Teeth Whitening: At-Home or the Dentist’s Office?
Teeth whitening has become one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures in the U.S., and for good reason—it’s a quick and easy way to restore the bright, white color to your teeth if they are getting dull or discolored over time. If you’re trying to decide between getting it done at a dentist’s office or with a do-it-yourself kit at home, here are some things to consider.
Cost
One of the biggest concerns that people have with teeth whitening is how much the procedure will cost. The average cost of teeth whitening is going to be higher at your dentist’s office than it would be at home, but usually for good reason: it’s quicker, easier, and often more effective from your dentist than what you can do at home. Since the procedure is cosmetic (meaning it’s not medically necessary) most insurance plans won’t pay for it, so plan to pay out of pocket. You can also ask whether your dentist has any discounts or deals available.
Effectiveness
An in-office teeth whitening procedure will be done by trained dental professionals so it will be safe, and you can feel confident you will get the results you expect. They also use ingredients with higher concentration of whitening power, which means a single treatment is usually enough to see a noticeable difference. With at-home whitening you’ll be working with ingredients approved to sell over the counter, which won’t be as strong and will usually require multiple treatments over the course of several weeks or months to see a difference. Plus the at-home treatment are not as customizable to your teeth, which might result in inconsistent results—some surfaces whiter, while crevices between teeth remain discolored.
Simplicity
Getting your teeth whitened at the dentist usually takes about an hour and can brighten your teeth as many as 10 shades. All you have to do is sit back and relax, and the dental team will do all the work. It’s much easier than trying to figure out which at-home solution you want: boil-and-bite whitening trays, strips, whitening rinse, or toothpaste. If you go with at-home whitening trays you have to figure out how to do it without making a huge mess and getting bleach all over your bathroom, and how often to do it for the most effective whitening. It will likely take a lot more of your time than an in-office procedure.
Other Concerns
There are a few other concerns with teeth whitening to think about. If you have generally healthy teeth and gums, you’re probably fine to do it on your own at home. However, if you have concerns like extreme tooth sensitivity, gum disease, or other dental issues, whitening could put you at higher risk of tooth damage and pain. A dentist can help get your teeth properly prepared. Women who are pregnant or nursing should also avoid teeth whitening.
Whiten Your Teeth Today
Schedule an appointment at Young Family Dental today to find out how easy teeth whitening can be.