Over-The-Counter vs. Professional Teeth Whitening: What’s The Difference?
We all want a bright, white smile, but with so many teeth whitening options available, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. Should you grab an over-the-counter (OTC) whitening kit or go for professional treatment at your dentist’s office? At Brighter Day Dental in Katy, TX, we understand how confusing it can be. That’s why we’re here to break down the differences and help you decide which option best suits your smile goals!
Over-The-Counter Whitening: Affordable, But Limited
OTC whitening products include everything from whitening strips and gels to toothpaste and rinses. These products are widely available and relatively inexpensive, making them a tempting choice for those looking for a quick boost. But here’s the catch: they often have a lower concentration of active ingredients like hydrogen peroxide. This means the results might not be as dramatic or long-lasting as you’d hope. Plus, without custom trays, you may find it difficult to get even coverage, especially around the edges of your teeth.
Another downside is sensitivity. OTC products can sometimes irritate the gums or make teeth more sensitive if not used properly. And, because they don’t always target deep-set stains, the results can be limited—especially for tough discoloration caused by coffee, tea, or tobacco use.
Professional Whitening: Tailored Results With KöR Whitening
When it comes to getting a bright, radiant smile, professional whitening takes the cake! At Brighter Day Dental, we use KöR Whitening. This highly effective professional system is known for delivering consistent and long-lasting results. KöR is different from OTC options because it uses custom trays and a specialized formula that’s designed to tackle even the deepest stains. KöR can even handle stains from tetracycline, which are nearly impossible to remove with store-bought products.
The KöR system is tailored to your needs, so your dentist can adjust the strength of the whitening gel to minimize sensitivity while still achieving a bright, natural-looking smile. And, because KöR works by restoring your teeth’s ability to absorb oxygen, it can brighten teeth by up to 16 shades—without the “over-bleached” look that some OTC products can cause.
Which Option Is Right For You?
If you have mild surface stains and are looking for a budget-friendly, temporary solution, OTC whitening products might do the trick. However, if you want professional-level results, need to address deeper stains, or want a whitening treatment that’s specifically tailored to your smile, professional whitening is the way to go.
Get Professional KöR Whitening At Brighter Day Dental In Katy, TX
Ready to achieve your brightest smile yet? Dr. Edward Kim and the team at Brighter Day Dental in Katy, TX, are here to help! With KöR Whitening, we offer a safe, customized whitening experience that gives you dramatic results without the hassle of trial-and-error from OTC products. Contact us today to schedule your consultation and find out how professional whitening can make your smile truly shine!
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