Here’s Why You Should Avoid At-Home Whitening Products

Walk down the toothpaste aisle in any store and you’ll see a plethora of products aimed at whitening teeth. From whitening trays and strips to toothpastes and rinses, it’s easy to get overwhelmed by all the options.

But are over-the-counter whitening kits found at grocery and drug stores really your best option? If you want noticeable results without waiting weeks, the answer is likely no.

Many people have stained teeth, but stains vary, as do the ways to address them. Surface stains develop over time if you enjoy dark-colored foods and beverages like red wine, coffee, and berries. Using tobacco products or taking certain medications can also discolor teeth.

At Millennium Dental, Beatriz Parra, DDS, and our team offer customized teeth whitening that fits your dental needs and your lifestyle. In general, we recommend avoiding at-home whitening because it simply isn’t as effective as professional treatment.

The downsides of at-home teeth whitening

At-home teeth whitening treatments are popular because they’re convenient. Simply pick up a product while you’re out shopping, and use it at home when you have the time. But the truth is that these whitening products aren’t very effective, and they can even lead to oral health problems.

Weaker bleaching solutions

Because at-home whitening products are available without the supervision of a dentist, they don’t have very powerful ingredients. Very dark stains and those from medications or tobacco use may not be lightened at all with at-home whitening treatments

Some at-home kits contain as little as 3% peroxide, which is one of the most common bleaching solutions. In-office whitening treatments generally have 15-43% peroxide to deliver significantly better whitening in less time.

One-size-fits-all treatment

At-home kits are convenient, but they aren’t customized for your unique smile. Whitening trays and strips are one-size-fits-all, and they may not fit you properly. Bleaching solution can leak out while you whiten, which may irritate gums and cause other oral health issues.

Further, at-home whitening treatments can increase tooth sensitivity, particularly if you already experience discomfort with hot, cold, or sweet foods. Since treatment isn’t customized for your mouth, whitening at home is often less effective overall.

Customized in-office whitening delivers dramatic results

When you visit Millennium Dental for teeth whitening, Dr. Parra takes your oral health into consideration from start to finish. She works with you to select a shade that looks natural and bright, and our team offers both in-office and at-home whitening to fit your lifestyle.

In-office teeth whitening is a customizable treatment that can whiten your teeth up to eight shades in less than an hour. Professional-strength bleaching solutions can lift even stubborn, dark stains. Our process protects your gums and minimizes sensitivity and other side effects.

With our customized at-home whitening products, you can combine the power of in-office treatment with the convenience of a take-home kit. Dr. Parra designs customized whitening trays to fit your teeth perfectly. You put a whitening solution in the trays and wear them for several hours a night for as long as you need to achieve your aesthetic goals.

Talk to Dr. Parra if you’re bothered by stains and discoloration on your teeth. Instead of wasting time and money on at-home whitening, learn how you can get effective whitening and a naturally beautiful smile at Millennium Dental. Call the Redwood City, California, office at 650-204-3548 today or use our convenient online booking feature anytime. You can also send a message to Dr. Parra and the team here on our website.