Professional Teeth Whitening vs At-Home Kits: What Works Best

Everyone hopes for a brighter smile. It instills confidence in a person. It can change how they look in photos and during conversations. Two options are mainly available for modern-day tooth whitening treatments. One can undergo treatment professionally in a dental office, or they can choose to purchase a kit and do it at home. Both options promise brightening of teeth. But which one does better? And does it really matter? Understanding the difference would help you make a wise decision about your smile.

Understanding the Basics of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is the process of removing stains and discoloration from tooth enamel. Over time, the teeth lose their lustrous shine. Stains from coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco are common. With aging, after enamel thinning occurs, teeth begin to look yellowish. Some medications can also cause discoloration of the teeth.

Both professional treatments and home kits try to make teeth whiter. But they work differently. The strength of the whitening product matters. So does how safely it's used. Results can vary quite a bit between the two methods.

Now, we’ll examine how each approach actually works.

At-Home Whitening Kits: What to Expect

There are multiple types of whitening products sold in stores and online. Strips, gels, LED kits, and whitening toothpaste are just a few examples of what is available. They are very easy to get. No appointment with the dentist is needed.

Common Benefits

Less upfront cost.

It can be used at your convenience.

But the results are slow. It takes weeks for any notable change to be noticed.

Some disadvantages do exist with these kits. They contain very weak whitening agents compared to those used by dentists. Uneven results are a typical occurrence. Some teeth become whiter than others. The strips or trays may not fit well, which can cause the gel to touch your gums. This situation causes sensitivity or pain. Some users, in an attempt to get faster results, overuse the product, which can wear away tooth enamel. Many people become impatient and overuse the products, thinking faster results will come. This damages the enamel.

Professional Teeth Whitening: How It Works

Professional whitening is carried out in a dental office. Dentists in Saskatoon apply strong bleaching agents to teeth during the treatment. These products have a higher concentration of whitening ingredients as compared to over-the-counter products. A laser or LED may be used to speed up the process.

The dentist protects your gums first. Then they apply the whitening gel to your teeth. The whole process usually takes about an hour. Results show up right away.

Benefits

• After just one visit, the results are clear and evident.

• Everything is done under the supervision of the dentist to ensure safety.

• Custom trays are made, which fit the teeth exactly and cannot irritate the gums.

• With much care, results tend to last longer.

Sometimes, dentists may supply professional trays for patients to take home for their treatment. These trays are stronger than the ones you buy in the store, but are not as aggressive as the in-office trays.

Why Professional Supervision Matters

Before starting any whitening procedure, it is recommended that you have your mouth examined by a qualified dentist. Some patients might have cavities or gum-related problems, and if these remain unattended, whitening agents could exacerbate the conditions.

Professional guidance means using the right amount of whitening product. Too much can hurt your enamel. Too little won't give you results. When a full dental procedure is performed in partnership with dental services in Saskatoon, your overall oral health stays protected. The dentist looks at the big picture, not just making teeth whiter.

Getting the right dental team does make a difference if you plan on having your teeth whitened.

Choosing the Right Option for You

Consider a few things before making a decision. Do you want immediate results? What's your budget? Can you invest more upfront for longer-lasting results? Are your teeth sensitive? These factors will influence which method will yield better results. 

Are you comfortable heading into the dental office? Or would you prefer to do the procedure at home? Both methods can work. But your results depend on your specific needs. Getting advice from a dental professional helps you choose wisely.

West 14 Dental: Giving Confidence to Brighten Saskatoon Smiles

West 14 Dental is an ultra-modern dental practice for safe and effective teeth whitening in Saskatoon. The entire team works towards keeping the patient relaxed and comfortable. They take time to understand what you want from the whitening treatment.

They utilize the most up-to-date whitening technology and provide personalized attention by guiding you to select the best whitening option suited to your lifestyle and goals.

If you are ready to treat your smile to make it brighter, you can always visit the team at West 14 Dental with inquiries about the various whitening options. They will draw up a plan tailored to your teeth and your time, without pressuring you into making a big decision.