Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Products: What Are the Differences?
March 12, 2018
Whitening your teeth is a simple and easy way to improve the appearance of your smile without spending a lot of money or time on complicated procedures. Whether you have stains on your teeth or you just want to feel more confident in front of the camera, it’s important to choose whitening products that quickly deliver reliable results. You may be wondering if you should purchase over-the-counter (OTC) products or visit your dentist for professional teeth whitening services. Before you make your decision, here are a few key differences between the two popular options.
Ingredient Quality
Dentists use professional teeth whitening products that include high concentrations of quality active ingredients. Professional whitening ingredients are more powerful than the ingredients in OTC products. OTC whitening products typically contain cheaper whitening ingredients in lower concentrations.
Consistency
Professional teeth whitening services provide consistent results every time. If you want to achieve a specific shade, you can reach your goal with in-office whitening services. OTC whitening products are known to sometimes provide inconsistent results. It’s also very hard to get the precise shade of whiteness you want when you use whitening products from your local health and beauty store.
Speed
You can brighten your smile several shades in just one professional teeth whitening appointment. To achieve similar results with OTC whitening products, you would need to use them consistently for days, weeks or even months.
Long-Lasting Results
Professional whitening services deliver long-lasting results, while OTC options typically need to be applied regularly to maintain the shade you want. So, if you want to achieve a whiter, more beautiful smile that will stay that way for years, professional whitening is the best option.
Schedule Your Appointment
Dr. Andrew T. Mohlman is a respected dentist who is experienced in whitening teeth with professional products. If you’re ready to improve your smile, we invite you to schedule an appointment with him by contacting us in Kennewick, WA!