DIY vs. Professional Teeth Whitening

Tooth discoloration can be a result of many different factors and is a common issue that presents as we age. Fortunately, there are a variety of treatments to whiten teeth. From over-the-counter teeth whitening products to professional teeth whitening, there are plenty of options to consider.

The cause of tooth discoloration can vary, with stains being extrinsic (more of a surface stain) or intrinsic (stains found below the superficial layer of enamel). Just as there are different causes of discoloration, there are different types of teeth whitening procedures available to treat the problem.

Natural remedies or over-the-counter at-home whitening treatments are usually best suited for extrinsic stains – those that are surface-level, perhaps as a result of an affinity for a good cup of coffee or a glass of rich red wine.

Professional teeth whitening treatments are also available and are highly effective when it comes to both extrinsic and intrinsic stains.

For any type of teeth whitening, there needs to be some type of whitening agent that is applied to the teeth. The best results are obtained when the teeth are properly prepared for the procedure with a thorough cleaning and polishing, ensuring there is minimal interference with the treatment. In professional procedures, whether in-office or professional kits for at-home application, there is the added step of intentionally protecting the gumline from the whitening solution. This minimizes the potential for sensitivity in the gums during and after the procedure. If you choose in-office professional whitening, your dentist may apply a layer of fluoride after the treatment in order to lessen the likelihood of sensitivity on the teeth themselves.

In-office whitening procedures are the fastest and most effective way to whiten your teeth. A professional in-office treatment not only addresses extrinsic stains but can penetrate deep below the surface of the tooth to target those tough-to-reach intrinsic stains. Allowing a professional to handle the process also ensures that you don’t unintentionally cause damage to the gums or other parts of the mouth; your dentist will do a full exam to ensure any risk factors, like gum disease, can be addressed prior to treatment.

Laser teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure is done in-office by your dental professional and is a detailed, step-by-step process that can yield spectacular results – teeth can be whitened by up to ten shades. At the crux of laser teeth whitening is a concentrated bleaching agent that is applied to the teeth, which is activated by shining a laser (or bleaching light) directly on the surfaces of the teeth. For many people, desired results can be achieved in one sitting. However, multiple sessions may be necessary for some to get the ideal shade of white.

The Zoom Whitening in-office procedure is a fast, effective whitening solution that has great results with little to no sensitivity. The procedure is similar to laser teeth whitening in that your dentist will examine and prep your teeth for the treatment. Once the advanced whitening gel is applied to the teeth, the Philips proprietary WhiteSpeed blue LED light will be used to activate the gel. In just 45 minutes, teeth can be brightened by up to eight shades whiter. This treatment also includes a post-treatment gel to further protect the enamel and ensure sensitivity is at a minimum, as well as at-home whitening trays you can use for touch-up whitening in the future.

If you’re concerned about the chemicals or potency of professional in-office procedures, at-home products may be the right choice for you. Even within the category of DIY treatments you can do at home, there is a wide range of options available.

Grocery stores and pharmacies offer many options for teeth whitening. Whitening strips, whitening toothpaste, and more. A quick search online will reveal that there are plenty of digital “over-the-counter” options as well, which include at-home whitening trays. The length of time it takes to get the desired results can vary based on the strength of the active whitening ingredient and consistency of use at home.

If you’re looking for something a little more potent than over-the-counter whitening treatment, your dentist can provide you with a professional-grade at-home whitening treatment. The concentration of the bleaching agent is significantly higher, and these kits often include custom teeth whitening trays to use when applying the treatment to the teeth. Better results are typically obtained with these types of kits when compared to over-the-counter options, mainly due to the concentration of the bleaching agent and the way the custom application helps the whitening solution to fully cover teeth.

Using chemical agents to whiten teeth is highly effective but can be a source of concern for many. If you prefer to stay away from harsh ingredients that may cause sensitivity or if you feel they may impact your overall health in different ways, there are plenty of natural options for getting beautiful, sparkling white teeth.

Brushing your teeth with a baking soda paste (or a toothpaste with a high concentration of baking soda) can reduce the amount of plaque and significantly whiten your smile. Oil pulling is another option – oil pulling was practiced by the Indians as a traditional folk remedy to improve oral hygiene. While there isn’t much scientific evidence to prove the assertion, many claim it removes toxins from the body and can whiten teeth. Some prefer activated charcoal as a whitening agent, although it’s important to use caution because it can be abrasive for the enamel and gums; there are even natural toothpaste options with activated charcoal, which makes for an easier, more convenient way to try it out.

Deciding between teeth whitening at home vs. dentist-applied methods can be a difficult call to make and is a decision based on several factors of what is most important to you.

At-home whitening treatments are not as concentrated as professional options, and, as such, they take longer to achieve desired results. What takes one to two weeks at home can be achieved in a 45-minute session with your dentist. Even if you need another professional session to reach the shade you’re looking for, it will still take less time and hassle than DIY whitening treatments.

If you’re on a budget, cost and whether insurance will cover your whitening treatment will play a big part in the course of treatment you choose.

Most dental insurance plans do not cover cosmetic procedures like teeth whitening. Some do claim to offer coverage, however. Hence, it’s important to contact your insurance provider to know exactly what coverage can be applied to the total teeth whitening cost without insurance.

The professional teeth whitening cost will vary based on your geographic location, how many sessions are needed to achieve desired results, and which type of treatment you choose. On average, in-office whitening costs anywhere between $450 and $1000, with Zoom whitening falling at the lower end of the scale and laser whitening pushing the upper end.

Professional in-office whitening treatments yield longer-lasting results thanks to the depth of penetration by the bleaching agent. Although results won’t last forever, follow-up treatments or at-home whitening trays provided by your dentist to use in conjunction with the office treatment can help you maintain a beautiful white smile for much, much longer. Using DIY treatments will require more consistency overtime to brighten your smile but can make a significant difference over time.

Whether you opt for professional in-office whitening or a DIY method, it’s important to be consistent, follow the guidelines for treatment, and take care of your teeth both before and after the process. Take preventive measures when it comes to what you eat and drink to ensure your smile stays bright and beautiful for a long time. Practice good oral hygiene on a regular basis – it makes a huge difference in preventing discoloration in the first place and can eliminate certain conditions in the mouth that promote staining. If you would like a professional consultation regarding the best whitening treatment near me available for your unique situation, use the Smile Generation Find a Dentist tool to find a dental professional near me.