Are Store-Bought Whitening Kits Better Than Ones From Your Dentist?

Are you bothered by your stained smile? You might want to brighten them with teeth whitening, so you look online for effective solutions. Store-bought kits might pop up as a convenient option, but are they worth it compared to professional treatment? Here’s what you should know about both methods so you can get the results you dream of.

Will Store-Bought Teeth Whitening Kits Work?

When at your local department store, you might see over-the-counter products that promise dramatic whitening results. They are easily accessible, and all you have to do is add them to your cart, but they can fall short. The bleaching agent in them isn’t concentrated, so consistent use may only yield a shade or two difference.

Using these items too frequently can weaken your enamel, but abrasive options with activated charcoal or baking soda can cause double the trouble. In the end, they can give you sensitivity or increase your risk of cavities.

Are Professional Teeth Whitening Kits Any Different?

Professional kits from your dentist have a higher concentration of bleaching gel. You will put it on customized trays you wear as directed for two weeks. Keeping up with your provider’s directions can help you avoid irritation or sensitivity while also giving you results up to eight shades brighter.

If you want a faster option, then you can consider an in-office treatment. You trade the convenience of doing it at home for quicker results. Your dentist will apply the whitening agent and give you similar results in about an hour.

So, Which Teeth Whitening Method Should I Get?

In the end, you might be able to guess which teeth whitening method would be better for you overall. A professional kit can give you the dramatic transformation you want without any of the potential discomfort. So, while you might want to turn to over-the-counter products, it’s best to keep them out of your cart. That way, you can trust you get the brighter smile you deserve.

About the Author

Dr. Cline earned his dental degree from Creighton University. He is proud to help patients in Idaho Falls correct the dental flaws that bother them with effective solutions like professional teeth whitening. By using high-quality materials, you can get a reliable solution to stains. If you want to get started on your journey to a gorgeous grin you love, schedule an appointment or call Dr. Cline’s office at (208) 529-0420.