A white smile is for more than just the aesthetic benefit. In fact, brighter smiles are perceived as a sign of health and confidence because people who are happy with their teeth tend to smile and talk more, which in turn exudes confidence that is attractive to other people. Despite the benefits of a white smile, very few people have teeth that are not discolored. A poor oral care routine and the combination of foods you consume cause stains and discoloration on your teeth. Many people consider teeth whitening treatments for this reason, but it can be challenging to know whether this treatment should be performed at home or a dental office. Below, you will find the differences between professional vs. at-home teeth whitening.

Professional vs. At-Home Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening involves lightening the color of your teeth by removing stains and discoloration that make your teeth yellow. The whitening formula uses a bleaching agent—often hydrogen peroxide due to its ability to penetrate your enamel and reveal a whiter smile—to break down stains. When considering teeth whitening services, people often wonder about the differences between professional and at-home whitening treatments. Consider the differences between the two options below.

Professional Whitening Treatments

A dentist performs professional teeth whitening treatments. The dentist uses high-quality whitening agents and a formula that helps you achieve a brighter smile right away. Dental professionals are skilled in cosmetic dentistry, as is represented by the popularity of professional teeth whitening. Consider the following benefits of professional teeth whitening.

Long-Lasting Results

Professional teeth whitening gets beyond the surface of your teeth. It penetrates your enamel to give your teeth a whiter appearance that is made to last. Depending on how you care for your oral health, the results can last well over a year. Touch-up treatments can extend even further. 

Safety

Skilled professionals perform professional teeth whitening treatments. They understand the anatomy of your teeth and the impact of the whitening agents, so they are able to ensure your safety and reduce the likelihood of unwanted symptoms. Sometimes, at-home treatments can result in tooth sensitivity, which can cause a lot of discomfort. Opt for a professional teeth whitening treatment at a full-service dental office. It is optimal for safety and effectiveness.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

At-home teeth whitening is done at home without the supervision of a dental professional. Dentists provide some at-home treatments, but people most commonly associate at-home treatments with the type of whitening kits you can purchase in stores. These are often whitening strips or trays. Consider the following benefits of at-home teeth whitening treatments.

Widely Available

At-home whitening treatments are easy to get at the store and are often less expensive than in-office whitening treatments. However, they come with the drawback that they are less effective than professional whitening. Because of this, they are often not the most cost-effective option because the treatment needs to be repeated more often than it would if it were completed in a dental office. While at-home treatments are widely available, they are not the best choice in the long run.

Less Expensive Initially

At-home whitening treatments are less expensive than professional whitening treatments if you only purchase them once. However, they are less effective, so you will likely have to purchase several whitening kits to achieve any results. This can be costly over time, making professional teeth whitening treatments a preferred option.

Am I A Good Candidate for Whitening Treatment?

A skilled dental professional can work with you to achieve your aesthetic goals. Candidates for whitening treatment include those who have significant staining or discoloration. Those with sensitive teeth who want immediate results may benefit more from professional teeth whitening because it can be customized to you.

Full-Service Dental Office

If you are unhappy with the look of your teeth, contact the team at Chino Aesthetic Dental today to schedule an appointment!