Are Over-the-Counter Products as Good as Professional Teeth Whitening?

Do you wish you had whiter teeth? Are you curious about ads on tv and social media about over-the-counter teeth whitening products that claim to provide professional results at home for just a fraction of the cost? You’re not alone. With so many products out there making big promises, it can be confusing for the average consumer to know what’s real. If you’re considering getting your teeth whitened, here’s why when it comes to at-home whitening products you shouldn’t always believe the hype.

Ingredients Matter

While you may have heard some over-the-counter whiteners promising that because they use the same ingredients as professional treatments, they work just as well. While this is sometimes true, the products your dentist uses are not just better quality, they are in proper concentrations. Thus, your teeth will only be exposed to exactly what they need, and there is no danger of damaging your teeth or gums due to unregulated or unsafe amounts of active ingredients.

Safer Application

When your dentist applies whitening gel to your teeth during a professional treatment, he or she knows exactly where on the teeth to place it so that there is less of a risk of damage to the teeth and gums. This can often be difficult to do yourself with at-home kits, so for safety reasons it’s best to leave this type of product to a trained professional.

Faster Results, Better Protection

When you choose a professional whitening treatment from your dentist, you will get faster results than an over-the-counter product. Thus, your teeth will need less exposure to these chemicals, and you will have a lower risk of experiencing sensitivity or injury. Furthermore, because professional treatment is quicker, you won’t have to spend weeks or even months trying to get the same results with over-the-counter products.

Even Application = Consistent Results

Finally, a common problem many consumers experience with over-the-counter whitening products is that they don’t get even looking results. They may have one tooth that is darker than another, or one that is lighter, streaks, spots, or another noticeable color variation. Your dentist is well-trained in proper application of these products, so he or she can ensure that you always get whiter, brighter, evenly colored results.

Remember, while it’s natural to want to save a few bucks and jump on the bandwagon with trendy, influencer-backed over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments, when it comes to your oral health it’s best to leave it to the pros. Speak to your dentist today about professional dental whitening. You’ll get faster, safer, more noticeable results that will pay for themselves with saved frustration and time.

About Dr. Oshins

Dr. Steven Oshins believes that no matter what you do, you should always give 110 percent. Maybe that’s why he has earned the Best Dentist award for The Capital District in both 2022 (Runner Up Cosmetic Dentist) and 2023 (1^st Place Cosmetic Dentist; Runner Up Dentist).

Whether you’re seeking a general exam, a restoration, or you’d like a cosmetic procedure like professional whitening, Dr. Oshins and the team at Oshins of Smiles is always ready to give it their all.

To schedule an appointment for professional teeth whitening, please visit our website or call us today at 518-356-5635.