Your smile is the first thing many people see when they meet you. While this might not be a problem for some, others may experience extreme insecurity about the appearance of their smiles. There are many reasons why dental patients experience smile insecurity, and one of the most common reasons is how white your teeth are. 

When you scroll on social media or watch a movie, you’re faced with brilliant white smiles that may have you reaching for an at-home whitening kit. But are these at-home kits the best way to achieve the white smile you’re hoping for? In this blog, we’ll discuss the pros and cons of at-home and professional whitening to help you decide what is best for achieving your dream smile. 

Why Do Your Teeth Change Color?

As you get older, you might experience many appearance changes. From changing hair color to the appearance of freckles and sunspots, these changes are a normal part of everyday life. But one change you might not be comfortable with is the change in the color of your teeth. There are several reasons why your teeth may change color, including: 

• Age: As you get older and your enamel wears down, your dentin is exposed. This inner portion of your teeth is yellow, leading to a change in the appearance of your smile. 
• Diet: While you might enjoy a cup of coffee or dark fruits and vegetables, the pigment attached to these foods and drinks can alter the color of your teeth over time. 
• Tobacco Use: The tar and nicotine in tobacco products are known for their staining properties. Individuals who smoke may notice a drastic change in their smile. 
• Medications: While this isn’t as common as the methods above, some medications, like antibiotics, antihypertensives, and antihistamines, can change your tooth color. 

The Advantages and Drawbacks of At-Home Whitening Kits

If you want to make immediate changes to your smile, at-home whitening kits are a great solution. But, with all of their conveniences, there are still a few drawbacks to these at-home products. 

The Advantages

• Inexpensive Whitening Option: If you want to whiten your smile on a budget, at-home whitening kits are the way to go. Unlike professional treatments, at-home whitening kits often cost no more than $100, making them a great way to whiten without having to visit your dental provider. 
• Convenient to Use: When you’re ready to whiten your smile, you likely want to get started as soon as possible. At-home whitening kits offer the convenience of use whenever you want. No matter the time or day, these kits are a great way to reach the white smile of your dreams. 
• Great for Minor Stains: For individuals who are dealing with minor staining, at-home whitening kits are a great way to address them. They can gently lift the stains from coffee and dark-colored foods and beverages.

The Drawbacks

• Not Tailored Treatment: When you rely on at-home whitening kits, you don’t have the luxury of tailored whitening. These kits may not be strong enough to achieve the level of whitening you’re hoping for. 
• Uneven Whitening: In addition to not being customizable, at-home whitening kits may not provide an even lift. This might result in white spots across your teeth as you attempt to achieve your desired smile color. 
• Increased Sensitivity: One of the biggest downsides of using an at-home whitening kit is the increased sensitivity. It isn’t uncommon for whitening strips to lead to an increase in sensitivity to cold and hot temperatures. 

The Advantages and Drawbacks of Professional Whitening

While at-home whitening kits can help you make an immediate change to your smile, they aren’t nearly as effective as professional whitenings. There are many reasons why patients have relied on these services for decades, but they do come with some drawbacks. 

The Advantages

• Custom Whitening: With the support of a professional dental team, you can trust that you can achieve the white smile you’ve dreamed of. They can craft an in-office plan to ensure you reach your goals and are satisfied with your service. 
• Monitored by a Professional: When you visit your dental provider for whitening treatments, you don’t have to worry about anything going wrong. These services are monitored by a professional, which means there is someone present if anything begins to feel a little off. 
• Greater Whitening Power: Your dental team has access to much stronger whitening agents than are present in store-bought products. If you want to whiten your smile several levels, these professional whitening agents are your best choice. 

The Drawbacks

• More Expensive: While in-office treatments are more efficient, they are often far more expensive than store-bought products. If you are working on a budget, this may make in-office treatments unappealing. 
• Not as Convenient: If you schedule in-office whitenings, you may have to wait several weeks before your appointment to arrive. This can be discouraging if you’re whitening your teeth for an upcoming event. 

Which is Best for You? 

Ultimately, at-home and professional teeth whitenings have their advantages and drawbacks. 

At-Home Whitening is Best If:

• You’re looking for an inexpensive option
• You want to whiten your teeth whenever and wherever you  want
• You need minor whitening

Professional Whitening is Best If: 

• You need major whitening
• You’re worried about increased sensitivity
• You prefer attending in-office dental treatments

Your Whitest, Brightest Smile

If you want to achieve your brightest, whitest smile yet, turn to our team at Jeson Dental for support. For generations, we’ve helped dental patients across Brigham City achieve the smile of their dreams. Whether you’re preparing for an upcoming event or are experiencing insecurity about your tooth color, we’re here to help you feel more confident with your smile.

If you would like to schedule a professional teeth whitening or have any questions for our team, don’t hesitate to contact us today for support.