At-Home vs. In-Office Teeth Whitening

We all want a smile that sparkles. Based on the commercials you see on TV, it’s easy to think that all you need for white teeth is a box that you can pick up at your local grocery store or pharmacy. The truth is, store-bought teeth whitening products aren’t the only way to get a brighter smile. In fact, they are typically quite inferior to professional teeth whitening systems that you can get from your dentist.

And while store-bought whitening products may be cheaper and easier to do than taking a trip to the dentist’s office, consider these before reaching for that whitening strip or tray:

• At-home whiteners may be more convenient, but when you opt for a professional in-office whitening procedure, you can be sure that your teeth are being treated with personalized care, using only high quality products. Being under the care of a dentist helps to ensure that you’re not over-bleaching and potentially damaging your teeth, instead whitening them safely, correctly, and effectively.
• At home strips or trays may work quickly, but you’ll see better results if you opt for in-office treatments. Dental professionals will perform in-office whitening with a higher concentration bleaching gel under carefully monitored conditions, producing results that are visible immediately.
• Trays, strips, and gels from the store are more likely to cause irritation to your gums. This was also a previous complain for in-office bleaching; however, dentists are now able to utilize thicker gels and other desensitizing agent to make it a more pain-free experience.

Regardless of which method of teeth whitening that you choose, remember that no results are permanent, and teeth will continue to accumulate stains with your daily habits and diet. That’s why it’s important to always practice good oral care – namely, brushing and flossing each day and scheduling regular dental appointments every six months.

To learn about professional teeth whitening from Alora Dentistry, please contact our Napa Valley office today. We love enhancing the appearance of your smile with our expansive menu of services in cosmetic dentistry.