Blog

Teeth whitening is one of the most widely preferred cosmetic dental procedures, and quite a simple one as well. Although we recommend our patients get teeth whitening done by a professional dentist in their dental practice, several over the counter teeth whitening products are available in the market today. Reading further will help you understand the difference between the two so that you can make a better choice when you wish to get your teeth whitened.

How can you whiten the teeth using OTC products?

OTC whitening products usually come in the form of a whitening kit. It comprises a standard whitening gel, whitening trays made from plastic, and in some cases, it may also come with a portable LED light. The idea is to squeeze a small amount of whitening gel into each tray, spread it evenly, and place the trays on the teeth. The LED light is provided to increase the efficiency of the bleaching agents in the gel, and you could only wish the gel is touching all the teeth to get a consistent level of whitening.

How is professional teeth whitening carried out?

When you visit us to get your teeth whitened and remove the stains on their surface, we will explain the various options to you. The most preferred and highly-recommended method is in-office whitening, which is carried out under the dentist’s supervision in practice itself. A suitable whitening gel is applied on the teeth, allowed to work its magic, and rinsed off using water after a few minutes. It can be repeated multiple times depending on the severity of the discoloration and the extent of whitening you prefer.

If you are short on time and wish to get the procedure completed quickly, you could choose laser teeth whitening. Here, the dentist uses a laser-activated whitening gel in combination with a laser of the right intensity. Upon activation, the gel liberates oxygen molecules and forms a foam, thereby speeding up the procedure. What’s more impressive is that the results produced are better and long-lasting, making it the most effective whitening method.

Which is the better one?

Gum health: It is best to keep the whitening gel away from the soft tissues of the mouth, such as the gums, as it can have adverse effects. It could be difficult when you whiten the teeth by yourself using OTC products. But, when a professional dentist does it, they closely monitor the procedure and ensure the gel doesn’t touch the gums.

Uniformity: During professional teeth whitening, the dentist ensures each tooth is well coated with whitening gel to render uniform results. But, when you use OTC products, you wouldn’t be able to guarantee this, which could leave the teeth looking shabby.

Comfort: The trays provided in OTC products may not be the right fit for your teeth. Even if you somehow manage to place them, it may be quite uncomfortable to retain them during the process. On the other hand, professional whitening is highly comfortable and doesn’t cause inconvenience.

Price: OTC whitening products are quite affordable as they do not offer a customized solution. Though professional whitening costs a few dollars extra, it would definitely be worth it, thanks to the results it produces.

Please feel free to reach out to us on call or by scheduling an online consultation, and we’ll guide you further with your teeth whitening session.