Teeth Whitening: What Really Works and Why

Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments, with nearly 20% of Americans receiving it at some point in their lives. With popularity comes options, and the options for dental whitening treatments seem endless. Store aisles are lined with whitening stripes, whitening toothpastes, and bleaching agents that claim to be safe for home use. 

Meanwhile, many online sources often promote do-it-yourself options, and more and more dentists offer professional teeth whitening both in-office and as a take-home treatment. All of these options often leave people wondering which is best and what results they can expect with each. 

Read on to get a breakdown of what actually works to whiten teeth and how different treatments compare to one another from the best dentist in Mountain View, so you can choose the safest route to a noticeably brighter smile that lasts. 

Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Store-Bought Teeth Whitening Kits

The difference between professional teeth whitening and store-bought kits includes: 

• How strong the bleaching agent is
• The level of brightness you can achieve 
• How predictable your results are 

Professional whitening uses prescription-strength peroxide gels and a precision application process that protects your gums and the sensitive tissues of your mouth while providing the most dramatic and consistent color change. 

On the contrary, over-the-counter whitening kits are only allowed to sell a weaker whitening gel for safety reasons and to fit the one-size-fits-all approach. This often leads to uneven whitening and sore gums if the product slips into areas where it isn’t meant to be. 

There’s also a difference in timing. In-office whitening can improve the brightness of your teeth by several shades in a single visit, while store-bought options work more slowly and usually cannot achieve the same level of brightness, even with several treatments. 

Are Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Kits Bad for Your Teeth?

Store-bought whitening kits are not always harmful, but they can come with downsides people usually don’t expect: 

• One of the most common issues is gum irritation. One-size-fits-all strips and trays can slide up or down, allowing the whitening gel to leak onto your gums, which can cause stinging, redness, or a lingering raw feeling. 
• Uneven whitening is another frustration. Strips often miss the edges of teeth, deep grooves, or crowded areas, so you may notice a patchy look where the front of a tooth is lighter, while the sides remain dull. 
• Tooth sensitivity is also more common with store-bought whitening kits, especially if you accidentally leave products on longer than directed or use them too often. 

How Long can Professional Teeth Whitening Last? 

For most people, professional teeth whitening results often last several months to one or even two years, depending on daily habits and maintenance treatments. If you drink coffee each morning or sip red wine at night, you may notice color returning sooner than someone who sticks mostly to water. 

The best way to keep your results looking fresh is to practice good oral health habits and good oral hygiene:

• Avoid foods and drinks that are known for causing discolored teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tomato-based foods
• Drink water often to help keep teeth clean throughout the day and in between brushing
• Brush twice a day and floss at least once a day to keep tartar and plaque at bay 
• Seeing your dentist twice a year, or more often if recommended, for professional teeth cleaning 
• Follow the teeth whitening maintenance schedule your dentist recommends, whether it’s an in-office treatment every year or at-home touch-ups every month 

Teeth Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening 

Teeth whitening can make your teeth feel sensitive. This sensitivity is temporary and common for both at-home and in-office teeth whitening treatments, but is usually worse with at-home treatments, since whitening gel can get onto tissues it isn’t meant to contact. Professional whitening includes a few safeguards that help prevent or lessen sensitivity, including: 

• Custom trays that fit your teeth exactly
• Desensitizing products that can dull the ache
• Professional oversight to ensure the product is not misused in any way

If your teeth are already sensitive, or if you have gum recession or worn enamel, professional guidance is necessary, as at-home whitening kits can do more harm than good. 

Finding the Best Dentist in Mountain View for Professional Teeth Whitening with Long-Lasting Results 

Getting the smile you want shouldn’t be left up to chance. Professional teeth whitening can help you achieve a whiter, more polished look with a formula tailored to your needs, not a one-size-fits-all approach. 

Dr. Lagemann pairs cosmetic dentistry with a practical, patient-first approach to achieve even color across every tooth while avoiding harsh treatments that leave you with sensitivity. Our team guides you through shade matching so your results look natural if you have previous dental work, like dental crowns, bonding, or fillings. 

In a calm, relaxed setting, we are dedicated to ensuring you have the best experience and results you’ll love to show off. 

Ready to get a whiter, brighter smile with the best dentist in Mountain View for cosmetic dentistry?