As social media becomes more popular, having white teeth is something that many people want. But just how can you get perfect pearly whites? Many people turn to over-the-counter whitening kits because of their low cost. However, they are not as good as the professional version from your dentist. Continue reading to learn more about how these two types of whitening differ.
Do Store-Bought Whitening Products Work?
Kits that you find in your local department store are often peroxide-based. They have a low concentration of bleaching agent, so they may whiten your teeth by one or two shades after a couple of weeks of consistent use.
Many people enjoy the lower cost and convenience as the whitening products can come in toothpaste, strips, gels, or even trays. Since the results may not be what you expected, it’s easy to get into a cycle of constantly buying them to try and get the smile you want. Additionally, it’s easy to overuse these products. Consistently exposing your enamel to the bleaching agents can weaken it over time and cause tooth sensitivity.
How Do They Compare to a Professional Treatment?
In short, professional teeth whitening treatments are much better for your smile. The ingredients are very similar, but your dentist uses a highly concentrated version. They may offer in-office treatment or a take-home kit. The former service is about an hour-long visit that can brighten your smile by six to eight shades. The results are much more noticeable, making you feel confident quicker without any sensitivity.
If you enjoy the convenience of doing the treatment at home, then your dentist can give you custom trays and professional whitening gel. After wearing them according to the instructions that your dental office gives you, you will have similar results to an in-office visit in about two weeks. Compared to a store-bought kit, you will have more dramatic results that keep your enamel healthy and strong.
Which is Right For you?
Getting a brighter smile through your dentist is often your best choice. Not only do you benefit from high-quality ingredients, but you also ensure that your oral health doesn’t falter. The results are much more dramatic and last longer than store-bought kits. Instead of wasting your money on consistently buying products that don’t give you the pearly whites you want, consider talking to your dentist about their professional whitening treatments.
About the Practice
At Smiles of Memorial, we want you to feel confident in your grin. Led by Dr. Viet Tran, we help you whiten your teeth either with an in-office visit or an at-home kit. Using state-of-the-art equipment, you can even see how your results will look before starting the service. In the end, you will have a smile that’s whiter and sensitive-free. If you have stains that you want to get rid of, schedule an appointment or call us at (281) 493-0061.