Professional teeth whitening vs at-home teeth whitening

Looking for whiter teeth? After a winning smile? When deciding on teeth whitening methods, you need to be sure your teeth get the best and safest treatment available.

In the UK today, teeth whitening is now one of the most popular cosmetic solutions for people after a brighter, more confident smile. But with a sometimes-bewildering range of options, what is the best course of action? Our guide compares professional teeth whitening and home teeth whitening.

Tooth discolouration has many different causes, both extrinsic and intrinsic. Extrinsic factors are the result of staining caused by smoking, food, alcohol and hot beverages. If teeth are not cleaned adequately after consumption, there may be incidences of surface-level enamel discolouration. Intrinsic stains are the product of issues inside the tooth structure. These might be related to age, genetics or medications. In either scenario, the end product may leave someone feeling the affected area is unsightly or unhealthy.

Professional teeth whitening

Dentists typically use bleaching agents consisting of high-grade whitening gels. These usually contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, and are applied in controlled conditions to ensure optimal effectiveness and safety. Their objective is to target stains and lighten the colour of teeth by penetrating the enamel, thus resulting in a brighter appearance.

Treatment takes place in a clinical setting in tightly controlled conditions. Performed by professional dentists, it is inherently safer for teeth and gums. Treatment can result in eight to 10 lighter shades of tooth colour in one session. Dentists will seek to ensure gums are protected during the procedure by applying protective barriers to minimise gum irritation. Special lights or lasers may also be used to support the whitening agent.

Professional dental treatment is recommended if you need immediate guidance and fast and dramatic results. Surgery often lasts no longer than 60 to 90 minutes. With a dentist, you will be able to get an initial assessment and discuss specific solutions that fit your needs. Following treatment, you may be provided with officially approved custom trays and whitening gels and further guidance on dental maintenance. Costs will vary, but you could be looking at somewhere between £200 and £1,000.

Home teeth whitening

For people in need of teeth whitening treatment, there are a few reasons why they opt for home-based rather than clinic-based solutions. They might be on a budget or consider their stains too minor to warrant professional surgery. Before embarking on home-based teeth whitening, it is worth considering the standard procedure involved.

At-home teeth whitening kits tend to contain weaker chemical formulations than professional products. Custom-fitted trays and whitening gels enable someone to apply the bleach at their own convenience, sometimes spread over many weeks. Due to the lower concentration of bleaching agents, the process is more gradual and less drastic, and with less risk of sensitivity. This is not for someone after a quick fix.

While most aspects are DIY, there is still involvement from a professional dentist, who can oversee the process, give instructions and prescribe an appropriate kit. He or she can also suggest adjustments, if necessary, at a later date. Before undertaking treatment, it is necessary to book a consultation to get an overview of your oral health, impressions of your teeth and custom-designed trays.

Which treatment meets your needs?

For people on a budget, at-home whitening kits are cheaper than clinical treatments, costing around £20 to £100, but it may take two to three weeks to notice significant changes. Regular reapplication is required to maintain brightness. Teeth whitening performed in clinical conditions is likely to last for 12 to 18 months with the right care, whereas the at-home approach will need to be periodically repeated every few months. In the long run, treatment at the dentist might offer better value for money.

Safety is another important factor. Any cheap or unregulated bleaching products are potentially dangerous, and risk burns to gums or damage to enamel. Even with officially endorsed products, there is still a risk of sensitivity if applied too frequently. If you do choose the at-home method, ensure all products are dentist-approved. To avoid damage and future staining, a reduction in smoking and certain foods and drinks will prolong your whitening results.

If you need teeth whitening in Chester, call Art of Dental Care today to set up an appointment.