If you’re unhappy with your smile and you want to whiten your teeth, you have plenty of options. Everything available offers whitening benefits, but not all of them are created equally. There are pros and cons to each type of whitening treatment.
Before committing to a whitening treatment, you should understand what each offers, how much each costs, and what you should expect.
In-Office Professional Whitening
In-office whitening or professional whitening is performed by a dentist at a dental clinic. It is the fastest and most effective method. You’ll see noticeable results in just one visit.
Many people choose in-office whitening because it offers immediate results. Stronger whitening agents are used than what you’d get with an over-the-counter product. Despite the more aggressive treatment, it’s safe and overseen by a dentist.
The downside of in-office whitening is that it costs more than many at-home options and requires a visit to the dentist. People prefer this option because it’s impactful, but some can’t afford it, and others just don’t have the time or desire to spend more time at their dentist’s office.
Custom Take-Home Whitening Kits
This option combines the best of both worlds. You get professional whitening custom-made for you, but the hard work is done at home.
If you decide to go this route, your dentist will create trays fitted to your teeth and provide a professional-grade whitening gel for at-home use over a few weeks.
Take-home kits are great for people who want in-office results without the commitment of an in-office visit. This option provides a personalized fit you won’t get with over-the-counter trays. It ensures even whitening and reduces the risk of gum irritation. It’s a great way to fit whitening into your schedule without scheduling a dental visit.
Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste is one of the simplest and least expensive options available. Many people take this route without even intending to. They just purchase toothpaste that happens to offer whitening benefits.
But this doesn’t mean it isn’t a viable option for those who want to whiten their teeth intentionally. Over-the-counter toothpastes with mild abrasives and whitening agents help remove surface stains with daily brushing.
This is arguably the most convenient and cheapest option. You already brush your teeth, so you’re just adding the whitening enhancement to your usual routine and budget. Of course, the trade-off is the results don’t have the same impact. However, because you’ll do it at least twice a day, most people do see results.
Whitening toothpaste is also great for maintaining professional whitening. However, some people might experience sensitivity due to toothpaste’s whitening ingredients.
Whitening Strips
This is another at-home option that can be added to your current dental hygiene routine. Thin, flexible strips coated with a peroxide-based gel that you apply directly to your teeth for a set time each day.
Strips are the second most affordable and convenient option. A package of whitening strips costs about $10 to $20 at any store that sells dental hygiene products.
Like most budget-friendly options, strips lack the customization and effectiveness of other methods. They can help, but results will likely be uneven, and, like many whitening options, it can trigger sensitivity.
LED Whitening Kits
LED whitening kits are a more advanced at-home whitening treatment. At-home kits combine whitening gel with an LED light to accelerate the whitening process. Results vary depending on the product.
LED whitening kits hasten the whitening process by activating the bleaching agent more efficiently. Many people find that they enhance the results of non-LED methods.
As you might expect, some people experience increased tooth sensitivity. Additionally, results vary depending on the quality of the kit and how consistently it’s used.
LED whitening kits are available for both at-home use and in the dental office. At-home versions are less powerful, while professional in-office treatments tend to be stronger and more effective.
If you’d like to whiten your teeth, creating a smile you love every time you see it, we can help. Professional whitening is safer and more effective than at-home treatments. You’ll get results you love without the effort of incorporating whitening into your at-home dental routine.
