Is it better to get teeth whitened at a dental office?

Many strive for a “pearly white” smile. However, white teeth do not necessarily equate to healthy teeth. Prioritize oral hygiene over a whiter smile. But what if your dentist deems your teeth are prime candidates for whitening?

The first question you should ask is, “Should I whiten my teeth at home or the dental office?”

Home Options

There are some customary at-home whitening kits you can apply yourself:

• Whitening toothpaste

• Whitening strips

• Whitening trays/gels

Whitening toothpastes slowly attack stains. They don’t work like other bleaches to whiten under the enamel. Instead, they use mild chemicals and abrasives. While these products provide a cheap option, they can cause enamel damage with overuse, and they do not bleach teeth.

Whitening strips also provide a cheap option, but they are known to work slowly.

Whitening trays and gels are typically the most successful at-home whitening products because they mimic dental procedures. The big difference between the two is the at-home products can be ill-fitted. Poorly fit trays can cause gum irritation from the bleach solution.

Dental Procedure

Peroxide is the chemical that bleaches teeth. Peroxide levels in products vary from 10% to 22%. Dentists use peroxide in a higher percentage than most store-bought products to achieve faster results.

Dentists use this higher concentration because they protect the gums in the process. They also use light and heat to activate the product. Dentists can even see if anything is going wrong that might suggest the patient is not a good candidate for safe teeth whitening. While dental procedures are more expensive, they are safer and more effective.

Making a Decision

If it’s within your budget, seeing your dentist for teeth whitening is the reliable option. Reach out to Hale Family Dentistry to talk to a dentist about what works for you.