With many teeth whitening products available in the supermarket, a whiter smile is more achievable than ever. But is it better to have your teeth professionally whitened by a dentist? Keep reading to compare at-home teeth whitening methods with those used by dentists to decide which is right for you. 

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening products use a peroxide solution to whiten the teeth. Home whitening products contain a more mild solution compared to those used in the dentist's office, which is much stronger. Because at-home whitening products have a lower peroxide content, some dentists recommend them for patients with sensitive teeth or gums. Whiteners will remove food, coffee, and wine stains from the enamel. But yellowed dentine will still show through if your enamel is thin. 

What Kinds of Home Whitening Products Are Available?

Gels or Paste

These products work like ordinary toothpaste but contain peroxide to help gradually whiten your teeth through repeated uses. While these products contain low levels of peroxide, they are more abrasive than regular toothpaste and can damage the enamel over time.

Gel strips work like band-aids that you stick over your teeth and wear for up to two hours at a time. While they work best for whitening your front teeth, their design prevents them from reaching all parts of your smile. The low level of peroxide in gel strips may require up to 10 treatments before you notice results. 

Teeth Whitening Trays

These kits come with trays that you fill with gel then place over your teeth. You wear the trays for about an hour each day for 7 to 10 days. Because the tray enables the gel to coat all of your teeth, they tend to be more effective than strips at whitening your whole smile.

How Does a Dentist Whiten Teeth? 

Dentists whiten your teeth by fitting a custom-made tray filled with a peroxide solution over your teeth. Because the tray is made specifically for your mouth, it can ensure the gel coats each tooth completely. Dentists are trained to use peroxide safely, so they can use a much stronger solution than those found in home whitening products. The stronger peroxide content whitens your teeth faster. 

But for patients with sensitive teeth and gums, the stronger solution may cause irritation. Dentists may fit your custom whitening tray and then provide a gel that you can use to complete the procedure at home over a couple of hours. Alternatively, they may complete the procedure in the office, in which case they might use a light or heat source to speed up the whitening process. 

For reliable teeth whitening services, trust the Dental Clinic of Onalaska. The team has been providing quality dental care in the Onalaska, WI, area since 1993. They offer teeth whitening, veneers, dental implants, sealants, and extractions. Call (608) 783-3341 to book an appointment or visit their website to browse their services.