Want to whiten your teeth but unsure whether to choose professional teeth whitening or an at-home kit? Well, join the club!
It’s no surprise that teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments, but the products, whitening agents and results can vary considerably.
That’s why understanding the key differences between professional teeth whitening and at-home kits can help you choose a whitening method that suits your smile, oral health and expectations. More importantly, getting the guidance of a trusted clinic can only strengthen your decision-making.
To talk about teeth whitening, click here, call 01474 873 455 or email hello@newashgreendentalandaesthetics.com today and speak to our awesome team at New Ash Green Dental and Aesthetics!
What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening involves using a carefully selected whitening treatment under the supervision of registered dental professionals.
To ensure you get the best treatment plan for your whitening needs, an assessment is needed. This will allow dental professionals to check whether professional teeth whitening treatments are appropriate. This is particularly important if you have sensitive teeth, gum disease, untreated decay or other dental concerns.
What Is At-Home Teeth Whitening?
At-home teeth whitening can refer to several different options.
These include:
- Over-the-counter kits
- Whitening strips
- Whitening toothpaste
At many dental clinics, professional teeth whitening treatments can include dentist-supervised whitening using custom whitening trays. These are professionally made and typically involve custom trays designed to fit your teeth. The whitening gel is placed into the trays and used according to instructions provided by your dental practice.
Standard over-the-counter kits and whitening products are more widely available, but they may use different whitening ingredients and concentrations.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs At Home Kits: The Key Differences
The main difference between professional teeth whitening and at-home kits is the level of dental supervision and personalisation.
With professional teeth whitening treatments, you will enjoy:
- Assessment of oral health before whitening
- An appropriate whitening system
- Custom whitening trays
- More precise fit than generic whitening trays
- Professional guidance
- More predictable results
In contrast, home kits provide:
- Convenience
- Personal schedule
- Cheaper option
However, results can vary depending on the product, application and type of staining.
Can At-Home Kits Whiten Your Teeth?
Look, yes, some home teeth whitening products can produce a whitening effect. However, the result depends on the product and the type of staining you have.
The more likely outcome to expect is minor improvement where staining has occurred. For example, whitening toothpaste can help remove some surface staining, but it is not the same as a professional whitening treatment designed to change the colour of the teeth.
Why Dental Supervision Matters
You should never underestimate the value of dental supervision, even with something that may feel as simple as teeth whitening. It is only registered dental professionals who can properly assess whether teeth whitening is appropriate for your individual dental health. During the same assessment, they will be able to identify problems such as untreated decay or gum disease that should be addressed before whitening.
Ultimately, the added extras that dental supervision provides make it way more preferable to simply purchasing whitening products online or using treatments in beauty salons.
Which Whitening Method Should You Choose?
The answer to this question comes down to how good you want the results to be. If the only consideration is price, then an over-the-counter product is likely to be better for you.
However, we believe you need to think about the level of dental supervision you want, the condition of your teeth and gums, the type of discolouration you have and how predictable you want your whitening results to be.
For the best chance at a whiter smile, click here, call 01474 873 455 or email hello@newashgreendentalandaesthetics.com to book your appointment today at New Ash Green Dental & Aesthetics!
