The Differences Between At-home and In-office Teeth Whitening

Patients often whiten their teeth to improve the appearance of their smile and build extra confidence. This process involves applying teeth bleaching agents to remove stains and discolorations and can either be done at home or in a dentist's office. Brush up on these main differences between each option before beginning any teeth whitening.

Teeth Whitening at Home

The options for teeth whitening at home are popular due to being cheaper than having it done professionally. Teeth whitening kits can be purchased along with a custom tray fit specifically for that person's mouth and designed in such a way that the whitening gel will not come in contact with the gums. The at-home gel contains a smaller amount of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide responsible for whitening, making it a slower process than in-office, although it does achieve similar results. However, custom teeth whitening trays are long-lasting, and patients can purchase refill whitening gel, lowering the cost even more.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

This process, recommended by the American Dental Association, requires the service of an experienced dentist, making it a safer option. It is also a faster option as it involves the use of a higher concentration of whitening gel. During this process, a barrier protects the gums from inflammation or sores that may result from misused peroxide. The whitening agent is then applied to the surface of the teeth, and a dentist uses a halogen light to complete the procedure. Halogen lights can catalyze the teeth whitening process by breaking down stains and discoloration and is typically not something that a patient would have access to at home.

If you're interested in whitening your teeth or learning more about other dental procedures, Storts Family Dentistry is a full-service practice that provides comprehensive care on all dentistry needs. We offer traditional services as well as cosmetic solutions such as bonding, Invisalign, porcelain crowns, and bone grafting for implants. Contact us today to make an appointment at one of our three convenient Southern Oklahoma locations.