Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Store-Bought Strips: Which Option Is Right for You?

Are you in search of solutions to transform dull and discolored teeth into bright, sparkling smiles? You’ll find many store-bought whitening strips and do-it-yourself kits that often promise dazzling results in just a few days, no dentist required. But these over-the-counter products often pale in comparison to the safety and effectiveness of professional teeth whitening treatments offered by High Street Dentistry. So what is the difference between professional whitening and store-bought strips?

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Years of exposure to staining foods and beverages, such as berries, tomato-based dishes, coffee, and red wine, can lead to dull and discolored teeth. Additional factors that can contribute to teeth staining include natural aging, smoking and using tobacco products, traumatic injury, certain illnesses, and the use of some medications.

Teeth whitening involves the use of a carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide gel to break down stubborn tooth stains in the enamel and dentin layers, leaving you with a brighter smile.

What Are Store-Bought Whitening Strips?

Whitening strips are flexible bands coated with whitening gel that you press against your teeth for a set period, usually once or twice a day for a week or two. They rely on peroxide to lift surface stains, the same active ingredient your dentist uses, but at a much lower strength because any whitening products sold without a dental professional’s supervision are typically formulated to be gentle enough for anyone to use.

Whitening strips come in standard sizes and shapes, so they don’t take into account the unique contours of your teeth. The results? Missed hard-to-reach areas, spotty coverage, and uneven results.

What Is Professional Teeth Whitening and What Are Your Options?

Professional teeth whitening involves the use of powerful whitening products to safely and effectively lift tough stains, helping brighten your smile. At High Street Dentistry, we offer in-office and at-home whitening options tailored to your needs, delivering results superior to those of over-the-counter whitening products.

Also called chairside bleaching, in-office whitening involves placing a shield on your gums for protection followed by applying a bleaching agent to your tooth surfaces. We may also use a special light to enhance your whitening process. While results may vary from patient to patient, most patients achieve teeth that are several shades brighter in just one office visit.

If you would prefer to whiten your teeth on your schedule, from the convenience of home, we are happy to offer custom whitening trays created from impressions of your teeth along with professional-grade whitening gel. Simply place some gel in your trays and wear them as directed. Our custom trays are designed to ensure even coverage of your whitening gel, delivering a bright, uniform smile in a week or two.

Why Choose Professional Teeth Whitening to Brighten Your Smile?

Professional whitening is far superior to store-bought strips, and the following are some of the reasons why:

• Professional-Strength: Professional whitening uses powerful bleaching agents designed to safely and effectively lift stubborn stains and discoloration that most over-the-counter strips leave behind.
• Targeting Deep Stains: While professional-strength whitening agents can lift discoloration in the enamel and dentin layers, over-the-counter strips can only remove surface stains.
• Faster Results: Professional whitening is one of the quickest and easiest options to brighten your teeth and transform your smile.
• Personalized Care: Our professional whitening options are tailored to your smile’s unique needs, delivering even, beautifully natural results.
• A Superior Fit: Unlike generic strips, our custom trays are designed to fit the shape of your teeth, minimizing leakage or sensitivity, and ensuring more even results.
• A Confidence Boost: Brighter teeth can boost your smile and your confidence, enhancing your quality of life.

Are You a Candidate for Professional Whitening?

Professional teeth whitening is ideal for most patients, especially those with teeth that have yellowed over time from dark foods and beverages or tobacco use. However, gray or brown discoloration resulting from trauma or the use of certain medications, such as tetracycline, may not produce the desired results. In addition, whitening treatments do not lift stains off of dental restorations, such as crowns or fillings.

If teeth whitening is not ideal for your needs, Dr. Jones may recommend an alternative cosmetic dentistry solution, such as cosmetic bonding or porcelain veneers. We personalize every step of your treatment to deliver a beautifully bright smile.

Professional Teeth Whitening Near Me in Jefferson City, MO

If you would like to learn more about brightening dull and discolored teeth with professional teeth whitening, contact High Street Dentistry to schedule a consultation. Dr. Jones and his team will personalize every step of treatment to deliver a smile you love. Call us at (573) 636-7432 to schedule an appointment or request one online today!