Request An Appointment
It’s pretty safe to say that everyone loves a good deal. But just because something has a lower price tag doesn’t mean it’s a better value. Take for example professional versus over-the-counter teeth whitening. While OTC kits you can buy at your local discount or grocery store may cost less than professional whitening, are they really a bargain? Here’s what you need to know about storebought products and why professional whitening from your dentist is the real deal.
Professional vs. Over the Counter: What’s the Difference?
When it comes to whitening your teeth, the ingredients used in professional and OTC treatment are basically the same. The major difference is their concentration. When you purchase an OTC product such as white strips, pens, or gels at your local department store, you are getting the same type of whitening agents used in professional treatment, but at much lower strength. That’s why these products tend to be less expensive than professional treatment.
Unfortunately, though they may initially be better for your budget, because they aren’t as strong as what you can get from your dentist, they take a lot longer to work. This means that not only will you need to continually purchase new kits, you also may never have as good of results as you would with professional whitening. Worse yet, you’ll need to expose your teeth to whitening chemicals for a lot longer, increasing tooth sensitivity, and by the time you get your desired results, you may end up spending the equivalent or more than you would have if you’d just gotten professional treatment from the start!
Conversely, with professional whitening from your dentist, you can expect to remove up to eight shades of discoloration in about two weeks. That means that not only will you notice your results much faster than you would with OTC products, but you’ll also reduce the amount of time your teeth are exposed to the powerful chemicals used to whiten your smile. This means if you do experience any sensitivity, it will be for a much shorter duration.
Faster results, less sensitivity, and more effective whitening? Now that’s a good deal! If you’re ready to stop wasting your time and money on OTC whitening products that don’t work, speak to your dentist today about a professional take-home whitening kit, and you could have the white, bright smile of your dreams in as little as two weeks!
About Dr. Salivonchik
Dr. S. John Salivonchik is a skilled dentist with decades of experience in both general and cosmetic dentistry. He has appeared on numerous major television news programs to discuss a variety of dental topics, and is a current, active member of the American Dental Association, Pennsylvania Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Academy of General Dentistry, American Academy of Implant Dentistry and the OKU Dental Honor Society.
To schedule a consultation for professional whitening with Dr. Salivonchik, please visit our website or call us today at 610-502-1545.
