Today’s generation is certainly much more conscious about their dental hygiene than generations of the past. Dental professionals are aware of this and have worked hard to improve the technology available to individuals looking to improve their oral health.
There are many whitening options available, but are at home teeth whitening kits as effective as in-office teeth whitening methods? That is something that is still up for debate and will be discussed throughout this article. Let’s get started.
Advantages and Disadvantages of At Home Teeth Whitening
When it comes to at home teeth whitening, the biggest advantage is the convenience of the process. You can complete the process whenever is convenient for you and do not have to worry about setting up an appointment. At home kits are also cheaper than most in-office procedures, as you will not be paying for any professional services.
The major disadvantage of at home methods is that they are significantly less powerful than in-office techniques (think over-the-counter medication vs prescription strength) and are only effective if done correctly. If you have never bought or used a kit before, they can be a bit difficult to get used to. In addition, many of the kits that are made for at home patients are not custom made. For this reason, using whitening trays can cause gum irritation and even some sensitivity.
Advantages and Disadvantages of In-Office Teeth Whitening
The most obvious advantage of in-office teeth whitening is the fact that it is supervised by a dental professional that can ensure safety and comfort. In addition, this professional supervision generally means a more effective treatment. Your dentist will also be able to provide you with further information about how you can maintain the whitest smile possible, which can be invaluable in the future. In-office whitening is also generally completed in one visit, requiring no further treatment or maintenance.
The only significant disadvantage to in-office whitening is that the cost of in-office treatment is generally slightly higher than that of at home methods.
The Final Word
Overall, most dental professionals would recommend that you begin the whitening process with an in-office procedure. This will ensure that the process is monitored by a professional and that maximum effectiveness is achieved. It will also ensure that the procedure is completed in a safe way that does not cause pain or irritation to your gums.