How do teeth whitening strips compare to the teeth whitening service offered by your dentist?
Is it worth paying more to visit the dentist? Is there much difference between DIY teeth whitening and professional teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments since people are more aware of the benefits of a healthy white smile. For this reason, there is a huge choice of DIY whitening options available on the market, which is why it’s so confusing when it comes to choosing what’s best for you.
Since these whitening strips are one of the most popular at-home teeth whitening methods, we’ve used these to compare with professional teeth whitening. Hopefully, this will help you weigh up the pros and cons of both, and decide what’s right for you, your dental health, and your budget. So, let’s dive in and take a closer look.
How effective are both teeth whitening methods?
Whitening strips typically contain lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide (bleaching agent) than professional teeth whitening treatments. So while they can lighten your teeth by 2-4 shades, if you’re hoping to achieve a dazzling white Hollywood smile, then you may be disappointed with the level of whiteness you achieve at home.
One of the common complaints with whitening strips is uneven results. Because the strips are a ‘one-size fits all’ method of whitening, they rarely fit the contours of your teeth. As a result, you may end up with white patches or a striped effect, which probably isn’t the look you were hoping for.
Professional whitening treatments, on the other hand, are allowed to contain higher levels of peroxide, which means they can lighten teeth by up to 8 shades or more in many cases. That said, the level of whiteness achieved will vary from one patient to another and depends on the original colour of their teeth.
Convenience
Teeth whitening strips can be bought online and delivered directly to your door for the utmost convenience, whereas the process of undergoing professional teeth whitening may take longer. No matter what type of whitening service your dental clinic offers, it will involve an initial consultation with your dentist. This will, in most cases, need to be booked in advance and you may have to wait a few days for an appointment.
Additionally, if you’re using take-home whitening kits from your dentist, there will be a delay as you wait for your customised trays to be fabricated before you can start whitening your smile.
Safety first
Safety firstWhile teeth whitening strips are relatively safe and certainly convenient, if you use them too frequently, you could end up damaging your tooth enamel.
Moreover, should you have oral health issues, whitening your teeth at home could cause intense pain and potentially damage your teeth and gums.
A dental professional will not whiten the teeth of patients who are displaying signs of gum disease, for instance, or who require other dental treatments such as a filling. That’s not to say they won’t whiten your teeth eventually, but they will insist on carrying out any necessary dental work first.
How long does teeth whitening take?
Whitening strips have an adhesive backing which clings to your teeth. Depending on the brand, they are applied once or twice a day and worn for a period of 30 minutes upwards. Most people start to see results within 7-14 days and the results can last for up to 6 months, sometimes longer. However, this does depend on lifestyle habits such as drinking beverages such as coffee, tea, and cola which stain teeth and smoking tobacco products.
On the contrary, professional teeth whitening can be achieved quicker.
Here at No Gaps Dental for example, we provide two teeth whitening methods – in-chair and take-home kits.
In-chair teeth whitening
Our in-chair service can be completed within an hour, making it the ideal lunch hour cosmetic treatment. Before starting the procedure, your gums are covered so that only your teeth are exposed. This prevents any of the bleaching agent from coming into contact with your gums.
The whitening gel is carefully applied and in some cases a special light is shone onto your teeth to activate the whitening process. After 15 minutes, the gel is rinsed off, the colour is checked, and the process is repeated. After the third application, your teeth should have reached the desired level of whiteness. The gel is washed off and your gleaming white smile is revealed.
We’ll also provide you with a take-home kit, so you can top up your whiteness when necessary. Patients can expect their teeth to remain white for upwards of a year provided they, too, lower their consumption of tea and coffee.
Take-home whitening kits
Once you have received your customised trays, you will need to wear them filled with the whitening gel during the day or at night for around 10-14 days, after which you will notice a visible difference – usually 4-6 shades lighter.
The conclusion
To sum it up, teeth whitening strips are cheaper, convenient and easy to use, with no need to visit your dentist. However the results you want aren’t always guaranteed.
Alternatively, professional teeth whitening is more expensive, but the results are more certain, last longer, and your dental health is carefully monitored throughout.
If you’re in a dilemma, then consider the results you’re after. Teeth whitening strips can only whiten your teeth by a few shades and you will need to use the strips on a regular basis. If you are after longer-lasting more noticeable results delivered by caring professionals, then visiting your nearest dentist for professional teeth whitening is probably the best option.
If you’re looking to put the dazzle back into your smile, then why not book your appointment at No Gaps Dental. With multiple locations to choose from, we offer convenient teeth whitening at affordable prices.