Home or in-clinic teeth whitening? 5 things to consider

The dental team at Estetikcentrum in Malmö

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This article was reviewed and approved by licensed dentist Dr. Mahya Rezvani on January 23, 2024.

Teeth whitening is more popular than ever, with new viral, seemingly miraculous teeth whitening products appearing on social media feeds all the time. But do they really work? And can whitening your teeth with unknown products bought online be harmful to your teeth? 

There are many things to consider before choosing which type of teeth whitening is best for you. Therefore, our dentist Dr. Mahya Rezvani helps you by giving his top 5 things to consider before teeth whitening.

1. Types of teeth whitening

There are several ways to whiten your teeth, and the method you choose depends on several factors, such as budget, urgency, and the results you are hoping for. 

Clinical teeth whitening is teeth whitening by a dentist in a clinic. It is the fastest and most powerful treatment for those who are in a hurry and want a white smile the same day. Clinical teeth whitening takes about two hours and at Estetikcentrum the teeth are treated with plasma light and hydrogen peroxide in a stronger concentration than can be used at home.

Home bleaching with hydrogen peroxide usually involves a tray that is either made to fit your teeth or bought as standard - depending on the price. A gel is placed in the tray and you sleep with it for a number of nights to gradually whiten your teeth for 10-30 days.

Home whitening with LED light is another type of whitening that often also includes a whitening gel, as well as a lamp that is put in the mouth for a number of minutes to activate the gel. This is similar to clinical teeth whitening but at a lower level and without supervision or personalization.

Teeth whitening strips are strips that are applied to the row of teeth and work for a few minutes. This method is very weak and can only remove very superficial stains. It is therefore a practical but questionable method of teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening toothpastes come in many different sets and their effectiveness can be debated. Many of these do not contain the active ingredient hydrogen peroxide. It is important to note that teeth whitening toothpastes usually have limited effect compared to professional teeth whitening methods offered by dentists. They are more focused on maintaining and enhancing the natural tooth color than changing it. Beware of toothpastes with abrasives that can damage the enamel and cause more discoloration in the long run.

2. Price for teeth whitening

Price is an important factor that should not be underestimated when it comes to teeth whitening. It costs money to whiten your teeth, regardless of the method. A clinical whitening session with a licensed dentist can cost between 3,000 and 10,000 euros. sekwhile self-service whitening kits can be as cheap as a few hundred dollars. 

However, if the home treatment goes wrong or causes side effects, dental care to repair the damage can run into many thousands.

You can also get home whitening kits from licensed dentists. This is often cheaper than clinical teeth whitening and takes a little more time, but you know you're getting an approved product from a dentist.

3. Quality of teeth whitening products

Because prices vary so much, it's important to remember that you often get what you pay for. If you are going to whiten your teeth at home, you should take a good look at the ingredients of the whitening product and ask yourself if you are comfortable using what it says. 

If you choose to whiten your teeth with a dentist, you can be sure that we dentists always use the highest quality products that have been tested and approved for safe use. We also know what concentration of active ingredients you need to avoid overdosing. 

Not only that, but we are allowed to use stronger products than you can get for home teeth whitening, giving you a faster and more powerful result.

4. Individualization of teeth whitening

If you have cavities or other damage to your teeth that you may not have noticed, teeth whitening can exacerbate this damage and lead to both pain and high costs. 

That's why it's important to have a dental exam before starting any type of teeth whitening - whether you want to do it at home or at a dentist's office. 

During a dental examination, your teeth are thoroughly examined and we can advise you on the type of teeth whitening that is suitable for you, based on your teeth and any dental problems you have. 

Our dentists are trained and experienced in dentistry, which means that if you choose clinical teeth whitening, we are able to customize the treatment to your teeth and dental health so that you avoid problems with pain or worse. 

By identifying any dental problems or sensitivities that may affect teeth whitening, we can give you specific recommendations to minimize discomfort and side effects during and after the process.

5. Realistic expectations for teeth whitening

A gleaming white smile has become a hallmark of beauty in recent years, and there is a lot of pressure that white teeth are required to be beautiful.

It is important to remember that we are all different, as are our teeth. We therefore react differently to teeth whitening. Some people may get whiter teeth than others, and for some people teeth whitening doesn't work at all, regardless of its strength. 

One thing that surprises many of our patients is that many of the most beautiful smiles online and on TV are not actually real teeth. Veneers are becoming more and more common to achieve a chalky white smile. You can read more about veneers here.

Summary

In conclusion, as a licensed dentist, I would like to state that it is up to you which method of teeth whitening you choose, and it is not necessarily dangerous or harmful to whiten your teeth at home.

What's important is to first have a dental exam to identify any damage to your teeth that may be made worse by teeth whitening, and get an individualized assessment to see what's best for you and your situation.

You are always welcome to ask us about the contents of the kit you have bought yourself and we will do our best to help you achieve a strong, healthy and beautiful smile.

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