Having whiter teeth is something on most people’s minds. From boosted confidence to fewer stains, there are plenty of benefits of teeth whitening. But when it comes to teeth whitening, should we be looking into professional services, or will an at-home whitening kit do the job?

Here, Victorian Dental Group explain everything you need to know about professional vs at-home teeth whitening.

DIY whitening vs take-home whitening kit

The internet is full of content boasting ‘life hacks’ about how to whiten your teeth without a take-home kit or a professional whitening service at the dental clinic. These range from using lemon juice, baking soda and charcoal and seem appealing at first since they’re convenient and affordable.

Sadly, not only are these methods largely ineffective, they also pose a risk to your teeth. Lemon juice is highly acidic and can erode your enamel, while baking soda and charcoal can irritate the gums with excess use.

At-home teeth whitening kits, on the other hand, are provided by dental professionals. While they can have results and are a safer and more effective choice than DIY methods, they are not risk-free and it’s advised to choose a professional whitening service performed by a dentist.

Risks of take-home whitening kits

Though sold by dental professionals, take-home whitening kits still carry several risks:

• Improper use of whitening gel
  Whitening gel is more difficult to apply correctly than it seems. Dentists are professionally trained in applying whitening gel, and there is risk in applying it yourself without any professional guidance or practice. Improper application of the gel can result in gum irritation, tooth sensitivity and uneven whitening.

• Ill-fitting trays
  At-home whitening kits come with generic trays which may not properly fit every user. These can cause issues like gum irritation and uneven whitening.

• Excessive application
  Overuse of the bleaching agent can weaken enamel and harm the underlying dentin.

Reasons to choose a professional whitening service performed by a dentist

When comparing a professional whitening service with a take-home whitening kit, the better choice is obvious. Professional tooth whitening has the benefits of:

• Improved oral health
  While teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure, it also improves your oral health by removing staining and discoloration from your teeth.

• Long-lasting results
  Teeth whitening by a professional at Victorian Dental Group lasts much longer than non-professional whitening, thanks to the high-grade whitener we use.

• Lower sensitivity and less risk
  Dentists are professionals of oral health and have been trained on how to apply whitening agents while protecting the gums, resulting in less risk and lower sensitivity than non-professional whitening services.

Say hello to a brighter smile and a brighter future thanks to teeth whitening at Victorian Dental Group. We’re Melbourne’s leading team in whitening services and a range of other cosmetic dental procedures. Book an appointment and head into our Malvern clinic today.