Home Teeth Whitening Kits- Pros and Cons

Teeth whitening is the most often performed cosmetic dental procedure because it is a simple, non-invasive, and reasonably affordable approach to enhance smile aesthetics significantly. Individuals seeking a teeth whitening treatment have two main options: in-office professionally supervised whitening or do-it-yourself whitening.

There are several in-office teeth whitening options available, and patients are generally quite happy with the outcomes. That is not to suggest, however, that in-office teeth whitening are always preferable to at-home whitening. Indeed, some argue that at-home teeth whitening might be even more successful than the professionally supervised option when done correctly.

To help you decide whether an in-office or at-home whitening treatment is best for you, we’ve highlighted some of the most significant benefits and drawbacks of DIY teeth whitening.

Pros and Cons of Home Teeth Whitening Kits

Although teeth whitening is safe for your dental health, some factors to consider before scheduling or undergoing any teeth whitening procedure. The following are some of the benefits and drawbacks of home teeth whitening kits:

Pros:

1. Enhancing your appearance – this may be the primary reason you desired a dazzling white smile. You may wish to remove discoloration or stain caused by smoking or excessive coffee or tea use.
2. Take-Home Whitening Kits – it’s the only procedure that can be performed at home and is also reasonably priced. However, you should see your dentist first to choose the best whitening kit to use.
3. Not dangerous to your teeth – although whitening kits include hydrogen peroxides, they are safe to use when used according to the manufacturer’s recommendations.
4. Unlike some dental procedures, teeth whitening kits produce immediate results, primarily when appropriately performed by a dentist. Within less than two hours, you will notice a significant difference.

Cons:

1. Sensitivity of the Teeth – you may experience discomfort while using a whitening solution, especially if you already have sensitive teeth.
2. Not permanent – the whitening effect from kits varies according to individual. For those who smoke cigarettes and consume a lot of coffee and tea, the impact will be shorter.
3. Changes in your food consumption – you may need to avoid certain foods and beverages to keep your teeth whiter. Additionally, you will be unable to smoke cigarettes.
4. It will not affect the color of your crowns – If your teeth complement your crown or veneer, teeth whitening will result in an uneven color of teeth.

How long-lasting are the benefits of teeth whitening kits?

When not used properly, these teeth whitening kits might cause harm to your enamel and tooth roots. Ensure that you follow the directions carefully, and it is advisable to visit your dentist first to determine the correct teeth whitening kits.

References:

Fries, Wendy C. “Teeth Whitening and Bleaching.” WebMD, WebMD, 29 Jan. 2012, www.webmd.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening-and-bleaching

“Monterey Peninsula Dental Group.” Monterey Peninsula Dental Group, 31 Jan. 2019, www.mpdg.com/professional-vs-at-home-whitening/.

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