Brighter Smile At-Home: Professional Whitening Kits vs. Store-Bought Ones

If you are dreaming of a brighter smile, you might be looking into what methods will give you the quick results you want. You might see that your dentist offers professional whitening kits, but store-bought products seem to promise the same results. This may then raise the question of which is better for you, so here’s what you need to know about these two options.

Do Store-Bought Whitening Kits Really Work?

Whitening kits you find at your local department store often use peroxide as their bleaching agent. Whether it’s strips, gels, or even toothpastes, they often say they’ll give you the noticeable results you want. However, they may fall a bit flat on this. That’s because these products only have a low concentration, which will give you about a one or two shade difference after using them consistently for about two weeks.

Not only that, but this can trap you in a cycle of buying and using. You might overexpose your enamel to the agent and weaken it over time. This can cause sensitivity, which will make it harder for you to get the results you want.

How Do They Compare to Professional Kits from My Dentist?

Professional whitening kits from your dentist are much better than anything you can find in stores. You’ll receive custom trays that you’ll fill with an ultra-concentrated gel. By wearing them for the specified amount of time your provider says, you can get up to an eight-shade difference after about two weeks. Better yet, these often don’t cause any sensitivity when used as directed.

So, Should I Get a Store-Bought or a Professional Kit?

As you might be able to guess, heading to your dentist for a professional whitening kit is often the better choice for your smile. Your provider will be able to customize your treatment and get you to the results you want. This isn’t possible with store-bought products. Better yet, you can feel more confident knowing you are undergoing a reliable method to get the gorgeous grin you dream of.

By choosing your provider to whiten your teeth, you can avoid the trouble that over-the-counter kits can cause. That way, you can enjoy your final look without any discomfort.

About the Author

Dr. Jacob Milner earned his dental degree from the University of Maryland School of Dentistry. He is dedicated to helping the Owings Mills community get the aesthetic smiles they love with cosmetic dentistry, like professional whitening. By having a consultation, Dr. Milner can learn more about your goals and help you reach them with customized treatments. If you want to ditch ineffective store-bought products, schedule an appointment or call his office at (410) 390-0277.