Professional vs. at-home teeth whitening: The pros and cons

June 15, 2021Cristian Sierra Uncategorized

Masks are coming off in Atascadero and across California, and it’s time to show off those smiles again. But the team at Guittard & Sierra Family Dentistry knows many of you might have some apprehension after a year and a half of masking up during the COVID-19 pandemic. So you might be asking yourself about the pros and cons of professional vs. at-home teeth whitening.

You do have options. Teeth whitening has become a lot easier than it used to be, and you have two main options when it comes to getting a whiter smile: at home treatment or bleaching at the dentist’s office.

Here’s what you can expect from both.

Both are likely to contain peroxide-based bleaching agents, no matter the type of teeth whitening you choose. At-home products contain between 3 and 20 percent carbamide or hydrogen peroxides while professional, in-office treatment systems contain 15 to 43 percent peroxide.

At-home teeth whitening

There are many choices for bleaching teeth at home.

Tooth whitening strips and gels: Applied directly to the teeth, these peroxide-based bleaching products usually need to be applied once or twice a day for about two weeks. Results last four or more months.

Tray-based tooth bleaching systems: With this option, a tray is filled with a peroxide-based bleaching gel or paste and placed over the teeth for one to several hours a day for up to four weeks. You can buy tray-based tooth whitening systems over-the-counter or have one custom-fitted by your dentist.

Tooth whitening toothpastes: Because they’re mildly abrasive, every toothpaste helps remove stains from teeth. But whitening toothpastes go a step further and contain chemicals or polishing agents that help scrub stains from teeth without the aid of bleaching.

There is a downside to at-home whitening products, however.

“The issue with these types of products, however, is you may use them without having the proper dental evaluation,” Dr. Steve Ratcliff, of Spear Education, said. “Sometimes these products can cause a lot of tooth sensitivity. … Your dentist may be able to prevent that sensitivity by the appropriate selection of a lightening agent or by choosing the right type of fluoride to use before and after you lighten your teeth.”

Professional teeth whitening

Teeth whitening at the dentist is usually much easier and faster.

In addition to the stronger peroxide solution that’s used in dental offices, heat or light or both can be used to speed up and intensify the whitening effects of professional treatment. Typically, to get teeth from three to eight shades brighter, patients should expect to do several office visits.

Here’s how the whitening process works at Guittard & Sierra Family Dentistry:

First, a mold is taken of your teeth. This is used to make a custom tray to hold the whitening gel against your teeth. These trays are yours to keep and can be used whenever you’d like an additional whitening.
Whitening gel is placed into the tray and then fitted onto your teeth.
We will show you how to perform additional applications of the gel at home.
In a short period of time, you will notice whiter teeth and a more attractive smile.

Perhaps the biggest advantage of professional teeth whitening is the fact that the dentist will ensure nothing goes wrong or isn’t working during your treatment. Teeth whitening is generally safe, but if it is done incorrectly, tooth hypersensitivity can occur after the procedure.

“You don’t want to lighten teeth that have decay or other issues,” Ratcliff said. “Sometimes you’ll get a better result if your teeth are cleaned before you start the lightening process.”

Plus, professional teeth whitening allows you to sit back and relax during the procedure and then leave the office with bright, pearly whites.

If you have more questions about teeth whitening, our Atascadero dental team is here to help. Ask about our dental membership program to get 10% off teeth whitening. As always, we’re a call or click away.