What is the difference between an over-the counter whitening products and dentists supervised whitening products?
There are differences between the two, include: Strength of bleaching agent. Over-the-counter home use products and dentist-supervised at-home products usually contain a lower strength-bleaching agent. • Mouthpiece trays. With dentist-supervised at-home bleaching products, your dentist takes an impression of your teeth for a custom-made mouthpiece tray to exactly fit your teeth. This customization allows for maximum contact between the whitening gel and the teeth. Over-the-counter whitening products contain a free size mouthpiece tray that may be ill-fitting. This can irritate the gum and soft tissue. With in-office procedures, the bleaching agent is applied directly to the teeth. • Additional protective measures. In the office setting, your dentist will apply either a gel to the gum tissue prior to treatment to protect your gums and oral cavity from the effects of the bleaching. Over-the-counter products don’t provide these extra protective measures. Costs. Over-the-counter bleaching
