In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Take-Home Whitening Trays (2024)

FAQs

Is it better to get teeth whitened at the dentist or at-home? ›

Professional teeth whitening uses a more effective process

This means that the hydrogen peroxide content of your at-home kit is very low, whether you are using toothpaste, liquid filled trays, or strips. Dr. Yalamanchili is able to use a stronger process in her office, typically approved for use by dentists only.

A: Professional Teeth Whitening treatments usually yield better, faster and longer lasting results than Home Teeth Whitening kits, can help reduce tooth sensitivity and irritation caused by Home Teeth Whitening kits, and are generally safer than Home teeth whitening kits as they are administered under the supervision ...

In-office whiteners are much stronger than the other two alternatives because they have more peroxide in the solution. They can change the color of your teeth faster than at-home methods. The in-office whitening takes about an hour.

That said, at-home whitening products have lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide, meaning they may not offer the same degree of shade changes that you get from professional whiteners. Products like brush-on whiteners, strips or trays can be purchased online, at pharmacies and grocery stores, etc.

Teeth whitening trays from a dentist are vastly superior to any supposed teeth whitening solutions available at the local store. Your dentist will take the time necessary to build a fully customized teeth whitening tray for your unique mouth.

As a result, you may wonder if professional tooth whitening is worth the cost. Lots of patients are curious about in-office treatment and ask if it is really better than at-home options. The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.

laser teeth whitening is the safest, quickest, and most effective option among the types of teeth-whitening treatments available. However, there are ultimately several ways to whiten teeth, and the most suitable option will depend on your timeline, budget, and priorities, as well as the nature of the discoloration.

Home teeth whitening kits need to be used daily over a period of time – typically around two weeks – to achieve results. If you don't follow this regimen every day, then you might not see the results you want. It can only whiten teeth by a few shades.

If you maintain good oral hygiene, a chairside (or in-office) procedure should provide long-lasting results for 1 to 3 years. This procedure is done in your dentist's office.

The cost difference mainly exists due to the lesser efficacy of whitening from at-home products. These products tend to contain lower concentrations of bleaching agents and do not work as good or fast as in-office teeth whitening.

How many shades does in-office teeth whitening whiten? ›

Most patients have an average result of 7-8 shades lighter when using Zoom® Whitening. The average whitening potency of Opalescence® Boost instead, is approximately four shades lighter. As previously said, your results will be quicker if you choose in-office whitening versus OTC products.

Intrinsic Stains

Since teeth whitening treatments primarily target the outer layer of the teeth, they may have limited effectiveness in removing these deeper stains. In such cases, alternative cosmetic dentistry options like dental bonding or veneers may be recommended to improve the appearance of the teeth.

Choosing a non-professional teeth whitening treatment can carry a higher risk of adverse effects, including damage to your teeth and gums, and even a worsening of your discoloration. By far, the safest and most effective option is to have your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist.

Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used in whitening interventions and can readily permeate dental hard tissues. Temporary tooth sensitivity and gingival inflammation are the most common adverse effects of vital tooth whitening.

Up your whitening game with Crest's kit of hydrogen peroxide strips and a wireless LED-light device — inspired by pro treatments — to boost the effects. Almost all users agreed that it was gentle, yet erased stains and whitened teeth well.

Only go to a registered dental professional for teeth whitening because whitening by people who aren't qualified, for example in beauty salons, is illegal. Home kits also carry risks. Talk to your dentist first, before using a home kit.

At-home teeth whitening kits are relatively inexpensive and can give you great results. In contrast, professional teeth whitening at a dentist's office is more expensive but will provide you with even better results.

Although home teeth whitening kits can be effective in whitening teeth, they can only really whiten teeth by a few shades. If you want a drastic change in teeth whiteness (i.e. you have severe teeth staining), home teeth whitening kits may not be enough. You may need multiple tries.