Are you looking for the best option to get better results in your teeth whitening procedures? The desire for teeth whitening, no doubt, has skyrocketed in recent times; however, making an informed decision on which method to choose is usually tricky.
This article compares at-home and professional teeth-whitening procedures, helping you choose the best option for getting a brighter, whiter smile.
At-Home or In-office Teeth Whitening?
Professional or in-office teeth whitening procedures are generally considered better than at-home treatments. Licensed dentists use more potent bleaching agents, which give faster and better results than the Do-It-Yourself (DIY) method.
Again, the services of professional dentists are considered safer between the two bleaching options. This, to a great extent, minimises the risks that are associated with teeth bleaching.
The table below captures the key differences between the two teeth-whitening methods.
| Factors | At-Home Whitening Procedure | Professional Whitening Procedure |
| Cost | Cheaper. Bleaching agents are also more accessible to users. | More Expensive. The exact cost is influenced by the dentist’s practices and your preferred method. The take-home teeth bleaching procedure is cheaper than the in-chair procedure. |
| Effectiveness | Less effective due to the use of lower concentration agents | More effective due to the use of high-bleaching agents |
| Supervision | Users strictly follow instructions to produce results. | Provides more control over the process. Clients receive greater attention from dentists. |
| Customisation | Less customisation due to a lack of professionalism and customisation tools | It offers excellent customisation tailored to individual needs, such as custom trays and whitening gel consistency. |
| Treatment Period | It takes a longer time to produce results. It takes consistency to achieve a better outcome. | Faster and better. Results can be achieved instantly or in fewer days, depending on the complexity of the procedure. |
While the two teeth-whitening procedures can be maximised to achieve teeth-whitening, each has pros and cons. In the long run, what matters most is choosing the most suitable method.
Are Over-the-counter Teeth Whitening Kits Safe?
Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits are safe if used according to the direction of a dentist. However, they come with associated risks if not properly used. If you must use bleaching kits for your teeth, ensure you contact a professional dentist for guidance and supervision.
Some of the side effects of over-the-counter teeth-whitening kits include:
- Tooth Sensitivity
- Tooth erosion
- Damage to the pulp of the teeth
- Gum irritation
- Damage to dental filling
- Enamel damage
- Discolouration
- Increased risk for demineralisation of teeth
Potential Risks For At-home Whitening Methods
At-home teeth-whitening procedures come with many risks if not done correctly. While it is affordable and readily available, the procedure may expose you to danger that may damage the enamel.
Beyond this, it risks oral health as the whitening gel may leak into your gums during the procedure. If you carry out DIY teeth whitening or patronise unregistered dentists or untrained staff at beauty salons, here are some potential risks to which you stand to be exposed.
1. Uneven Whitening Results
One of the risks of the at-home whitening option is a disparity in the appearance of your teeth colour. This is usually a result of using a one-size-fits-all tray that is not customised to the size of your mouth.
This leads to improper fitting and eventual disparity in the whiteness of your teeth.
2. Burns to the Gums
The at-home whitening option may lead to chemical burns to your gum. When this happens, it will lead to redness, swelling, soreness, and irritation.
3. May Not Be Suitable For All Stains
The at-home whitening method is usually unsuitable for all types of teeth stains, especially those caused by trauma or medications. So, attempting this whitening treatment poses a significant risk if you are unsure of its suitability.
This is why the in-office treatment is highly recommended between the two teeth whitening procedures.
Potential Risks for In-office Whitening Methods
1. Tooth sensitivity
Tooth sensitivity occurs when the whitening gel seeps into the sensitive dentin layer under the enamel. This is a common teeth-whitening risk. Tooth sensitivity irritates the tooth’s nerves and worsens when such a tooth is exposed to cold or hot temperatures.
2. Enamel Damage
Though a minor risk, when whitening agents are not correctly used, it could damage the tooth enamel.
3. Allergic Reaction
Some people experience allergic reactions to the agents used in formulating the whitening gel, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. While this is a minor risk, it can manifest as blisters, rashes around the mouth, gum irritation, and difficulty breathing in severe cases.
Ask your dentist to stop the procedure if you experience this.
Tendency to Bleach Teeth not Indicated for Whitening
You stand a chance of bleaching teeth that are not indicated for whitening if you fail to consult a licensed dentist. It is ideal to examine your teeth first to determine the health status of your gums and teeth before undergoing the whitening procedure.
People with certain dental conditions shouldn’t whiten their teeth as the procedure worsens them. Such conditions are:
- Gum disease
- Sensitive teeth
- Cavities
- Tooth decay
- Exposed roots
Tendency to Bleach Dental Calculus
The dental calculus or tartar is a hardened plaque that forms on the teeth, and cannot be broken down by simple bleaching. Instead, you need the services of a dentist to remove it through the use of specialised tools. Bleaching dental calculus in an attempt to whiten the teeth is not aesthetically pleasant.
Mere bleaching does not remove calculus. If you must use the over-the-counter bleaching agents, ensure that you first visit a dental professional to scale off any tartar that may have formed on your teeth. You must also practice good oral hygiene to remove dental plaque.
Which Method Produces a Long-term Whitening Effect?
The professional or in-office method produces a long-term whitening effect due to dentists’ whitening concentration, which usually has a higher concentration. The same cannot be said about the DIY method or at-home method.
DIY doesn’t last, especially when it is done without the guidance or direction of a professional dentist.
Which Method is More Effective?
The professional teeth-whitening method is more effective and durable than the at-home option. This is because dentists use higher-concentration agents to whiten the teeth.
Again, since they supervise the procedure and use customised trays, the rate of the procedure’s effectiveness increases.
Cost Effective: At-Home or Professional Teeth Whitening Method?
The in-office teeth-whitening procedures are usually more expensive than the at-home methods. Most at-home whitening agents are affordable. Some are even found around your environment. Examples are lemon, activated charcoal, baking soda, apple, cider, vinegar, and hydrogen peroxide.
However, in-office dentists charge more for teeth-whitening procedures, and the cost could vary between government owned hospitals and private dental clinics.
Conclusion
With the increasing demand for aesthetics, teeth whitening procedures have continued to gain popularity. Notwithstanding, it is important you avoid beauty salons and employ the services of certified dental professionals if you want to whiten your teeth.
Secondly, there are numerous over-the-counter teeth whitening products available. You must ensure that the product you are using for your at-home teeth whitening procedures are approved by your dental healthcare provider. Remember your mouth is your pride. Therefore cherish it and give it the proper care it needs by always visiting your dentist for your dental needs.
