Why Professional Teeth Whitening Is a Better Option Than At-Home Treatments

In 2020, 37 million Americans tried some form of teeth whitening. If you feel like your smile has gotten a bit dim and you’re considering joining those 37 million people, our expert team at Family Dental Group has one piece of advice for you.

Instead of trying those over-the-counter whitening strips, visit your dentist for a professional teeth whitening treatment. The whitening will be stronger, the results will be faster and better, and the entire process will be in the hands of professionals who have your best interests at heart.

Here’s how it works and why the professional option at Family Dental Group is better.

Why do you need teeth whitening?

So many people want their teeth whitened not just for vanity’s sake, but because teeth can and do become discolored over time. Your teeth naturally change color as you get older because the enamel begins to wear away, allowing more of the yellow dentin underneath to show through.

Your teeth can also become stained due to tobacco use or too much dark food and drink such as red wine and coffee. Certain medications can also cause discoloration, as can oral trauma through injury.

How does the process work?

At Family Dental Group, we cover your gums and tongue to protect them, then apply hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth before pointing a light at your teeth to create the whitening reaction. 

The solution oxidizes the discolored molecules on your teeth, which lightens the stain so your teeth appear whiter. We can repeat this process as many times as needed until you’re happy with the appearance of your teeth.

Why is professional teeth whitening better?

Professional whitening is better than at-home treatments for a few reasons. First, while at-home whitening kits include a hydrogen peroxide bleaching agent, these kits are regulated, meaning the strength of the hydrogen peroxide is much lower than what dentists are allowed to use. 

You’ll see some results from an at-home kit, but you won’t notice nearly as big a difference as after a professional whitening.

You’ll also see results instantly from a professional whitening — and they’ll last longer — while an at-home treatment takes longer to work and fades more quickly.

Finally, our dental team is trained on how to safely apply the bleaching treatment to your teeth. Doing it yourself at home increases the chance of the bleaching agent leaking onto your gums or tongue, which can cause pain and damage.

All things considered, you’re much better off going with the professional whitening option. It may be a bit more expensive, but the benefits far outweigh the extra cost. 

When you’re ready to light up a room with the brightness of your smile, contact Family Dental Group to schedule a professional teeth whitening appointment. Call or book online for the office nearest to you. We’re located in Gardner, Paxton, and Northborough, Massachusetts.