Can I Whiten My Teeth at Home?
There are dozens of whitening solutions ads assuring us of how easy it is to brighten our smiles at home with over-the-counter solutions. These options are less expensive than a professional whitening treatment, but there are specific risks associated with it to consider.
- At-home kits could potentially damage teeth and gums permanently if misused.
- The effects of at-home whitening kits do not last as long as the professionally applied treatments.
- A dentist cannot actively monitor the process, which can overexpose tender tissues to overly harsh chemicals.
Why You Should Consider Professional Whitening
At-home kits have a carbamide peroxide solution between 10-20%, while the solution we use at our office is typically in the 40% range. The higher concentration offers many longer-lasting effects.
The American Dental Association also states that when at-home kits are not used appropriately, they can cause irreparable damage to the soft and hard tissues of the oral cavity. While in-office whitening might seem more expensive up front, you’ll have the peace of mind knowing that it’s done safely and that the results will last significantly longer than over-the-counter products.