Do At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits Work?

Are you feeling self-confident about your smile? If yes, you may wonder If at home teeth whitening kits or professional treatment are best.

Although at home kits may seem convenient and cost-effective, professional treatment from a dentist offers more compelling benefits.

Your teeth can suffer discoloration over time due to poor dental hygiene, smoking, and excessive consumption of colored food or drinks. Fortunately, not all is lost because you can restore your bright teeth and gain the confidence to flash your bright smile again with teeth whitening.

Regular oral hygiene and teeth cleaning can keep your teeth strong and healthy. But if you notice some discoloration in your teeth and this dental concern affects your confidence, having your teeth whitened may be your best option.

Whitening kits have become increasingly popular because they offer a more convenient way to whiten teeth. They can be used even without the help of dental professionals. However, they don’t always guarantee the best results. Ask your dentist: is DIY teeth whitening safe?

What Are At Home Teeth Whitening Kits?

At home teeth whitening kits come in a collection of trays and tubes filled with whitening gels or syringes. They come in various types, such as kits with moldable trays, pre-filled trays, and trays with LED lights.

How Do Teeth Whitening Kits Work?

At home teeth bleaching kits have whitening gels that contain carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide. They also come with trays that facilitate the bleaching process by holding the whitening gels in constant contact with your teeth.

• Pre-filled and moldable trays 

Pre-filled and moldable trays are heated up to mold onto your teeth. They use hydrogen peroxide as the whitening agent that triggers the bleaching action once it makes contact with your teeth. You can take the plastic trays off and on and fill them with the whitening gel as needed.

These trays serve as one-size-fits-all kits, and they produce fairly desirable results. Since they come in handy, they are perfect for you if you are always on the go.

• Kits with LED light

Teeth whitening kits with LED lights have become popular because of their aesthetic appeal. They may come with pre-filled trays or moldable trays with whitening gel, and a LED light is attached to them to activate the whitening gel and begin the whitening process. The LED light also enhances the effect of hydrogen peroxide, which helps produce better initial results compared to pre-filled and moldable trays.  However, the effects of the light are short-term and are mainly due to dehydration of the teeth.  Because of this, there is no real benefit in using an LED light for whitening.

How Do I Use Teeth Whitening Kits?

Most whitening teeth kits are designed to be used every day for 4 to 14 days straight, depending on the kit. Their bleaching agents should be left in contact with your teeth for at least under an hour to achieve your desired results.

Each kit can vary in the number of treatments. Most kits come with written instructions, so read them carefully to be guided on how to use them properly. They also contain a shade guide to let you monitor your progress.

Are At Home Teeth Whitening Kits Effective?

At home teeth whitening kits can show some results, but they have their limitations. Teeth whitening kits are effective only at eliminating some stains and help how to get rid of teeth stains. In-office teeth whitening is more effective because it uses whitening treatments that contain hydrogen peroxide concentrations of up to 40 percent, while most store-bought whitening products and kits usually have no more than 10 percent concentrations.

Advantages of Choosing Professional Teeth Whitening

Customized Treatment Plans

One of the main advantages of professional teeth whitening is the approach taken by dentists. Unlike generic at-home kits, dentists assess your dental health before tailoring a whitening regimen specifically to meet your individual needs. It is all based on factors like level of staining, tooth sensitivity, and any existing dental conditions for safe and effective results. Your dentist will explain your teeth whitening options. 

Professional-Grade Products

Although over-the-counter whitening kits may promise dramatic results, they tend to contain lower concentrations of whitening agents compared to dental professionals. Dentists have access to professional-grade products that deliver more potency and safety for teeth and gums. In addition, they are designed specifically to deliver maximum efficiency while simultaneously minimizing risks of sensitivity.

Supervised Treatment

Choosing a dentist for teeth whitening Matthews NC ensures you will benefit from professional supervision throughout the entire process. They have the expertise to monitor your progress and adjust accordingly to achieve optimal results without jeopardizing your dental health. Having this level of supervision ensures any potential side effects can be managed properly.

Professional Teeth Whitening Provides Faster Long-Lasting Results

While at-home kits can take weeks or even months to show noticeable results, professional treatments tend to produce faster. Dentists utilize advanced techniques like laser or light-activated whitening that significantly speed up the whitening process. Additionally, they often last longer so you can enjoy having a brighter smile for an extended period.

Comprehensive Dental Care During Treatment

When opting for professional teeth whitening, you have access to comprehensive dental care before, during, and after the process. Dentists can address any underlying dental issues like cavities or gum disease before beginning whitening therapy.

Post-whitening care instructions will also be given along with maintenance visits designed to extend the longevity of your new smile.

Home teeth whitening kits may pose risks when used incorrectly or excessively. Besides, professional whitening is conducted under careful supervision by trained dental professionals. This ensures the process runs safely and effectively, with reduced risks such as gum irritation or enamel damage.

Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Treatment At Matthews Family Dentistry

At home teeth whitening kits may offer convenience and affordability. However, their results often fall short of delivering desired outcomes when compared to professional treatments. Teeth whitening with a dentist remains the gold standard when it comes to creating brighter smiles under expert care and supervision. 

Get sparkling white teeth by undergoing teeth whitening treatment at our dental practice. We also offer dental implants, Invisalign, and more in Matthews, North Carolina. Schedule an appointment today!