Teeth Whitening With a Dentist vs At-Home Whitening

One of the most common requests dentists receive is teeth whitening. A bright, white smile is achievable for most patients, but choosing between at-home and professional whitening services can seem like a daunting task.

Understanding the differences between the two methods is the first step to making the best choice for your smile.

In-Office Whitening

Whitening in-office is often the safest and fastest way to get a brighter smile. Further, if you have deep stains, it’s often the only way to achieve the results you’re looking for.

Your dentist has access to stronger bleaching agents and customizable methods of protecting your surrounding teeth and gums to minimize or eliminate the risk of irritation. These whitening methods also last longer and are more immediate than at-home methods.

Whitening in-office tends to be more expensive than most of the readily available at-home options, but if you’re concerned about irritation or have had extensive restorative procedures, it may be your best whitening choice.

At-Home Whitening

Whitening toothpaste is one of the least expensive methods of teeth whitening and is easily accessible to most. There are also options for strips, pens, and gels available for at-home teeth whitening.

Whitening at home involves products with fewer bleaching agents than you’d find in the formulas used during professional teeth whitening. At-home methods require consistent use over a course of weeks or months to achieve desired results.

While this might make them seem safer for sensitive teeth, it’s important to follow instructions closely and have a thorough oral exam from your dentist first to make sure your teeth are healthy enough to undergo at-home whitening. Improper use of at-home whitening products can cause more problems than they fix.

Professional Teeth Whitening in Pflugerville, TX!

If you’re ready to take your smile’s shine to the next shade, or if you have more questions about which method may be right for you, then call us at Pearls Orthodontics to schedule your consultation today!

Categorised in: Teeth Whitening