Chasing Brighter Smiles: Professional Whitening vs. Store-Bought Kits

Many people dream of getting a whiter smile that they feel more confident in. You may be no different, but what’s the best way to get to that bright look? There are two methods you might’ve thought of: a store-bought product or a professional whitening treatment. Both seem promising, but deciding which to get can be difficult. Here’s what you need to know about both and how one may be a better choice in the end.

Does Using a Store-Bought Whitening Kit Work?

The whitening products you may find at your local department store often use peroxide. Toothpastes, gels, and strips are some that promise the results you want. However, they may not be what you expect. These products use a low concentration of bleaching gel, usually giving you a one- or two-shade difference after about two weeks of consistent use.

Since these kits may not give you the transformation you want, it’s easy to get into a cycle of buying and using them. You risk overexposure of the product to your enamel, leading to weakening of it or sensitivity.

How Do Professional Whitening Kits Compare?

Most patients assume that they can only get their teeth whitened by their dentist in-office, but they may offer a convenient take-home kit. These are customized trays that you’ll fill with a professional-grade bleaching gel. You’ll wear them for a specified amount of time for a couple of weeks. Afterward, you can get up to an eight-shade difference!

So, Should I Get a Professional or Store-Bought Kit?

Heading to your dentist for the brighter smile you want is often recommended in most cases. You benefit from a thorough service that helps you feel your best without any complications. Your provider will first do a consultation with you, figuring out your goals and seeing if any oral health issues will get in the way.

Once that’s all done, then your treatment plan will be personalized to account for your unique discoloration. You’ll be given a high-quality bleaching gel along with your custom trays, which you’ll wear for however long your dentist says for about two weeks. Sticking to the instructions you were given can help make sure you have no hiccups and avoid sensitivity in the end.

By simply going to your dentist, you can avoid the cycle of buying store-bought products that leave you disappointed. That way, you enjoy a reliable treatment that gives you the dream smile you’ve always wanted.

About the Practice

At Dr. Laura Philipps, DMD, you benefit from the skilled leadership of Dr. Philipps and Dr. Marisa Ramos. We are here to help the Midland community get the aesthetic grins they deserve with effective services like professional teeth whitening. By listening to your goals, we can create a customized plan that gets you to the results you feel your best in. If you are interested in this treatment, schedule an appointment or call our office at (432) 570-4433.