fade within a few months. DIY kits are effective at treating surface stains rather than deeper discolouration.
When Should You Choose Professional Whitening?
Have you got a wedding coming up? Consider booking 3-4 weeks before. Likewise, if you need results ASAP, have existing dental work or uneven discolouration, we’d advise investing in professional treatment.
Making the Best Choice for Your Smile
While at-home teeth whitening kits might seem attractive for their lower initial cost, professional teeth whitening offers superior results, safety and longevity. The oversight of dental professionals ensures the treatment is appropriate for your specific situation.
If you’re ready to invest in your smile with proven, professional care, contact Tandara Dental for a teeth whitening appointment.
