DIY methods aren't the same as getting your teeth whitened by a professional dentist. You'll want to consider a few crucial differences.
Strength of bleaching agent
Over-the-counter products and dentist-supervised at-home products usually contain a lower-strength bleaching agent, with about 10% to 22% carbamide peroxide content equivalent to about 3% hydrogen peroxide. In-office, professionally applied tooth whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide in concentrations ranging from 15% to 43%.
Mouthpiece trays
With dentist-supervised at-home bleaching products, your dentist will take an impression of your teeth and make a mouthpiece tray customized to fit your teeth exactly. This customization allows maximum contact between the whitening gel, which is applied to the mouthpiece tray, and the teeth. A custom-made tray also minimizes the gel's contact with gum tissue. Over-the-counter whitening products also contain a mouthpiece tray, but the "one-size-fits-all" approach means the fit will not be exact. Ill-fitting trays can irritate the gum and soft tissue by allowing more bleaching gel to seep into them. With in-office procedures, the bleaching agent is applied directly to your teeth.
Protective measures:
In the office setting, your dentist will apply either a gel to the gum tissue or use a rubber shield (which slides over the teeth) before treatment to protect your gums and oral cavities from the bleaching effects. Over-the-counter products don't provide these extra protective measures.
Costs:
Over-the-counter bleaching systems are the least expensive option, with in-office whitening being the costliest.
Supervised vs. unsupervised process
First, your dentist can perform an oral exam and consider your complete medical history. This can be helpful in determining if bleaching is an appropriate course of treatment based on the type and extent of stains and the number and location of restorations. Your dentist can then better match the type of stain with the best treatment to lighten those stains, if appropriate.
When your dentist does it, they'll likely want to see you a couple of times to clear up any questions about the directions, to make sure the customized tray fits properly, to check your gums for signs of irritation, and to see how the process is working in general. With over-the-counter bleaching products, you're on your own.
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