There is nothing more visually appealing than to have a complete set of sparkling, white teeth. Not only does it reflect good oral health, but it also gives you a great smile and boosts your overall confidence. That’s why teeth whitening has recently become all the rage in the world of cosmetic dentistry.

When it comes to oral whitening, you have the option to have a professional dental treatment or use a whitening product for home use. It begs to question, however, which the better option is to take. 

That crucial question is what we’re going to explore in this article. Keep on reading to make the right decision in choosing between professional and over-the-counter (OTC) teeth whitening.

Causes of coloured or stained teeth

Your teeth’s outer layer contains enamel, which is considered the hardest substance in the body and is meant to prevent tooth decay. For the most part, we think of age as the biggest culprit in wearing off the tooth enamel. 

However, both intrinsic and extrinsic factors cause tooth discoloration or staining:

  • Intrinsic staining: This occurs below the surface of a tooth, which can be hard to correct. As you get older, the enamel inevitably thins, allowing more dentin exposure and causing your teeth to appear naturally yellow.
  • Extrinsic staining: This is brought by your food and drink consumption. When it comes to food, be wary of vegetables and fruits with heavy pigmentation, such as beets and blueberries, as well as food products with artificial colour. As far as beverages are concerned, avoid soda, coffee, tea, and red wine.
  • Other factors: Some of the biggest culprits for tooth staining include smoking (nicotine from tobacco), medications (antibiotics and antihistamines), and dental injury. 

Professional versus OTC teeth whitening

Now, let’s take a look at the difference between professional treatments and products for teeth whitening. Take note of the following:

  • Professional teeth whitening: This entails visiting a cosmetic dentist and applying certain treatment procedures to your teeth to make them as white as possible. This dental treatment works by removing stains from tooth enamel and lightening the dentin’s colour using whitening solutions.
  • OTC whitening products: Various teeth products can be purchased over the counter in pharmacies and other retail stores. The most popular ones are different kinds of toothpaste with whitening formula. Other products include bleaching gels and strips, as well as tray-based whitening systems.

The benefits of professional teeth whitening

While OTC whitening products are somewhat good at getting rid of stains, they aren’t as effective as professional treatments. 

Below are some advantages of getting professional teeth whitening:

  • Dental check-up: Before a dentist applies any dental solution, he’ll perform an oral inspection to get to the bottom of the problem. If your teeth and gums are healthy, he’ll proceed with the right whitening treatment.
  • Professional cleaning: A dentist will perform dental cleaning first before applying the whitening treatment. As you may be aware, it is a key part of preventive dentistry, as this helps maintain your oral health.
  • Effective bleaching agents: A dentist uses the right bleaching agents for your professional teeth whitening. These whitening solutions are a lot more effective and stronger than OTC products. 
  • Long-lasting whitening solution: Expect your teeth to be whiter, stronger, and healthier after professional whitening. Ultimately, they will last for as long as possible!

Conclusion

At this point, we’ve covered the differences between professional treatments and OTC products. While using products work in removing stains in your teeth, professional cosmetic services make all the difference in giving you a bright and sparkling smile. With the valuable benefits outlined above, you have all the right reasons to get a professional teeth whitening service now!

Are you looking for professional teeth whitening in Edmonton? You’ve come to the right place, as we provide affordable yet patient-focused dental care such as emergency dental, general, pediatric, and cosmetic dentistry in Edmonton. Connect with us and book an appointment today!

Posted in Dental News & Advice