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 can be safer

One of the bigger hazards of at-home whitening kits is the risk of the bleaching agent leaking onto your gums. This can cause sensitivity, pain or even damage to your gum tissue.

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.

The results of professionally administered in-office whitening tend to be better because dentists use higher-concentration bleaching gels. There are a number of popular in-office whiteners including Zoom, Britesmile, Opalescence and Lumibrite whitening.

The benefits of using custom whitening trays

A custom whitening tray fits well on a patient's teeth, which leads to improved whitening as their teeth are evenly immersed in the bleaching agent. The mouth tray also helps prevent the bleaching solution from getting into the person's gums during treatment.

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.

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. It usually requires only one visit.

As take-home whitening kits can be purchased from a dentist or an independent retailer, pricing can vary quite significantly. For professional take-home whitening kits which typically include custom-fitted whitening trays and a supply of whitening gel, the cost is approximately $500 – $800.

All of these whitening methods contain a variety of peroxide compounds, according to the American Dental Association (ADA). But what makes professional whitening cost a bit more is the difference in the active ingredients found in the whitening agent.

Laser Teeth Whitening. Currently, the preferred choice of tooth-whitening treatment is Philips' Zoom! laser teeth whitening. For laser teeth whitening, a patient will typically come in for an hour-long session and then use formulated take-home teeth-whitening trays for lasting results.

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.

Overuse or misuse of teeth-whitening products can cause sensitivity, gum irritation, and other side effects. Custom-fitted trays and in-office treatments are the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth. ADA-approved over-the-counter toothpastes, gels, and strips are more affordable and convenient options.

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.

If you wear your custom made trays for at least 3-4 hours in the day and/or wear the trays overnight for 14 consecutive days you will get the fastest results. If you cannot wear the trays for a few days because life intrudes or your teeth become sensitive, it does not matter.

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.

In-office bleaching provides the quickest way to whiten teeth. With in-office bleaching, the whitening product is applied directly to the teeth. These products can be used in combination with heat, a special light, or a laser. Results are seen in only one, 30- to 60-minute treatment.

Option #1: In-Office Laser Whitening

This is one of the popular teeth whitening methods that some people believe is the most effective way to get a brighter smile. Using lasers and peroxide-based whitening agents in a professional setting, this teeth whitening method provides dramatic, lasting results.

Professional teeth whitening treatments are much more effective than over-the-counter products. Dentists can assess your individual needs and choose the best treatment for you. Teeth whitening treatments at the dentist are supervised, so you can be sure they're being done safely and correctly.