When it comes to teeth whitening, there are two main options: professional treatments and over-the-counter products. Professional whitening is done in a dental office and uses a stronger solution of bleaches containing carbamide peroxide, which can change the color of the teeth faster than home methods. On the other hand, over-the-counter products are a great introduction to whiter teeth, but they're not as effective because their gel concentration is lower. The biggest difference between store-bought teeth whitening products and office products is that in-office products use carbamide peroxide instead of hydrogen peroxide as their primary whitening agent.
It is more powerful and achieves better results with surface stains. Teeth whitening is very safe, but it's safer when supervised. Easy access can lead to overuse, and long-term use can be harmful. Over-the-counter products are a great introduction to whiter teeth, but they're not as effective. As they are over-the-counter, the gel concentration is lower.
Compared to professional bleaches, over-the-counter products require longer use to obtain an effect similar to that of professional bleaches and their compliance (leading to satisfaction) is low. When done right, the investment is always worth it. Professional whitening is done in a dental office. Bleaches for office use are much stronger than the other two alternatives because they contain more peroxide in the solution. They can change the color of the teeth faster than home methods.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products use the same chemicals as professional teeth whitening products at the dentist, but in much lower concentrations, making them less potent. Young children who are exposed to antibiotics such as tetracycline and doxycycline during tooth formation or while in the womb may have some tooth discoloration in adulthood. Your dentist can make a special whitening tray that fits your upper and lower teeth better than the one-size-fits-all trays you can buy in a store. Bright white smiles are generally associated with good oral health, proper personal care, and beauty, making teeth whitening products and treatments very popular. Many over-the-counter whitening products aren't as effective because their chemical composition is too weak and they can't whiten your teeth long enough, or because they're too strong and dangerous to use and ingest. However, due to their softness, they don't whiten teeth as noticeably as chemicals. Professional teeth whiteners are safe, effective and are performed under the supervision of a dental professional.
While professional teeth whitening treatments must contain an active whitening agent, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, products labeled “whiteners” may simply be designed to remove food or other debris from the teeth. At the dentist's office, it may take 1 to 2 hours for your teeth to turn 8 shades whiter, while at home you'll have to spend 1 to 2 hours a day for a series of days or weeks for your teeth to turn 3 to 6 shades whiter. The amount of time it takes to whiten your teeth at home and at the dentist's office to achieve comparable results is significant. If you're not ready to invest in professional teeth whitening, you might be tempted to buy a home whitening kit at your local drugstore or drugstore. The whitening agent in the product comes into contact with the teeth for a short time, so the brushes gradually become brighter. Cross advises patients who choose to use over-the-counter whitening products to read the labels carefully and ensure that the chosen product contains an active whitening agent.
When it comes down to it, professional teeth whitening treatments offer superior results compared to over-the-counter options. Professional treatments use stronger bleaching agents that can penetrate deeper into the enamel of your teeth for more dramatic results. Plus, they are supervised by a dental professional who can ensure that you get the best possible results without any adverse effects on your oral health. Over-the-counter options may be cheaper and more convenient but they don't offer the same level of effectiveness or safety as professional treatments.