How Does Professional Teeth Whitening Compare to a Home Kit?
Dentistry has long been connected with the world of aesthetics, layering practical and health-related benefits with the patient’s overall look. From alignment to teeth whitening, many treatments that are offered by professional dentists improve the health and structure of the teeth, while also having an impact on the way they look.
Teeth whitening treatment is just one of the dental options that’s largely aesthetic-driven and has become one of the most accessible in recent years through over-the-counter and high street DIY and home kits. But at what cost?
What is Teeth Whitening and How Does it Impact Dental Health?
Teeth whitening is usually offered through a variety of methods, from laser whitening to bleaching kits. It tackles staining on the teeth and lifts the colour so that the teeth appear whiter.
One of the most important things for patients to know, whether they use a home kit or seek professional whitening, is that lifting stains from the teeth does nothing to tackle dental health. While whitening is typically offered as an add-on to other treatments, including Invisalign and other aligning processes, all it really does is improve the look of teeth, with no impact on any underlying dental issues.
So, teeth whitening is a great option for those who want to feel more confident in their smile, but it does not improve dental health, or mean that the teeth are healthy. A whiter smile is not always a sign of a healthier smile, so be sure to balance whitening treatment with dental check-ups.
Do Home Kits Work?
Now that we know a little more about teeth whitening and what it does, it’s time to tackle the big question. Do you really need to go through a professional procedure, or do home kits work just as well?
In short, home kits contain small amounts of bleach that, while they may enhance the whiteness of teeth to an extent, do not have anywhere near the levels of potency to provide truly effective and long-lasting results. In contrast to professional bleaching processes, home kits are much weaker, with the added risk of patients increasing tooth sensitivity through improper use of the kit.
In contrast, professional teeth whitening involves the closely monitored use of bleaching substances, which are added to moulded trays that sit directly over the teeth and ensure consistent and even exposure to the bleaching substance for a specified period of time. This controlled process of whitening is completed at home, with oversight and regular check-ins from your dentist.
Am I a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a pain-free process through which patients enhance and improve the look of their teeth. While some dental clinics use lasers for whitening, bleaching moulds are accessible and convenient, giving patients effective and lasting results.
Of course, whitening does not last forever, with patients typically undergoing further whitening at scheduled intervals. All of this and more can be discussed with your dentist, who can talk you through packages, potential side effects, and costs.
