If you are tired of noticing yellow or dull-looking teeth when you smile at yourself in the mirror or see yourself in photos, you may be thinking about using a teeth whitening kit to brighten up your smile. You could head to the nearest big box store and pick up a whitening kit, or you could make an appointment with your dentist to request a professional-grade product instead. Does it really matter which option you choose? This blog post explains what you should know.
What They Have in Common
Professional take-home teeth whitening kits and over-the-counter products share the same goal: to lift surface stains and help teeth look brighter. Both options usually rely on peroxide-based ingredients to break up discoloration from coffee, tea, red wine, and other common sources of staining. In many cases, both can improve the look of your smile when you follow directions carefully and use the product for the recommended amount of time.
Both options are available in tray form, and both require consistency if you want visible results. Neither option can change the color of crowns, veneers, or fillings, so people with dental work may notice uneven shade changes.
Why Professional Products Are Better
Although both approaches can brighten teeth, professional products usually deliver a better experience and more reliable results. Here are some benefits you can expect when you choose professional options instead of their OTC counterparts:
- Custom trays create closer contact with the teeth, which helps the whitening gel stay in place and cover the teeth as evenly as possible. This customization also minimizes the risk of gum irritation.
- Professional formulas often have higher-quality, more concentrated ingredients that can deliver more powerful results in a shorter period of time.
- Supervision from a dental professional helps identify issues such as cavities or worn enamel before treatment starts. This makes sure your whitening endeavor is as safe as possible.
- Professional products have a strong track record of success and are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). In contrast, some OTC options are not ADA-approved and may use harsh ingredients.
Do you want to brighten your smile in the comfort of your own home? Ask your dentist if you qualify for a professional take-home whitening kit.
Meet the Practice
At Gillis Dental Professionals, our team is proud to provide both in-office and take-home whitening kits. We use proven products that have a record of safety and effectiveness. If you are ready to get rid of pesky dental stains, we would love to assist you! To schedule a cosmetic consultation or learn more about us, contact our Needham office at 781-202-6357.