Professional vs Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening to Brighten Your Smile

Teeth Whitening

Creating a brighter smile with teeth whitening can be one of the most cost-effective ways to “make over” your appearance. But to get the best, longest-lasting results, it’s important to use professional products and have a dental checkup to ensure you are a suitable candidate for whitening.

Risks of OTC Products

Brightening products you buy at the store may include harmful ingredients, and the bleaching gel can burn your gums and make your teeth extremely sensitive. Whitening toothpaste is considered safe for your teeth and gums, but it only removes very surface-level stains.

Benefits of Professional In-Chair or Take-Home Service

Unlike over-the-counter products, professional-grade whitening gels are both more potent in terms of whitening and safer for your teeth and gums. At St. Leonards Square Dental Care, we offer Zoom! (in-chair and take-home) as well as Opalescence™ (take-home) options.

In-chair offers the best overall results and is faster. Although it may cause some sensitivity, this usually lasts only 1-2 days. In-chair whitening results last longer than other options, and you can see the change straightaway. Your dentist has more control over the process this way and can help achieve a better result.

Professional take-home whitening uses custom-made trays to ensure the gel is evenly distributed and doesn’t burn your gums. This process takes two weeks or longer, and your teeth will lighten gradually over that time. With this method, you need to apply the bleaching gel daily.

Whichever method you choose, smoking and eating or drinking foods and beverages that stain will affect your results and how long you can expect them to last.

Our Approach

We begin with a consultation and examination to determine if you are an ideal candidate for whitening. Sometimes, we will recommend a professional cleaning first, as built-up tartar won’t whiten and will affect your results. If you prefer the take-home option, we’ll take scans to prepare your customised trays.

Any invasive or surgical procedure may carry risks. Before moving forward, it is recommended that you seek a second opinion from an appropriately licensed medical professional.