Having a mouth full of pearly whites is a desirable trait for most people. Unfortunately, as we age, our teeth become darker and discolored, and consuming certain beverages like red wine, tea, or coffee can exacerbate the discoloration. Habits like smoking can also increase the potential to have staining.
Rather than changing lifestyle habits, which is much more difficult to do, the most common solution is whitening products.
There are two primary teeth whitening options: professional-grade, which includes in-office treatments and at-home kits, and over-the-counter treatments, which can include whitening toothpaste, strips, gels, rinses, and tray-based systems.
The main difference between professional whitening and over-the-counter whitening kits is their strength and formulation. Although you can purchase teeth whitening products at most retailers, they will not be as effective or long-lasting simply because they lack the strength of professional-grade products.
There are many factors to look at when determining which whitening option is best for you. The following are some key factors to consider:
Brands of over-the-counter whitening kits are limited in the amount of bleaching agents (primarily hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide) that they can include in their formulas. Professional-grade kits contain higher percentages of active ingredients, whereas over-the-counter kits typically have lower, and oftentimes, undisclosed active ingredient percentages. This means that the results will not be as dramatic or noticeable.
The decreased concentration of active ingredients also means that results may not last as long with over-the-counter kits. The results of over-the-counter kits greatly vary depending on the brand, while professional-grade kits, such as Opalescence Go™, or in-office treatments like Opalescence Boost™ that are administered by a dental professional can provide better and more predictable results.
Over-the-counter whitening kits can be more hazardous when compared to professional products.
The primary danger with over-the-counter or online purchased kits is that they greatly vary between brands. Some patients choose to use products advertised on TikTok, Twitter, Instagram, and other social media platforms, some of which may or may not be regulated and approved for safe use by the American Dental Association. Another danger is that many people don’t understand how to use teeth whitening kits. One of the most common problems with home whitening kits happens when the bleaching agent leaks into the gums, causing pain and sensitivity to the gum tissue and, in the worst case, damaging the tissues.
Comparatively, when the treatment is performed in office, it is completed by a professional, and every precaution is taken to prevent negative effects from happening, protecting your gums and teeth from damage. Should you purchase a professional-grade take-home kit, your dentist will offer clear instructions on how to safely use it.
As you might have already guessed, professional-level products and in-house dental services are priced differently than over-the-counter whitening kits. While you may initially wonder why it’s worth it to pay more or less for bleaching treatments, remember that over-the-counter treatments may vary in effectiveness, while professional-grade can offer more predictable results.
Although teeth whitening is a relatively common dental procedure, there are some risks, primarily that it can cause tooth sensitivity. If you know that you have sensitive gums or teeth, take this into account. If you do experience tooth or gum sensitivity, it will dissipate over time.
Another risk of teeth whitening is overuse. If you undergo professional teeth whitening, you won’t have to worry about this risk, as your dental hygienist and dentist will provide frequency recommendations.
Many dental professionals recommend their patients whiten their teeth professionally no more than once or twice a year. Of course, the frequency of whitening should also be based on the severity of your discoloration, so we highly recommend scheduling a consultation with your dentist. If you don’t have a dentist, Kardynal Dental is accepting new patients—we’d be happy to create a personalized plan for you based on your unique needs.
Whitening kits can go a long way, but some of the best ways to maintain a brighter smile involve basic preventive dental care and lifestyle changes:
Kardynal Dental has been helping individuals and families improve their oral health for over 35 years. We offer comprehensive services to our patients, including general preventative care, restorative procedures, teeth whitening, implants, and emergency care.
If you’re interested in learning more about our in-office or at-home teeth whitening kits, schedule an appointment at our clinic today. We’re accepting new patients!