With the increasing number of people looking for ways to achieve a dazzling and beautiful smile, the demand for teeth whitening treatments is on the rise. Some people may opt for professional teeth whitening services provided by dentists while others may prefer a DIY approach to save costs. Although both options give you the same results—whiten teeth, they offer different benefits. We explore these differences to help you in making an informed decision on which option suits you best.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can help remove stains and discolouration on your teeth for brighter and cleaner smiles. A gel for teeth whitening, usually containing hydrogen peroxide, will be applied to the surface of your teeth and activated with a special light. Hydrogen peroxide is a powerful bleaching agent capable of breaking down the molecules that cause teeth to become stained.
Professional Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening treatments are performed by qualified dentists who use high-quality equipment and safe, medical-grade whitening agents. Unlike over-the-counter DIY teeth whitening kits, professional treatments utilise gels that contain higher levels of hydrogen peroxide, making them more effective.
Over-the-Counter DIY Teeth Whitening Kit
Over-the-counter teeth whitening kits offer an affordable and convenient alternative to professional teeth whitening treatments. These kits typically come with a gel for teeth whitening and a mouthpiece to hold the solution against your teeth.
Professional vs DIY
- Safety Professional teeth whitening procedures are carried out under close supervision by dental professionals who have undergone extensive training and possess the necessary knowledge and experience to ensure safe and effective treatment. These experts know precisely how much gel to apply to your teeth to achieve the best results without causing any harm to your teeth or gums. On the other hand, whitening your teeth using over-the-counter kits can be dangerous as they may contain harsh chemicals that can cause damage if not used correctly. This can lead to unpleasant symptoms such as tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and even chemical burns.
- Results Due to the higher hydrogen peroxide content in the teeth whitening gels, professional teeth whitening is often more effective than over-the-counter kits. This means that professional teeth whitening treatments usually only require a single session to see results, whereas DIY kits may need multiple applications over several weeks to achieve comparable results. Additionally, with proper care, professional teeth whitening results can last for several years, while the effects of DIY kits may be temporary. This is why investing in professional teeth whitening is worth considering if you are looking for a long-lasting solution to achieve a brighter smile.
- Personalisation A dental professional can tailor the whitening treatment to your specific needs and preferences. For instance, if you have sensitive teeth, the dentist can adjust the strength of the whitening agent or recommend alternative methods to achieve the desired results. DIY kits, on the other hand, offer a one-size-fits-all approach that may not be suitable for everyone.
- Aftercare Another advantage of professional teeth whitening is the availability of follow-up care and support. After the treatment, a dental professional can guide you towards maintaining the whitening results and recommend products to use to prolong the effects of the procedure. Additionally, in the rare event of any complications or issues, a dental professional can provide prompt and effective treatment to address the problem.
Professional teeth whitening is an investment one can make for their oral health and overall well-being. If you’re thinking about getting your teeth whitened, Brightside Dental is the first dental clinic in Singapore offering professional teeth whitening treatments and take-home kits specially designed by dentists for safe and effective teeth whitening at home. Find out more here.
