Professional In-Office Teeth Whitening vs. At-Home Teeth Whitening: Which One Is Better for You?

Teeth whitening is a popular treatment to help lift stains off of the enamel. Stains can occur as a result of heavily dyed beverages and a lack of oral hygiene. They are quite normal and can often be reversed with the help of in-office or even at-home treatments. While both types of teeth whitening are popular, it can be difficult to know which one is best for you. Continue reading to find out. 

Comparing teeth whitening options

Outlined below are quick overviews of the two most common types of teeth whitening, including information on which one is better for you.

Professional in-office

Professional teeth whitening from a dentist is performed in-office one or two times over a period of a few months. The appointment usually takes up to an hour, depending on how severe the stains are. 

As far as specifics, the solution that dentists use in-office is of the highest grade, which ensures the most effective results are obtained. Additionally, dentists have access to strong UV lights, which helps to cure the whitening solution afterward. Thus, helping the results to last longer, reducing the need to repeat treatment immediately. 

At-home

Teeth whitening that is done at home may consist of two options. Patients can either buy store-bought products, which may involve the use of trays or strips. However, it is good to know that store-bought teeth whitening is not as effective as a treatment from a dentist. The solutions are not as strong, which makes the results less effective. 

On the other hand, dentists can prescribe at-home teeth whitening trays, which are to be filled with a high-grade peroxide solution. At-home trays from a dentist are much more effective than store-bought products; however, they are still not nearly as strong as in-office treatment. They do require a disciplined schedule over the course of a few weeks. In order for treatment to be effective, it is key that the patient follows the schedule recommendation.

Which one is better?

When trying to determine which type of teeth whitening is most suitable for you, it is necessary to consider a few important factors. 

• How stained the teeth are 
• If there is any existing sensitivity 
• The desired shade of white 
• The ability to be disciplined, as at-home teeth whitening does require a strict routine
• The cost of both

Aside from the factors that are listed above, it is also advised to talk with a dentist before deciding. They will be able to evaluate the patient's teeth and determine which treatment option is most suitable.

Get started with teeth whitening

Each person has varying dental needs, which may determine the best type of teeth whitening. To find out whether at-home or in-office treatment is most suitable, it is recommended to consult directly with the dentist. An evaluation can be performed, and the patient can ask questions or go over concerns that they may feel. Reach out today to get scheduled for an appointment. 

Request an appointment here: https://www.lilburnfamilydentistry.com or call Lilburn Family Dentistry at (770) 800-0178 for an appointment in our Lilburn office. 

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