Many patients who wish to beautify their smiles start by using whitening to correct discoloration from age, diet and other factors. Once you've decided to try whitening, you may feel tempted to pick up an at-home kit the next time you go grocery shopping.

While at-home whitening can work for some people, you should always check with your dentist before starting a new oral health regimen. It's particularly important to discuss your tooth whitening options with a dentist because improper whitening can have lasting effects on your smile.

In this blog, we discuss four reasons that professional whitening is usually a better choice than at-home whitening.

1. Alternative Options

Tooth discoloration can occur for numerous reasons. When you receive whitening from a dentist, you know you're getting the treatment that works best for the discoloration you're combating.

For example, at-home kits cannot treat internal discoloration that can occur after a root canal, but your dentist can use a cosmetic veneer on your teeth instead.

Additionally, your dentist can provide you with a range of different options to ensure that the whitening method you use fits into your lifestyle. For example, if you would rather not take the time to have the full procedure done at the dentist’s office, he may give you whitening trays to use at home instead.

2. Brighter Results

The equipment, bleaching solutions and personalized insight used in a dentist's office mean that professional whitening almost always provides brighter, whiter results. Dental equipment provides more even, effective solution application, while medical-grade bleaching solutions work harder and faster.

Additionally, as mentioned in the section above, your dentist factors in your health, dental history and personal concerns to specifically treat the problem areas you're most worried about.

3. Cost-Effective Treatment

Many patients who turn to at-home whitening do so because they assume that it's a more affordable option than professional treatment. While the initial cost of at-home whitening is lower than the cost of an in-office procedure, the overall cost of buying multiple at-home products over time can add up.

At-home treatments can become particularly expensive because they often take several weeks or even months before you know if the whitening is working. You may end up trying multiple solutions before finding one that makes a difference in the appearance of your teeth.

Additionally, at-home whitening treatment comes with certain risks, discussed in the next section, which could result in more dental costs later on.

When you have your teeth whitened professionally, the results are predictable, and therefore more cost-effective in the long run.

4. Fewer Risks



While tooth whitening is generally not dangerous, patients can experience unpleasant side effects during and after the procedure. One of the most common side effects of whitening is increased tooth sensitivity.

Your tooth sensitivity is highly likely to increase after using at-home whitening treatments, including whitening toothpaste, because these solutions often use strong abrasives to remove residue from tooth enamel.

Incorrect application of at-home whitening solutions can result in staining that may be difficult to correct. Additionally, at-home whitening treatment can increase your risk of oral infections, especially if the bleaching solution is stored in improper conditions.

Having your whitening procedure handled by an experienced professional minimizes the risks involved and gives you ready access to aftercare when needed, such as prescription sensitivity toothpaste to counterbalance the whitening process.

Your dentist can help you decide whether professional or at-home whitening is a better choice for your budget, health and smile goals.

Ready to start achieving your best smile? Talk to a dentist at New England Health Services PC about professional tooth whitening today.