How Does A Professional Teeth Whitening Kit For Home Use Work?

If you’re looking to brighten your smile, teeth whitening is a good option with a few different approaches to consider. You can either visit a dental clinic for a professional in-office treatment, or opt for at-home solutions. For home whitening, you'll typically require teeth whitening kits. While many people choose to buy over-the-counter (OTC) kits available at pharmacies and online shops, these often fall short in terms of effectiveness and results.

There's another option to whiten teeth at-home; that is, professional whitening kits provided by your dentist. These kits are designed to offer the benefits of professional-grade whitening in the comfort of your own home. Not only do they provide noticeable results but using a professional kit means you’re under the guidance of your dentist. This helps ensure that you’re using the product correctly and safely, hence minimising potential issues.

Why should I choose a professional kit over OTC kit for home teeth whitening?

Over-the-counter (OTC) kits are widely available and often marketed as budget-friendly solutions. However, professional whitening kits come with several significant advantages that can lead to better results and a more comfortable experience.

One of the biggest perks of professional teeth whitening kits is the custom-made trays. These trays are designed specifically for your teeth, ensuring that the whitening gel is applied evenly. This personalised fit helps avoid the uneven results that can occur with the one-size-fits-all trays of OTC kits. Read more about custom-made whitening trays here.

What is included in a professional teeth whitening kit for home use?

1. Pre-treatment Cleaning Toothpaste: Pre-treatment toothpaste is specially made for cleaning your teeth before you start whitening. While not all whitening kits include this step, it can really make a difference. This toothpaste gives your teeth a thorough clean, making sure the whitening gel has better contact with your teeth.

2. Whitening Gel Syringes: The primary active ingredient in most whitening gels is either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Pre-filled syringes containing the active ingredients work by breaking down into oxygen molecules that penetrate the enamel and break apart stains. Read about how teeth whitening works here.

3. Custom-made Whitening Trays: Dental scans will be taken of your teeth to create custom whitening trays. This ensures even application of the whitening gel and minimises leakage onto your gums.

4. Desensitizer: Some kits include a desensitising gel to reduce sensitivity, which can be applied after the whitening treatment.

5. A Hard Case For Storing The Mouth Trays: A sturdy case for storing the mouth trays helps keep them clean and protected when not in use. This ensures their hygiene and longevity.

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Benefits of professional teeth whitening kits for home use

Maintains In-Office Results

If you’ve had professional whitening done in the dental clinic, using a take-home kit is a great way to keep up those results. Many people use in-office whitening once a year and then maintain their bright smile with an at-home kit. It’s a convenient way to keep your teeth looking great for special events, without needing frequent visits to the dentist.

Safe and Gentle

Most professional teeth whitening kits come with extras like desensitiser and pre-treatment toothpaste, making sure the whitening process is gentle on your teeth and gums. This is a big plus compared to OTC kits, which often lack these features and can be less comfortable to use.

Convenient At-Home Use

Professional at-home whitening kits are designed for easy use at home. You don’t have to worry about fitting in extra appointments or travelling.

Cost-Effective

Professional at-home whitening kits offer an affordable option compared to in-office treatments, therefore providing a cost-effective way to maintain a bright smile without sacrificing quality or effectiveness.

How do I get a professional teeth whitening kit?

 Here’s how you can go about getting a professional teeth whitening kit:

What are some common side effects after teeth-whitening?

Teeth whitening is usually safe but some may experience side effects, such as the ones listed below. To minimise the risk, it is important to follow the instructions and guidelines closely. Do check in with your dentist if you experience these effects for a prolonged period.

• Sensitive teeth: Some people notice their teeth become more sensitive after whitening, making it uncomfortable to eat or drink certain food and beverages.

• Gum irritation: Sometimes, the whitening gel can irritate your gums, causing redness or discomfort. This can happen if the gel gets on your gums or if the trays don’t fit quite right.

• Burning sensation: You might feel a slight burning sensation or soreness in your mouth if the whitening gel touches sensitive areas.

Do’s:

• Drink plenty of water and milk.
• Eat crunchy vegetables and fruits.
• Continue brushing, flossing and maintaining your regular dental cleaning routine.
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups.

Don’ts:

• Do not consume dark beverages like red wine, tea, and coffee immediately after whitening, as they can stain your teeth.
• Do not take bright coloured food and food that can discolour your teeth such as curry, soy sauce, etc.
• Do not smoke as it can cause stains and damage your teeth.

For an in-depth read, click here to view our article on What to do After Teeth Whitening.

Conclusion

Teeth whitening doesn’t last forever and will gradually fade, so it’s important to take steps to maintain your bright smile. Many choose to combine professional in-office whitening with at-home care in order to extend the results of their treatment. This is a smart approach as it gives them a strong start with a professional treatment and then helps to keep up with maintenance at home.

Teeth whitening kits for home use can vary significantly depending on whether you get them from a dental clinic or buy them over-the-counter. When you get a kit from your dentist, you’re not just getting the products. You also receive valuable guidance to help ensure you achieve the best results!

Ready to book a whitening appointment with us? Simply send us a message here and we will be right with you.

WhatsApp us at : +65 8200 9092

Call us at : +65 6221 8284

References

1. Amengual-Lorenzo, J., Montiel-Company, J. M., Labaig-Rueda, C., Agustín-Panadero, R., Solá-Ruíz, M. F., & Peydro-Herrero, M. (2020). Combined vital tooth whitening: Effect of number of in-office sessions on the duration of home whitening. A randomized clinical trial. Applied Sciences, 10(13), 4476.
2. Dawson, P. F. L., Sharif, M. O., Smith, A. B., & Brunton, P. A. (2011). A clinical study comparing the efficacy and sensitivity of home vs combined whitening. Operative dentistry, 36(5), 460-466.