Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Bleaching

Whiter teeth are a seemingly easy-to-obtain enhancement that can make your whole smile look more attractive. However, getting the results you want can be difficult; between all the whitening options available, which works best? For many, the choice is an over-the-counter solution and visiting a dental office. Here’s what you can expect with either:

Drugstore Teeth Whitening

Between different kinds of toothpaste, mouthwashes, and at-home kits, there is a large range of options when it comes to drugstore teeth whitening treatments. Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash have some effect on lightening the shade of teeth, but these tend to work slowly and are not the best choice for immediate whitening needs. Bleaching strips and trays work well for some, but they come with their own setbacks. The adhesive whitening strips are known for falling out of place and one-size-fits-all whitening trays can be bulky and uncomfortable. While these kits are fairly inexpensive, they may not create the brighter smile you’d been hoping for.  New, at-home whitening treatments that are popular on social media, and usually include a small light placed over teeth, can dehydrate dental enamel and make teeth more prone to sensitivity.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

When you visit a professional for dental whitening, you have access to the same bleaching ingredients that are used in drugstore treatments, but the difference is made in the application, technology, and skill. Our cosmetic dentist, Dr. Bucci, offers patients the benefits of Zoom! same-day whitening, which dramatically whitens teeth in just one appointment – offering the kind of near-instant results that drugstore solutions can’t match.

While over-the-counter teeth whitening can be messy and prevent the whitening gel from staying on dental enamel, having a professional apply your bleaching treatment provides a significantly more effective experience. Dr. Bucci ensures that whitening gel is only applied to teeth and does not overlap onto the soft tissue. After your treatment is complete (in around an hour), we send you home with a touch-up pen to ensure your smile stays bright for as long as possible.

Cosmetic Dentistry Questions? Ask Us about Teeth Whitening!

It’s important to note that whitening only works on dental enamel and won’t affect the color of any current dental restorations, such as veneers, crowns, or bridges – making visiting the dentist for whitening an even better idea. If your natural teeth and prosthetics could use a boost in aesthetics, Dr. Bucci can provide whitening solutions and replace older restorations with beautiful new materials.

If you have questions about how to obtain a whiter smile, contact our Thousand Oaks dental office today.