Whitening your teeth helps improve your smile, but before you do it, the first step is to decide how you will get it done. There are many options out there, however, what all utilize is a peroxide-based active ingredient. Often, the difference comes in the strength of the bleaching agent and how it is delivered. Professional-strength whitening utilizes a higher concentration of peroxide, meaning it is stronger.
DIY vs. Professional Whitening
Professional cleaning requires that you visit our dental office for the procedure. A dentist will evaluate your gums and teeth before doing the cleaning. Depending on the health of the teeth and gums, the dentist may need to change the concentration of the bleaching solution.
On the flip side, do-it-yourself whitening is performed at home. You do the cleanings yourself using products that you get from grocery stores. At-home cleaning is generally less expensive, but not as effective as professional cleanings. Even more concerning is that the whitening systems are not able to protect the gum tissue and do not utilize professional techniques. The results are not consistent and may not last like those of professional cleanings. Additionally, at-home DIY cleanings are not very safe for the enamel and gum tissue.
You may also consider professional-strength take-home kits that our dentist provides you. These are safer since they are prescribed based on your gum and teeth health. You perform the cleanings at home using the instructions our dentist provides. These cleanings take more time to produce the results or shades you want.
Our dental office offers both in-office whitening and take-home kits, and both deliver good results. If you want to enhance your smile, schedule your appointment for teeth whitening. We also perform other procedures such as Invisalign clear braces and traditional braces or even crowns.
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