Treating stained teeth might seem like an impossible feat, especially if you’re used to spending your hard-earned dollars on over-the-counter whitening products. Those found in a local drugstore may promote quick, beautiful, and effective results, but they often leave you feeling underwhelmed by what you see. You may be considering an alternative solution, but you may also wonder what is the difference between professional teeth whitening and store-bought kits. A cosmetic dentist is here to provide the answer so that you can feel more confident about pursuing treatment for your discolored smile.
How Are the Ingredients Different in Store-Bought Kits vs. Professional Whitening Products?
When preparing to brighten your smile, you may be tempted to purchase a store-bought kit that costs less than seeing a professional, but what you need to know is that the ingredients are not the same.
Store-bought products often contain peroxide-based bleaching agents that are at a lower concentration. This means that they are unable to eliminate deep, set-in stains beneath the enamel. Also, many of these products are not approved by the American Dental Association (ADA), which means they have not been tested for safety or effectiveness.
Those used in professional settings like a dentist’s office or provided by a trusted professional (i.e., dentist-approved take-home whitening kits) use a high-grade, peroxide bleaching gel that successfully penetrates the enamel, eliminating surface and deep-down stains.
Whether it is used in-office or at home, the decision to use professional-grade bleaching products ensures that you achieve a brighter smile in just one hour (in-office) or two weeks (take-home).
Why is Professional Whitening Preferred?
The reason it is better to seek a cosmetic dentist for teeth whitening is that not only will you invest in a solution that produces actual results, but you’ll also remain at ease knowing that you’re receiving a safer form of treatment.
Too often, patients using store-bought solutions do not follow the instructions or accidentally apply too much of the bleaching gel, causing it to leak onto their soft oral tissues. This can cause harm to these areas and create an unpleasant experience. Not to mention, tooth sensitivity is much higher when attempting to pursue a store-bought teeth whitening option.
When looking to boost your smile by several shades, don’t leave it to chance. Put your pearly whites in the hands of a trusted individual who can ensure greater safety and comfort while also helping to produce long-lasting, beautiful results.
About the Author
Dr. Christel Cochell is pleased to provide in-office, take-home, and non-custom professional teeth whitening solutions. Using professional-grade products that ensure optimal results, she and our team at Cochell Family Dentistry can deliver a showstopping smile in no time at all! To learn more about the products we use, contact us at (971) 273-5910.