Whiten Your Teeth the Right Way: Professional vs Over the Counter Teeth Whitening

28/06/24

When it comes to achieving a brighter, whiter smile, the options can be overwhelming. While over-the-counter (OTC) products like whitening toothpaste and home kits may seem convenient, they often fall short in delivering the desired results. Here’s why professional teeth whitening at a dental practice is the better choice.

OTC whitening toothpaste typically contains micro-polishing crystals that only remove minor surface stains. They don’t effectively address deeper discolouration, leaving you with underwhelming results. Similarly, OTC home kits use a weak bleach solution and an LED light, which is more suited for dyeing paper than whitening teeth. This means you’re likely wasting your money on products that won’t give you the smile you want.

On the other hand, professional teeth whitening is a customised treatment tailored to your needs. Dentists use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide in varying strengths, depending on the desired results and the patient’s sensitivity. This ensures a safe and effective whitening process. The best results often come from using custom trays at home, similar to Vivera retainers, which provide consistent and controlled whitening.

It’s important to note that only licensed dentists can prescribe these whitening treatments, as they use concentrations that are safe and effective for your teeth. Avoid non-professionals who claim to offer similar services, as they may not have the proper training or products to ensure your safety and satisfaction.

Teeth whitening works by creating tiny micropores in the enamel, allowing the bleaching agents to whiten from the inside out. This method effectively treats internal staining and is completely reversible. The results are long-lasting, moving your teeth towards the brighter end of the spectrum and maintaining their whiteness for years with proper care.

Investing in professional teeth whitening ensures you achieve a radiant smile safely and effectively, making it well worth the visit to your dental practice.

By Dr Sunny Sangha (Principal Dentist, Newcastle)