Why Professional Teeth Whitening Works Better

If your teeth are yellow, dingy, stained or discolored, you might be considering your teeth whitening options. You might have already decided that teeth whitening could enhance the cosmetic appeal of your smile, but have you decided what type of teeth whitening is right for you?

Some people opt for over-the-counter teeth whitening, while others choose to have professional teeth whitening. Both over-the-counter and in-office teeth whitening get your teeth whiter, but there are advantages and drawbacks to both. When you compare professional teeth whitening with commercial products, though, in-office teeth whitening works better. 

About Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening with over-the-counter teeth whiteners

Over-the-counter teeth whiteners can lift mild surface stains and slight discolorations. Types of commercial teeth whiteners include:

• Whitening toothpastes and rinses
• Whitening strips and chewing gums
• Teeth whitening trays

About professional teeth whitening

Professional teeth whitening involves the use of strong ingredients to provide exceptional results. Our dentist may recommend in-office teeth whitening or we can fit you with take-home trays. In-office teeth whitening starts by applying a protective coating to your lips and gums to protect them from the ingredients used in teeth whitening, and then we apply the whitening agent to your teeth. We’ll then shine an ultraviolet light on the treated teeth to activate the whitening agents. 

Our dentist offers teeth whitening in Fairhope AL that is vastly superior to any teeth whitening product available in stores. 

Dentist Discusses the Reasons Professional Teeth Whitening Works Better than Over-the-Counter Products

Professional teeth whitening uses professional-strength ingredients

Over-the-counter products contain weaker, less effective (and sometimes damaging) active ingredients 

Whitening toothpastes rely heavily on abrasives to scrub away stains. These abrasives can damage tooth enamel, especially if used incorrectly, too long, or too often. Whitening toothpastes may contain small amounts of peroxide to help whiten teeth. Whitening strips, by comparison, rely mostly on peroxide to bleach your teeth.

Professional teeth whitening also uses peroxide, but in stronger concentrations. 

In-office teeth whitening is faster than whitening at home

Whitening toothpastes and other over-the-counter products can take at least a month

Over-the-counter teeth whitening works slowly – you’ll need to use whitening toothpaste every day for several weeks before you notice any difference in the whiteness of your teeth. Whitening strips are faster, providing noticeable results in just a few days of applying the strips to your teeth twice a day. 

Because dentists use professional-grade teeth whiteners, they can bring your teeth to the whitest shade possible in just 30 to 60 minutes. Treatment time varies, depending on a number of factors, such as the dentist you choose and how many shades you want to whiten your teeth.

Professional teeth whitening is safer

Over-the-counter teeth whitening can harm your teeth, irritate your gums

While generally regarded as safe, over-the-counter teeth whitening products can damage your tooth enamel, irritate your gums, or cause other side effects. This is especially true if you don’t use the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions or if you already have damaged tooth enamel or sensitive gums.  

Professional teeth whitening is safer. Our dentist has access to stronger whitening agents, and has the expertise and experience necessary to use these stronger whitening agents safely. We also take special precautions to protect your tooth enamel and gums, all while getting your teeth as white as they can be.

Professional teeth whitening provides better results

Over-the-counter teeth whitening can leave dark spots

Dental work, such as fillings, crowns and implants, do not react to whitening agents in the same way as your natural tooth enamel. This means your dental work will remain the same darker shade, even as you whiten the rest of your teeth – this can make dark spots and dental work even more noticeable. 

Getting your teeth whitened at your dentist ensures consistent whitening with no uneven spots. Our dentist assesses your teeth and dental work to determine just how much you can whiten your teeth without creating unsightly dark spots.

In the long run, professional teeth whitening cost is lower

Over-the-counter teeth whiteners are less expensive, but you have to buy them more often

In-office teeth whitening costs anywhere from $400 to $600, whereas take-home trays typically cost from $200 to $300. 

Professional teeth whitening is a better investment because the whitening results last much longer – your teeth may remain remarkably white for up to 3 years. You’ll need to use whitening toothpastes and mouthwashes every day or every few weeks, for example, so you’ll have to budget $3 to $30 into your weekly shopping. Whitening strips and dental kits can cost upwards of $60, and you have to reapply them several times each month to maintain the results.  

If you spent $10 a week on teeth whitening products over the course of 3 years, you’d spend more than $1500. Clearly, professional teeth whitening is a better investment.

For more information on why professional teeth whitening in Fairhope AL is better than using an over-the-counter product, consult with Lagniappe Dental. Our dentist knows how to whiten teeth to achieve the best results possible.