Is Over-the-counter Teeth Whitening Products Worth the Money?

Buying a home whitening kit may seem like an easier and more affordable alternative to a professional teeth whitening. Although home kits are more affordable, however, it makes sense that you don’t want to spend any amount of money on something that doesn’t work.

This brings us to the question: Are over-the-counter home kits worth the money and the time? Let’s take an in-depth look at these products and how they differ from a professional whitening procedure.

A Matter of Time

All teeth whitening makes use of a bleaching agent called peroxide, which removes stains from your teeth’s enamel. Peroxide is quite effective at removing stains and blemishes below the surface of your teeth that is responsible for giving your teeth a discolored appearance.

The difference between home whitening kits and a professional treatment lies in the concentration of this bleaching agent. Professional whitening uses these chemicals in a targeted manner over a short duration while whitening with a kit is a low-concentration application that requires consistent use over a long period of time.

Whitening treatment at your dentist usually takes around an hour. They apply the bleaching agent to your teeth in a highly concentrated manner while shining a specialized light on your teeth to accelerate the process. Over-the-counter kits, on the other hand, typically consist of strips, gel-filled trays, or gel paint that you have to apply for a number of hours per day for a few weeks.

Be Consistent

Many people complain about the effectiveness of home whitening products. It is important to remember, however, that consistency is the key to success. In many cases, home products may take a week or two before results start showing.

Since many people expect quick results that are similar to professional whitening, they stop their treatment early and seek other solutions. They may also forget to use the products or struggle to make time, as you can’t exactly walk around at work with the whitening trays in your mouth.

Benefits of Professional Whitening

If you are in dire straits to get your teeth whitened for, say, your wedding, you may have to go with a professional whitening procedure. These procedures are comfortable and, sometimes, you can even choose the shade of white that you want to go for. These treatments are formulated specifically for you and you can be sure that the results will last a long time.

Conclusion

So, although over-the-counter whitening products are worth the money, it is important to remember that it’s not a quick whitening solution. You have to be hands-on and disciplined with your home whitening treatment.

Schedule an appointment with your dentist and discuss your teeth whitening needs with them. In many cases, you can achieve the desired results by brushing and flossing more regularly and effectively. Also, make sure that you schedule a dental appointment at least once every 6 months for a check-up and proper cleaning.

Maintaining excellent oral health can do wonders to transform your teeth into pearly whites.