Teeth whitening has rapidly become one of the most popular treatment methods in cosmetic dentistry. But with many options available from professional teeth whitening to at home treatments, it can be hard to decide which route to take.
If you are wondering which one is right for you, you are not alone. Here’s everything you need to know to make an informed decision.
Professional vs. DIY Teeth Whitening: What’s the Difference?
The first step in your decision process is understanding the difference between professional and DIY teeth whitening. Let’s break it down.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile. It uses advanced technology that has been clinically proven to achieve results. It involves visiting a dental clinic to see a qualified cosmetic dentist who will perform the treatment.
They will tailor treatment to your needs, create a personalised treatment plan and schedule follow up appointments where needed.
DIY Teeth Whitening
DIY teeth whitening are treatments that you perform at home, with no guidance or assistance from a professional. Often coming in the form of strips that you’ll apply to your teeth for a set period of time, they contain the same active ingredient as most professional treatments, but at a weaker strength.
The Benefits of Professional Teeth Whitening
The majority of patients find professional teeth whitening superior to DIY teeth whitening in more ways than one. Here are the benefits you’ll enjoy:
Tailored Plans
One of the main benefits is the tailoring of the treatment. Your healthcare provider will customise your plan to suit your exact needs, taking into account the current condition of your teeth, your whitening goals and your budget.
Customised Treatment
With professional teeth whitening, you don’t have to fit in the same box as every other patient. Often, clinics provide custom-fitting trays that are moulded to your teeth.
Others will offer in-clinic bleaching where a professional applies the mixture directly to your teeth. Regardless of the approach, you’ll enjoy an even and effective coverage.
Fast Results
When seeking professional teeth whitening, you access much stronger products than in DIY kits. Overseen by a dentist, you can achieve a brighter smile in just a few days thanks to the professional-grade whitening products.
This means that you will see better results faster than performing treatment at home.
Safety
As with any professional treatment, you can enjoy peace of mind that the procedure will be performed safely. Dentists will evaluate your oral health, offer customised treatment plans and monitor your progress throughout teeth whitening journey.
The Pitfalls of DIY Teeth Whitening
It’s no surprise that DIY teeth whitening kits are popular. They’re affordable to most, and extremely convenient. But regardless of whether you opt for whitening strips, trays or gels, they have their limitations.
Limited Effectiveness
One of the main limitations of DIY kits is that they are typically weaker than professional teeth whitening treatments. The concentration is lower in order to minimise risks as you will be using the kit at home without supervision from a medical professional.
This means that you’ll find it takes much longer to see results than when visiting a clinic for your treatment.
Non-Customised Solutions
Due to the nature of at home treatments, solutions are typically a one size fits all. The inability to customise your treatment to your needs could lead to unevenness in results, discomfort during application and irritation of the gums.
If you have any underlying conditions, these could also be triggered or made worse as treatment is not tailored to your specific needs.
Risk of Increased Sensitivity
Without professional oversight, at home whitening could lead to increased sensitivity of your teeth and gums. This can occur through misuse if the strips, trays or gels are not applied correctly, or overuse if the concentration is not suited to your needs.
Factors to Consider Before You Whiten
Considering whether to opt for professional teeth whitening or a DIY kit isn’t an easy decision. Many factors should be considered including:
Your Budget
Price could be a significant factor in determining which path to take. Unsurprisingly, professional treatment is generally more expensive than at home treatments. If you are budget conscious, you may be leaning towards an at home kit.
Your Goals
Another factor to consider is the goals you have set for treatment. If you are seeking significant improvements with an even coverage, then professional teeth whitening would be more suited. This will provide faster, better quality results.
The Condition of Your Teeth
If you have pre-existing conditions such as sensitivity or signs of gum disease, professional teeth whitening is the route that you should choose. It’s important to seek the advice of a healthcare professional who will provide treatment without the risk of your condition worsening.
Your Proximity
Depending on your location, it isn’t always possible to visit a clinic in person. If this is the case, a DIY teeth whitening kit could be the better option for you. It’s beneficial to do your research and see if any clinics are in your area so you can make an informed decision.
If you can’t get to a clinic regularly, you could ask their advice when you do attend to ensure you’re a good fit for whitening and the home kit you’ve chosen is suitable.
Making the Right Choice for Your Smile
If you are still undecided, get in touch with the experts at My Family Dental and we’ll help you to make the right choice for your smile. We look forward to hearing from you soon.
