When you look in the mirror, do you wish your smile were a little bit brighter? You’re not alone. Many people want a whiter smile. The good news is, you have some great choices to make your teeth shine. The two main ways to whiten your teeth are at a dental clinic or at home. Let’s compare them to help you decide which is the right choice for you.
In-Office vs At-Home Teeth Whitening
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Let’s start by learning about what causes the colour of teeth to change. Over time, coffee, tea, and soda can stain the surface of your teeth. This type of staining is known as extrinsic staining. Your teeth can also become darker due to age, certain medications, or other reason. This is known as intrinsic staining. Teeth whitening treatment in Wetaskiwin involves the use of a special gel to remove the stain and whiten your teeth. Such gels often contain peroxide as their active ingredient: either hydrogen or carbamide.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Home Kits
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Then, there is the application of the most popular term, “chairside bleaching.” In this category, teeth whitening may be done by a dentist within the dental facility.
- How it works: A powerful whitening gel is placed on your teeth by a dentist in Wetaskiwin. They will put a special covering on your gums so that they’re not in direct contact with the gel first, before they apply the gel. Occasionally, a special light or laser is used to speed up the effectiveness of the gel. The entire process lasts for one to two hours.
Pros
- Fast Results: You can get results in as little as a visit. A good number of shades lighter teeth will most likely result in the accuracy that you would want and the outcome that you are preparing for, such as a wedding or graduation.
- Stronger and Much More Effective: The gels used in dentists’ clinics contain several times more active ingredients than those found in supermarkets. Thus, they also penetrate deeper into the tooth and remove the deepest stains.
- Safe: A dental expert supervises the entire process. They will know how to keep your gums and mouth safe so nothing goes wrong.
- Customized: A dentist checks your teeth beforehand to ensure that this is a viable option for you. It is also possible to concentrate on certain teeth if they are stained more than others.
Cons
- More Expensive: This treatment is more expensive than home kits due to the special gel, the equipment, and the time of the dentist.
- Potential Sensitivity: Since the gel is so powerful, some individuals may experience a slight tooth sensitivity or discomfort for a day or two following the treatment.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
This, too, is a method used to whiten teeth at home by individuals themselves. There are two types of this procedure: the kits given by dentists and ones bought from drugstores.
- Kits from your dentist: Your dentist will create individual trays that fit exactly over your teeth. Your dentist will give you a special whitening gel to put in the trays, and you’ll wear the trays for a given number of hours per day as directed by your dentist, usually a week or two.
- Kits from the store: These are things (products) you can buy at a supermarket or drugstore, like strips, pens or trays.
Pros
- Convenience: Whenever it’s most convenient for you to start whitening your teeth, you can just go ahead.
- Lower Price: Store kits usually cost less than or are cheaper than professional kits at a dental clinic near you.
- Gradual Results: The weak gels make the whitening process take longer. This may be better for people with sensitive teeth.
Cons
- Slower Results: It is a longer process to notice a difference, and the end result may not be as light as with an in-office treatment.
- Less Effective: At-home kits contain a much weaker whitening agent and may not be effective on deep stains.
- Risk of Misuse: If you don’t use the instructions, you may have uneven results or irritate your gums. Improperly fitting trays can cause trouble, too.
- No Professional Check-up: You may not realize if you have other dental problems, such as cavities, that need to be addressed before you whiten your teeth.
Teeth Whitening Options Compared
Let’s look at a quick comparison of in-office vs at-home teeth whitening to help you understand the differences
| Feature | In-Office Teeth Whitening | At-Home Teeth Whitening |
| Speed | This is a very quick process, a one-time treatment | It is slower, takes days or weeks |
| Effectiveness | It is very effective on deep stains | These are moderately effective on mild stains |
| Cost | Higher | Lower |
| Safety | Supervised by a dentist | Depends on proper use |
| Results | Immediate and dramatic | Gradual and less dramatic |
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Worth It?
If you require an extremely quick, extremely white, and durable outcome, then professional in-office whitening is a fantastic option and well worth the additional price. It is also the most secure, as someone professional is looking after you.
If you don’t have much money and want to whiten your teeth gradually, then perhaps an at-home kit is what is best for you.
In the end, the best teeth whitening method is the one that suits you. The key is to speak to a dentist first. They can assist you in selecting the best teeth whitening treatment for your individual smile and ensure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for the procedure.
Enhance Your Smile with Teeth Whitening!
Wetaskiwin Family Dental provides safe and effective teeth whitening to help remove or eliminate stains and improve the brightness of your smile. Our dental team uses professional methods that give lasting results from the treatment while keeping your teeth as well as your gums protected.
Call Wetaskiwin Family Dental today to book your appointment at our dental practice.