Many teens and adults want whiter teeth, especially for big events like dances, work promotions, family pictures, or graduations. Getting professional whitening services may not be convenient or affordable for all patients, but are the at-home whitening kits reliable enough to provide results? Many different at-home whitening kits on the market can either be purchased at a drugstore or online. This blog will look into how professional whitening and at-home whitening kits differ and what results you can expect from an at-home kit.
Professional Take-Home Kits Vs Store-Bought
Your dental office may offer kits for patients to take home and use on their own, rather than sitting in a dental chair for hours to have them professionally whitened. These kits typically have a stronger whitening gel than store-bought kits and will be customized to your exact bite and the shape of your teeth. The trays from a dental office will ensure an even application of the bleach across all of your teeth, resulting in a more professional look.
At-home whitening kits may be more affordable than professional kits, but they won’t be customized to your mouth or specific teeth. The generic trays will also have a milder bleaching agent to limit sensitivity or pain that some patients with thinner teeth may experience. This often means that a store-bought kit won’t provide an even result or won’t remove all stains.
A Custom Fit From Professional Whitening
As previously mentioned, getting a whitening kit from your dentist means that the trays will be molded to the exact shape of your teeth. Creating a custom tray for each patient allows the bleach to sit directly on each tooth, leading to a whiter and more even result. Some dentists may provide multiple trays that need to be worn for multiple days. Wearing whitening trays for multiple days will provide a more subtle whitening, allowing your teeth to lighten gradually, lowering sensitivity from strong bleaching products.
Best Options For Those With Sensitive Teeth
Those with sensitive teeth or damaged enamel may struggle with handling strong bleach in professional whitening kits. For those who may experience sensitivity, store-bought products are often enough to provide the results that you need, without causing extensive damage to your teeth. Whitening toothpastes, whitening strips, and sensitive gel pens are recommended for those with weak teeth to help you gain more confidence without causing you pain while eating or drinking.
At-Home Whitening Kits May Not Address All Discoloration
Certain whitening gels and bleach kits are not all created equal; in fact, some of them may not treat all stains you want to remove. Having professional whitening ensures that stubborn stains will be removed or greatly reduced because your dentist is targeting those specific areas. Professional trays will also have a more concentrated amount of bleach, meaning the bleach seeps deeper into the enamel and removes dark stains.
For patients who use tobacco frequently, have tooth damage from medications, or stains from acidic drinks, professional whitening is recommended. Getting to the root cause of your stains and reaching deep into the enamel is the only way to ensure the teeth lighten multiple levels, enough to be noticeable to others in your life.
Learn About Options From Your Dental Office
Depending on the dental office you visit, they may have multiple whitening options to choose from, or they may have recommendations on the best products to use. Communicating with your dentist about your goals and whitening needs can help them provide a more thorough cleaning, find an affordable whitening option for your budget, or provide you with professional trays that can help you meet your goals. If you have an important event or want to boost your confidence, professional whitening is worth the investment if you want to love your smile.
Working With Jenson Dental
Jenson Family Dentistry offers multiple thoughtful services to help treat patients of all ages. As the top-rated dentist in Brigham City, we can provide you with a confidence boost after you visit our office. In addition to typical dental cleanings, we offer cosmetic dentistry, implants, veneers, dentures, crowns, bridges, root canals, and more.
We believe you should never settle for less when it comes to dental work. Each member of our team is professional, compassionate, and dedicated to providing each patient with the best aesthetics possible. Schedule a consultation or your first appointment with Jenson Dental to see long-lasting results and love your smile.
