According to Yahoo Finance, the teeth whitening industry is expected to reach a value of $1.07 billion by 2028. This includes teeth whitening options like professional treatment and the kits you can pick up at your local drugstore.

If you're looking to revive your pearly whites, which option should you choose? Can a DIY kit compare to dentist whitening before and after results? 

At Galvez Dental, we recognize the appeal of DIY whitening kits. They're cheap, seemingly easy to use, and easy to find. However, there are some important considerations when deciding between home vs. clinic teeth treatments.

Read on to learn the key differences between DIY and professional teeth whitening and how to make your choice.

Pros of DIY Teeth Whitening

As Stockton cosmetic dentists, we know that sometimes, you don't want to wait for results. Here are the upsides to using a DIY teeth whitening kit, rather than scheduling an appointment with us. 

Low Cost

Perhaps one of the most appealing things about an at-home teeth whitening kit is the cost. On the low end, you can purchase a pack of whitening strips for as little as $20. 

Higher-end kits can cost up to $100 or more. These often come with LED mouth guards that activate the whitening gel and are marketed as more effective at-home options.

Convenient Pickup and "Easy" Use

The second you decide to whiten your teeth, you can head to your nearest drugstore and pick up a whitening kit. Many at-home kits require one to two weeks of consistent use to see noticeable results, but you can get started whenever you want.

In theory, these kits are also easy to use. Oftentimes, you simply place the whitening strip or mouthguard on your teeth and wait. 

Cons of DIY Teeth Whitening

When it comes to at-home whitening kits, the cons are just as important as the pros. In fact, you may find that they outweigh the pros. Let's talk about why at-home kits aren't a great choice for everyone.

Less Effective Whitening Agents

At-home whitening kits will use less effective whitening agents than your cosmetic dentist can use in-office. They may have a lower concentration of key ingredients like hydrogen peroxide. 

Cleveland Clinic highlights the different staining agents and their impact. For people with significant staining from tobacco or acidic beverages, at-home kits may not be strong enough to produce desirable results. 

High Risk of User Error

While at-home teeth whitening kits are easy to use, they're also easy to misuse. One of the biggest potential risks is gum damage. 

Teeth whitening agents can cause a burning sensation if applied to the gums. Because at-home kits aren't custom made to fit snugly against your teeth, it's easy to expose your gums to the product.

Inconsistent Results

Another potential risk of using a one-size-fits-all teeth whitening kit is inconsistency. Uneven application of the whitening agent can cause some teeth to look whiter than others.

Different kits also use different whitening agents, some of which are more harmful than others. A BDJ study found that whitening kits that use sodium chlorite can significantly reduce the hardness of teeth, increasing your risk of dental problems down the road.

Pros of Professional Whitening

Thinking of going to your local cosmetic dentist instead of buying a DIY teeth whitening kit? We don't blame you. Here are the top benefits you'll reap when you go the professional route. 

Noticeable Results

If you're looking for true dentist whitening before and after results, you should opt for professional teeth whitening. Your dentist can offer:

• Higher-strength whitening agents
• Even application on each tooth
• Customized treatment to address your specific needs

Patients will see noticeable results after their first session. 

Safe Application

Cosmetic dentists take precautions to protect the gums from whitening agents. Each procedure involves customized tools, like fitted trays, to ensure that no chemicals touch the gums. 

Cosmetic dentists will also minimize the risk of tooth sensitivity. In-office methods protect enamel, which is especially important for patients with existing enamel deterioration. 

Dental Oversight

It's quite possible that you would benefit from additional procedures before or after whitening. When choosing a cosmetic dentist, make sure they offer comprehensive services.

For example, you may need to address certain dental concerns, like plaque buildup, before your procedure begins. You may also benefit from dental bonding or crowns to cover persistent stains that traditional whitening can't remove. 

Cons of Professional Whitening

We recognize that professional whitening has its drawbacks and may not be the right option every single time you want a whiter smile. Here are the two cons of getting your teeth whitened by a cosmetic dentist.

Higher Cost

Professional services will inevitably cost more than over-the-counter products. However, you're paying for better, safer results. Plus, you won't need to touch up your whitening as often. 

Unfortunately, dental insurance does not often cover cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening. You can talk to your cosmetic dentist about their financial plans for teeth whitening and pay for your treatment in affordable installments. 

Advanced Scheduling

You can't get your teeth whitened by a cosmetic dentist on a whim. You'll need to schedule your treatment in advance, often beginning with a consultation.

The consultation is important because it allows your dentist to assess your current oral health. This is what allows them to determine if you would benefit from other treatments like teeth cleaning or crowns. After your consultation, you'll return at least once for your whitening treatment, which is non-invasive and minimally disruptive.

Want Noticeable Dentist Whitening Before and After Results?

Now that you've read our dental treatment comparison guide, you can make an informed decision about your teeth whitening options. If you're looking for long-lasting dentist whitening before and after results, at-home kits can't compare to professional treatment.

Dr. Bernand Galvez has continued the family legacy here at Galvez Dental, allowing us to provide comprehensive dental care to Stockton families for over 40 years. We offer services ranging from general dentistry to cosmetic procedures and orthodontia. Learn more about our practice and schedule an appointment for the whole family today.