In-office bleaching (aka professional whitening)
You can expect the most dramatic results from a professional teeth whitening treatment.
You’ll start by meeting with your dentist, who will examine your teeth and gums and ask you about your oral hygiene, lifestyle, and whitening goals. You’ll go through a full dental exam and evaluation, to determine which treatment is best for you.
“Staining can be caused by problems like decay or hardened plaque on your teeth. An evaluation by a dentist is crucial, to make sure you don't have any bigger underlying problems that are causing your teeth to darken,” says Chicago dentist Dr. Kaori Ema in a .
You may have specific instructions to follow before your whitening appointment. For example, some dentists recommend using Sensodyne toothpaste twice daily for two weeks prior, to diminish sensitivity.
Before the whitening solution is applied, your gums will be carefully covered to prevent burns from the hydrogen peroxide. Then your provider will apply the whitening gel to the tooth surface.
- Zoom contains 25% hydrogen peroxide, and an overhead blue plasma light is used to activate the hydrogen peroxide. The gel stays on for 15 minutes, and the process is repeated three times for a total of 45 minutes.
- Glo Professional contains either 24% or 30% hydrogen peroxide. An LED mouthpiece is slipped over your teeth to activate the hydrogen peroxide formula. Dr. Maddahi likes Glo because he believes it causes less tooth sensitivity.
- BriteSmile uses a 25% hydrogen peroxide–based gel, activated by a specialized laser. It’s typically a one-hour session, with a series of three 20-minute applications. This laser whitening or “power whitening” treatment is intended to make teeth five to six shades brighter.
- Opalescence Boost contains a higher amount of hydrogen peroxide (40%). The consistency of the gel is stickier, and a light activator is not used. The gel also contains potassium nitrate (to reduce sensitivity) and fluoride (to prevent cavities). The process takes about an hour.
During any in-office whitening treatment, you’re encouraged to sit back and relax, listen to music, or watch TV. The process shouldn’t be painful, but you may experience occasional pangs of discomfort. “I felt the ‘zinger’ they said may happen toward the last few parts of the treatment only once, but it wasn’t bad enough to end the treatment early,” says one RealSelf member.
Take-home whitening systems
There are prefilled whitening trays that are available only from your dentist. You use them at home, so they’re easy to apply and very convenient.
- For Opalescence PF, your dentist makes a mold of your teeth and creates a custom tray based on the impression. You squirt gel (which in addition to hydrogen peroxide, contains potassium nitrate and fluoride) from a syringe into your tray and wear it for a specific amount of time (as little as 15 minutes or as long as overnight) determined by your dentist, based on your whitening needs, for two weeks.
- Opalescence Go is similar but uses prefilled disposable trays, which you wear for between 15 and 60 minutes for 5–10 days.
- BriteSmile’s line of at-home whitening pens is called BriteSmile To Go. It produces results similar to those of whitening strips or lower-strength bleaching trays. The instructions recommend applying the gel twice a day for two weeks, then as needed to maintain results.
OTC whitening products
Over-the-counter whitening systems vary in efficacy and results.
- Whitening strips are the most common (and most popular) option. These clear, disposable strips are applied to the teeth and worn for about 30 minutes a day (in the case of 3D Crest Whitestrips) for two weeks. They’re good for tackling mild stains but really reach only the front six to eight teeth, often called the “smile zone.”
- OTC kits that use blue LED light (such as Glo Lit Teeth Whitening Device tech kit, AuraGlow, iSmile, or Zero Glow Teeth Whitening Kit) use an LED mouthpiece to help jump-start the chemical (either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide) that whitens your teeth.
- Other OTC products, such as whitening toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash have flooded the market recently. Unfortunately, clinical trials suggest that you won’t have significantly whiter teeth compared to their in-office counterparts.
RealSelf Tip: Some teeth whitening products list carbamide peroxide as their active ingredient. In water, carbamide peroxide breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea. “These at home products are typically used overnight in bleaching trays, as the carbamide peroxide takes time to break down into hydrogen peroxide,” explains Dr. Davidowitz. They can be a good option for those with sensitive teeth: the breakdown results in a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide and accounts for it staying active over a longer period of time, working slowly and steadily.
FAQs
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.
Is getting your teeth whitened at the dentist bad for you? ›
While there are several risks associated with teeth whitening, the procedure is generally safe when done by a professional. They are trained and certified and know how to apply the bleaching agents properly and how long to leave them on your teeth.
Why didn't professional teeth whitening work? ›
Many factors may have come into why your teeth whitening didn't work as well as you hoped. The right product and concentration, and the proper method and duration, weren't chosen for your particular needs. Your trays were leaking, allowing the whitening product to leak out or saliva leak in and break down the product.
Does professional teeth whitening work better than 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.
Do most celebrities get their teeth whitened? ›
Most celebrities opt for regular teeth whitening treatments or veneers. Below you will find more information about which one is right for you.
Do whitened teeth look fake? ›
This is a common concern, but we can assure you that professional teeth whitening treatment won't make your teeth look unnaturally white. If you've seen people whose teeth look too white to be natural, you're probably seeing their veneers, not their real teeth.
Why is teeth whitening not recommended? ›
One of the most common side effects is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after treatment. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can also lead to enamel damage, gum irritation, and discoloration. Additionally, some types of tooth discoloration may not respond well to teeth whitening treatments.
Does professional teeth whitening weaken enamel? ›
We all want a white brighter smile. But this begs the question “does teeth whitening damage the enamel?” The answer is no. While there may sometimes be side effects, whitening treatment is safe on tooth enamel. The process of tooth whitening is essentially the tooth will become dehydrated, meaning dried out.
Who is a bad candidate for teeth whitening? ›
Not everyone is the right candidate for teeth whitening. For example, women who are pregnant or breastfeeding should wait to get whitening. People who have dental bridges or crowns may want to talk to their dentist before considering whitening. Children should be at least 16 to get this type of treatment.
Does Hismile actually work? ›
It's essential to clarify that this product does not whiten your teeth with continued use; instead, it serves as a temporary fix to cancel out yellow tones and enhance your smile for a few hours. This Colour Corrector is akin to makeup for your teeth, not a substitute for your daily oral hygiene routine.
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.
Is it better to whiten your teeth at the dentist or DIY? ›
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.
How long does professionally whitened teeth last? ›
Typically, you will begin to see results some weeks after the procedure. And depending on how you care for your teeth, the result can last as long as six months to three years after the procedure. Teeth Whitening Tip: The results from the procedure and its duration vary from one person to another.
How many sessions does it take to whiten teeth? ›
It often requires numerous 30- or 60-minute in-office sessions with teeth whitening dentists near you to achieve the most dramatic effects, typically involving teeth being three to eight colors brighter. Some dentists employ procedures that may be finished in a single, two-hour visit.
What is the success rate of teeth whitening? ›
Generally, whitening is successful in at least 90 percent of patients, though it may not be an option for everyone. Consider tooth whitening if your teeth are darkened from age, coffee, tea or smoking.
What are the pitfalls of teeth whitening? ›
Some home kits don't contain enough whitening product to be effective. Also, if a dental professional isn't doing the whitening, the mouthguard provided may not fit properly so some of the bleaching gel may leak out onto your gums and into your mouth, causing blistering and sensitivity.
