Walking down the toothpaste aisle can be overwhelming. From charcoal powders to LED light kits, everyone promises a brighter smile. But do they work? And more importantly, are they safe?
While over-the-counter options have improved, professional whitening remains the gold standard for safety and longevity. Let's break down the real differences between what you buy at the drugstore and what we offer at the clinic.
1. The Strength Difference
The main difference is the concentration of the active ingredient (usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide).
- Store-bought strips: Typically contain 3% to 10% peroxide. This is why it takes weeks to see minor results.
- Professional Whitening: Can use concentrations upwards of 25-40%. Because this is applied under supervision with gum protection, we can achieve in one hour what strips take months to do.
2. Custom Fit vs. One-Size-Fits-All
Drugstore trays are generic. They often slip, slide, and leak gel onto your gums, causing painful chemical burns or sensitivity.
At Smile A Lot, we take a digital scan of your mouth to create custom-fitted trays. These hug every curve of your teeth, ensuring the gel stays exactly where it’s supposed to be—on your enamel, not your gums.
What about sensitivity?
This is the #1 concern we hear. Professional gels often include desensitizing agents (like potassium nitrate) and fluoride to strengthen enamel while whitening. We can also customize the strength based on your history of sensitivity.
The Verdict
If you just need a tiny touch-up, strips are fine. But if you have deep staining from coffee or aging, or if you have a big event coming up (like a wedding), professional whitening is the safer, faster investment.
Clinic Tip
A hygiene cleaning before whitening will significantly improve your results. Plaque and tartar block the whitening gel from reaching the enamel!
