Why You Can See the Difference Between Professional and DIY Teeth Whitening

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Teeth Whitening Popularity

According to Statista.com, Americans will have spent nearly $36 million on tooth whitening products and services in 2021. And that spending will continue to rise as more people seek whiter teeth as part of their smile makeovers. It’s only natural, too, that tooth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry solutions when it comes to giving you the brighter and whiter smile you crave. 

That said, it’s essential to understand that not all tooth whitening solutions are the same, nor will they give you the same results. Thus, the Laurel Manor Dental team wants to ensure you’re knowledgeable about professional teeth whitening, OTC whitening, DIY whitening, and full-mouth charcoal teeth whitening.

The whole concept of tooth whitening focuses on removing the stains and discoloration that tend to naturally form on our teeth as we get older. In addition to the aging process, our teeth can yellow or discolor due to the consumption of coffee, tea, dark-colored sodas, red berries, and more. And if you are a smoker, chances are your teeth have discolored due to ongoing tobacco exposure too. 

Whitening has quickly become the most popular tooth whitening solution because it dramatically improves how your teeth look. And professional tooth whitening is pretty easy to come by, as most dentists offer the service. Though tooth whitening is not a one-time procedure and may need to be repeated from time to time, when done correctly, it can make a remarkable difference in the brightness and whiteness of your teeth and smile.

What’s the difference between professional teeth whitening and DIY teeth whitening?

Professional Teeth Whitening

The primary difference between professional tooth whitening and DIY tooth whitening is relatively apparent. Professional tooth whitening is done in the comfort of your dentist’s office. During the in-office procedure, your dentist will cover your gums with a protective gel and use a laser or light in conjunction with peroxide to create the whiteness you seek. In-office whitening takes approximately one hour to complete, and at the end of the session, you can expect a remarkable change in the whiteness of your smile.

At-Home DIY Teeth Whitening

However, DIY teeth whitening has become increasingly popular in recent years, and it is vital that it is not confused with OTC teeth whitening. Laurel Manor Dental offers an at-home DIY teeth whitening solution consisting of specialized trays that are custom-crafted to fit over your teeth. In addition, we provide professional-grade whitening gel to insert into your tray to help protect your gums. 

We make it easy, giving clear instructions on how long to wear your tray each day. With an at-home DIY teeth whitening system, you can expect to achieve a whiter smile in just two to four weeks.

Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening

Of course, OTC teeth whitening has also been a popular choice for those who want a whiter smile without the perceived hassle of visiting the dentist. OTC whitening products can be effective, but it is essential to understand the key differences. The fit of the trays won’t be customized to your teeth with an OTC solution. And most OTC products are designed to whiten only your front teeth. That said, you can also try whitening toothpaste or charcoal-activated toothpaste, which do indeed whiten your teeth. Charcoal is currently a big trend in the wellness and cosmetics industry, and it has become a popular ingredient in face masks and scrubs and for tooth whitening too. 

But with any OTC option, you will not be able to achieve the same whitening results that you would with professional teeth whitening or DIY teeth whitening with the assistance of your dentist. Further, you will likely need to repeat the process more frequently with an OTC solution as it contains less peroxide than professional solutions.

Request an appointment with Laurel Manor Dental to discuss the right teeth whitening option for you.

If you are thinking of teeth whitening and you live or work in the area of The Villages, Florida, request an appointment with the Laurel Manor Dental team to discuss your options. We provide various cosmetic dentistry solutions that are all designed to give you a whiter and brighter smile that you can be proud of. And if you are wondering how to find the right dentist, don’t despair. We’re confident that we are the dentist you have been looking for.

Our veteran-owned-and-operated team is committed to providing you with personalized, gentle, and comprehensive dental care. We will listen to you, take the time to understand your goals, and use these insights to create a unique dental treatment plan that’s especially for you. 

Whether you are in need of teeth whitening services or general dental services, restorations like dentures or dental implants, or something else, you can always count on us for the perfect blend of professionalism and care.