Professional Teeth Whitening Kit: Pros & Cons
If you’ve been curious about teeth whitening, you’ve likely wondered if an over the counter (OTC) kit will get the job done or if you should invest in a professional whitening kit. OTC versions, which can include strips, trays, pens, toothpaste, and rinses, are available at almost any retail store these days —and you don’t need to visit a dentist or have a prescription to buy them. Professional-grade teeth whitening kits, on the other hand, are custom-made for every person.
Here, we share some of the differences between professional teeth whitening kits and OTC options, and their pros and cons.
Professional Kits: Pros
Popular reasons people choose professional teeth whitening kits over OTC versions include:
- Custom trays: Professional teeth whitening kits have custom-made trays that fit your mouth perfectly.
- Fast results: It can take weeks or months to see results from OTC kits. Professional whitening kits, on the other hand, can result in a brighter smile in just a couple of hours.
- Less sensitivity and irritation: OTC teeth whitening kits can use harsh chemicals that may irritate your teeth and gums, causing them to be more sensitive. With professional teeth whitening kits, your dentist can help you adjust the amount of bleaching agent you use to ensure less sensitivity.
- Long-lasting results: Many factors determine how long the results of professional teeth whitening can last but typically it’s about three years.
- More effective on different types of stains: Professional teeth whitening kits can have a powerful effect on discoloration and deep stains that OTC teeth whitening kits may have trouble correcting.
Professional Teeth Whitening Kit: Cons
Some reasons people may choose an OTC whitening kit over a professional version include:
- Cost: Professional teeth whitening kits can be more expensive than OTC kits. However, it’s important to consider lifetime costs. OTC teeth whitening kits aren’t as long-lasting, so you may spend more money in the long run buying more kits.
- Convenience: Professional kits require a trip to the dentist while OTC teeth kits can be purchased at a store or ordered online any time.
The Benefit of Partnering with a Professional
Teeth whitening isn’t an exact science. Different people have different needs, which is why so many types of whitening kits exist. Purchasing an OTC teeth whitening kit is a bit like playing the lottery: You can’t be sure your choice will have winning results.
Consulting with a dentist before beginning the teeth whitening process can help ensure the kit you’re using best suits your needs. You’ll also have an expert on hand to answer your questions throughout the process.
Interested in Professional Teeth Whitening?
Making your smile brighter is one of our favorite things to do at Purcell Family Dental. Contact us today to schedule a consult so we can create the best custom teeth whitening experience possible.