In recent years, teeth whitening has rapidly become one of the easiest and most effective ways to put an easy sparkle to your smile. But with so many options available, people may find themselves weighing the pros and cons of whether to come to a dentist to have their teeth professionally whitened or do it themselves in the comfort of their own homes.
So, what’s the difference between the two options, and is at-home teeth whitening an effective choice to make?
As the Brisbane and Underwood area’s dental professionals, we know that making the right choice for both your budget and your lifestyle can be complex, which is why we’re here to provide you with all the information you need about whether at-home teeth whitening is the best choice for you.
What is at-home teeth whitening?
As its name suggests, at-home teeth whitening involves using products that are designed to be used to whiten your teeth on your own, as opposed to having it done in-clinic by a dentist.
An at-home whitening kit typically includes whitening gels, strips, trays, and a whitening agent (often hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) that works to remove stains and lighten the colour of your teeth over a period of days or weeks.
With an at-home kit, you apply the whitening agent yourself, which is a process that requires consistent application over a specific period of time to achieve noticeable results. The concentration of the whitening agents in these kits is generally lower than what a dentist would use.
Should I have my teeth whitened at the dentist?
As opposed to the DIY method, having the procedure done by a professional teeth whitening dentist uses a higher concentration of whitening agents and specialised equipment to achieve faster and more uniform results.
Dentists protect your gums and other sensitive areas before applying the whitening agent, often using a special light or laser to activate the whitening process. This treatment is carefully monitored to ensure safety and effectiveness.
What’s the difference between home and professional teeth whitening?
In general, at-home teeth whitening requires consistent application and patience, while professional whitening offers quicker, more controlled outcomes:
At-home teeth whitening:
- Uses lower concentrations of whitening agents
- Requires self-application – which, while more comfortable, may not always be precise
- Have results that vary and typically appear more gradually
Dentist teeth whitening:
- Utilises higher concentrations of whitening agents
- Is administered by a dental professional to ensure even application and maximum effectiveness
- Produces quicker, more consistent results
So, is at-home teeth whitening an effective option?
Generally, the effectiveness of at-home teeth whitening can vary not just based on the product used, but also on your own personal commitment to the process. While at-home kits can produce results that will make most people satisfied with their new smile, they typically do so at a slower pace and with less uniformity than professional treatments.
But for those looking for a convenient and cost-effective solution that can be done in your own time and comfort zone, as opposed to coming in specifically for an in-clinic procedure, at-home teeth whitening can definitely be an effective method for giving a new, cleaner sheen to your teeth, especially when used as directed.
Make the right choice for your beautiful new smile by coming to Underwood Dental Care
Ultimately, deciding between at-home teeth whitening kits and professional whitening at the dentist depends on your personal preferences, budget, and desired results. If you need some extra advice, you can always drop into the UDC clinic and ask our expert team of dental professionals which is better for you.
Since Underwood Dental Care offers both options to suit your needs, you’ll be able to make a decision that works for you and gives you the radiant smile you’ve always dreamed of.
So if you live in Underwood, or Logan, why not come by for a consultation or to purchase one of our specially designed teeth whitening kits for effective at-home treatment? Whichever option you choose, your journey to a brighter smile and better oral health starts with Underwood Dental Care.