Dental News

Professional Versus Over the Counter Teeth Whitening Options: Which is Right for You?

August 5, 2020

Professional Versus Over the Counter Teeth Whitening Options: Which is Right for You?

If you have noticed that your teeth are not as white as you would like, whether due to natural yellowing that happens as people age, stains from foods and beverages, or due to any other reason, then teeth whitening might be an effective option for you. The question is: Is it better to buy an over the counter option or get professional teeth whitening? Keep reading for an honest assessment of the pros and cons of both and then contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 if you would like to learn more about what we offer.

Tooth Whitening is the Most Common Type of Cosmetic Dentistry

If you do not feel confident in the whiteness of your teeth, it is nothing to be embarrassed about. In fact, more than 60% of people say they are unhappy with the color of their teeth. Teeth whitening is not the only cosmetic dentistry option that can whiten teeth, but it is the most common.

The Main Advantage of Over the Counter Options is the Lower Cost

There is no question that most any over the counter teeth whitening is that they will cost less than professional whitening. However, remember that this does not mean it is a better value. For example, if you end up having to reapply the over the counter product 20 times to get the results you would have seen in one session with professional whitening, it is easy to see that this is not likely the best value for you.

Professional Teeth Whitening Gives You Immediate Results

When you visit us for teeth whitening, you will see immediate results. It might take a few visits to get to where you want to be, depending on the depth of your staining issues, but you will see results the first time. On the other hand, if you use over the counter products you could go three months without seeing any results, and even longer for significant changes.

Both Options Can Come with Side Effects

Either way, you might experience some side effects such as tooth sensitivity. The difference is that when you have your dentist provide professional whitening, we can inform you of all those potential side effects. We can give you advice on how to deal with them and provide additional treatment if needed. If you use an over the counter method, you are on your own if anything happens.

Let Us Show You the Potential Results You Could See

If you are curious about professional teeth whitening, contact California Dental Group at (800) 407-0161 to make an appointment. We can provide an honest assessment of how much whiter we can get your teeth. We can also discuss other options if whitening is not the best choice for your unique needs.

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