Whiten Your Smile: Drugstore Products vs. Professional Whitening

Thinking about brightening your smile? You’re not alone - over 35 million people used teeth whitening products in 2023. Over time, teeth can stain from coffee, tea, wine and even certain foods (like chocolate). While the drugstore aisles overflow with whitening products promising a dazzling smile, are they really effective? Let’s break down the most common options and see how they compare to a professional whitening.

Drugstore Whitening Products: Pros and Cons

• Whitening Mouthwash: While these rinses freshen breath, they lack the power to remove stains. The whitening ingredients are mild (to avoid mouth irritation) and the contact time with your teeth is not long enough to have an effect.
• Whitening Toothpaste: Regular toothpaste with fluoride is essential for good oral health. Whitening toothpastes contain mild abrasives and gentle bleaching agents to remove surface stains, but they can’t take care of discoloration that is under your tooth enamel.
• Whitening Strips: These adhesive strips contain a higher concentration of the bleaching agents compared to rinses and toothpaste. They can whiten teeth, but the fit may not be perfect leading to uneven results, and it takes weeks to see a change.
• Whitening Trays: These trays hold a whitening gel against your teeth. While they can be effective, the “one-size-fits-all” approach may cause gum irritation if the tray doesn’t fit properly. Uneven whitening is also a risk.

Professional Whitening: A Bright Smile, Faster

For the most effective and predictable whitening results, consider visiting your dentist for a professional treatment in our office. Here is what you can expect:

• Customized Treatment: Our dentists will examine your teeth and recommend the best whitening method based on your individual needs and goals.
• Controlled Application: We use professional-grade whitening products that are stronger and more effective than over-the-counter options. We also ensure proper application to avoid gum irritation.
• Even Results: Custom-fitted trays ensure the whitening gel reaches all surfaces of your teeth for a beautiful, even smile.
• Faster Results: Professional whitening treatments can achieve significant results (up to 8 shades whiter) in a much shorter timeframe compared to drugstore products.

A Dazzling Smile Awaits

While drugstore whitening products are convenient and offer some benefits, professional whitening provides a faster, safer, and more predictable route to a brighter smile. Our dentists are here to answer your questions and create a personalized plan to transform your smile. Contact Comprehensive Dentistry today and schedule your consultation!