In-Office vs. OTC Teeth Whitening: Which Is Better & Safer?
Professional teeth whitening helps brighten your smile efficiently and safely. However, there are several factors to consider, including cost, lifestyle habits, and whether a complete in-office treatment or a personalized session is the best option.
Safe Teeth Whitening Methods
Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are the two most used tooth whitening agents. The oxygen molecules in these whitening chemicals weaken your teeth stains on a molecular level, unlike whitening toothpaste that employs an abrasive component to remove surface-level stains physically.
Peroxide is also used in several over-the-counter (OTC) whitening strips, kits, and pens. The chemical concentration is the significant difference between these products and getting professional, safe teeth whitening from your dentist.
Professional teeth whitening treatments, like at-home whitening solutions, come in many options. Professional whitening done in the dental office is a faster but significantly more expensive option to brighten your pearly whites. Custom take-home trays lie halfway between in-office professional and over-the-counter whitening in terms of treatment duration and expense.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth cleaning in Denver is usually done in a series of brief sessions, the exact number of which depends on your specific needs. A whitening chemical is applied for 15 to 30 minutes, with the full procedure taking no more than an hour and a half.
There are a few different types of whitening procedures available in the dentist’s office:
A syringe-applied high-concentration hydrogen peroxide gel;
A hydrogen peroxide coupled with a high-intensity light, such as LED, UV, or halogen. A lamp or laser device that sits right outside of your mouth emits the light.
According to a 2016 study published in the Journal of Conservative Dentistry, halogen and laser light improved teeth lightening more than hydrogen peroxide alone. After three weeks, research participants in the halogen and laser light groups still maintained the white teeth color acquired during treatment. Those in the non-light group had "shade rebound" after just two weeks—their previously brightened teeth had darkened.
OTC Teeth Whitening
While in-office whitening is quick and convenient, take-home trays require some effort. If your dentist feels your smile is prone to new stains, they may be your only treatment or follow-up treatment to in-office whitening.
Your dentist will take an imprint of your teeth for a custom-fabricated tray. This tray will provide you with more thorough whitening effects than OTC trays since it will precisely fit the contours of your teeth. You'll most likely receive a carbamide peroxide-based gel to place in the tray and use at home instead of a hydrogen peroxide-based gel.
How to Decide if Professional Teeth Whitening Is for You
Are you unsure if professional teeth whitening is right for you? Well, professional treatment might be for you if you want to go at least two shades lighter and don't want to try over-the-counter medicine—or have tried them but to no success.
Conclusion
Everyone's results are unique as different variables influence teeth whitening. Some people have whiter teeth because their tooth enamel is healthier or their stains are simpler to remove. Others may have stubborn stains that require more time to alter. Before beginning a teeth whitening procedure, see a dentist first to talk about the best options for you.
G-Dental32 offers dental services in Denver, such as general dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants, oral surgery, and sedation dentistry. If you're looking for safe teeth whitening services, book an appointment with us today!
