If you want to brighten your smile, teeth whitening is one of the most popular and accessible cosmetic treatments available today. With so many options on the market, it can be tricky to figure out whether professional take-home whitening kits or store-bought products will give you the results you want.
Let’s take a look at the differences between professional at-home whitening kits and over-the-counter whiteners, and which option will work best to brighten your smile.
What Is the Best Way to Whiten Your Teeth?
There are many reasons you may consider tooth whitening such as:
- Darkening of teeth with age
- Stains caused by coffee, tea, or smoking
- Staining caused by medications
Teeth whitening kits offer a simple way to lighten the natural color of your teeth and make your smile brighter. Most of them use a peroxide gel to improve the appearance of your tooth enamel without causing any harm. However, it’s important to remember that everyone’s teeth react differently to whitening kits. Because of this, not everyone will get the same results. If you want to find the best way to brighten your smile, always consult your dentist.
Do Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits Work?
Yes, they do! Professional strength take-home whitening kits are highly effective. These kits are custom-designed to give you professional results in the comfort of your own home. Many professional take-home kits come with custom-fitted trays that ensure an even application of your whitening gel. This is something you won’t get with store-bought options.
The gel in the take-home kits you can get from a dentist contains a higher concentration of whitening agents compared to over-the-counter products. This means you’ll get faster and more noticeable results. These professional-grade kits are ideal if you’re looking for a gradual, controlled whitening process that fits your daily routine.
Do Store-Bought Teeth Whiteners Work?
Whitening strips, trays, and toothpaste all offer some results, but they often fall short compared to professional whitening kits. While these products do contain whitening agents, they’re much less concentrated than take-home kits. It will take longer to see results from store-bought products, and the effects may not be uniform.
Another drawback to store-bought whiteners is the one-size-fits-all approach. Because the trays and strips are not custom-fitted, the whitening agent may not reach all areas equally, leading to patchy results. And without professional supervision, some users may experience tooth sensitivity or gum irritation if the products are used incorrectly.
How Long Does At-Home Teeth Whitening Take?
The time it takes to see noticeable results with at-home whitening kits can depend on factors like the current state of your teeth, your age, and the product you use. Your result time can also vary based on your desired outcome.
If you’re looking to restore your teeth to their natural color, your results may come quicker compared to striving for a bright, Hollywood-white smile. Keep in mind that store-bought whitening products often take longer to deliver visible results.
How Much Is Professional Teeth Whitening?
The cost of professional teeth whitening varies depending on the treatment you choose. Some dentists offer in-office treatments. However, at Baker Dental, we recommend take-home kits because they’re actually more effective than chairside whitening.
Professional take-home whitening kits can cost anywhere between $150 to $600, depending on the brand and number of trays needed. Store-bought products are generally much cheaper. However, because store-bought products won’t deliver lasting results, professional options are a better investment in the long run.
Opalescence Teeth Whitening
Our top choice for professional take-home whitening is Opalescence, as they are one of the most trusted brands. The Opalescence Go trays are easy to use, and they are much more effective than the disposable whitening kits you can find in stores.
Opalescence offers a range of products that cater to various whitening needs. It uses a professional-strength formula designed to minimize sensitivity while delivering visible results.
With Opalescence Go, you can expect:
- No impressions or molds, because the trays are ready to use right out of the box
- Faster results than store-bought products
- Reduced sensitivity due to the added potassium nitrate and fluoride
- Long-lasting whitening that helps maintain your smile for months
Get Professional Strength Whitening Kits in West Branch, MI
As the most advanced dental office in West Branch, Baker Dental is proud to offer quick, effective solutions that help our patients smile brighter. Our professional grade take-home whitening kits will deliver noticeable results faster and more safely than any store-bought product.
With our state-of-the-art technology, we can provide quick results that will allow you to enjoy your best smile sooner. If you’re ready to learn more about professional take-home whitening kits and how they can help you brighten your smile, schedule a consultation today.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (09/04/24). Photo by Andrea Piacquadio on Pexels.