Whiten Teeth at Home or in the Dentist's Office? (2024)

You can get the shine back on your smile with a variety of teeth-whitening methods. There are pros and cons to brightening up at the dentist's office or with an at-home kit.

At-Home Products

Whitening rinses. They're easy to use. All you do is swirl it around in your mouth for a minute.

The whitening agent in the product is in contact with your teeth for just a short time, so your choppers get brighter gradually. Rinses can help prevent new stains after you whiten your teeth.

Whitening toothpaste. It has ingredients that remove surface stains with gentle brushing and may provide gradual brightening. But some people get sensitive teeth if they use these products.

Gel strips. You usually put them on your teeth once a day for up to 2 hours. Depending on how strong the product is, you may need to wear them for 10 to 20 days.

Whitening trays. These are filled with a gel that you fit over your teeth.

They can whiten your choppers fast. But the trays sold in at-home kits aren't custom-made, so they're more likely to rub and irritate your gums. Make sure you follow the directions on the package carefully.

In-Office Procedures

The most common one involves custom-made trays filled with bleaching solution that fit firmly over your teeth. Because your dentist supervises the procedure, a stronger bleaching solution can be used than what's found in home kits.

They may recommend doing everything in their office. In that case, a light or heat source may be used to speed up the process.

Another option is to get fitted for custom-made whitening trays that you can use at home.

Which Is Right for You?

"If your teeth and gums are in excellent condition, you may want to consider an [at-home] whitener," says Kellee Kattleman Stanton, DDS, a spokeswoman for the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry.

At-home whiteners are easy to use and relatively cheap. But if your teeth or gums are sensitive, custom-made trays that you get at your dentist's office may help you avoid irritation.

Professional solutions used by your dentist are typically stronger than those in over-the-counter kits, so your teeth may whiten more quickly. They can also make sure that sensitive gums don't get more irritated.

Whiteners work only on the tough outer surface of your teeth, enamel. "If you whiten your teeth too much, you can end up making your natural teeth whiter than neighboring crowns or composite fillings," Stanton says. "Using whiteners too often, especially in combination with whitening tooth paste, can even turn teeth a little gray."

Who shouldn't use whiteners? Women who are pregnant or nursing and anyone with gum problems or untreated tooth decay. People with sensitive teeth should be cautious. Talk to your dentist first.

Whiten Teeth at Home or in the Dentist's Office? (2024)

FAQs

Whiten Teeth at Home or in the Dentist's Office? ›

Strength—Both types use peroxide-based bleaching agents, but in-office teeth whitening can offer a much higher percentage of peroxide (15–43%) than at-home options (3–20%). The higher the percentage of peroxide, the better the results.

Is teeth whitening better 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.

Is dental office whitening better? ›

The following are some of the pros and cons of in-office tooth whitening: Faster and more noticeable results: It can whiten teeth by several shades in just a single session. Professional supervision: A skilled dentist who can supervise the operation and guarantee its effectiveness carries out the treatment.

What is the difference between at-home and in-office teeth whitening? ›

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.

Is professional teeth whitening better than over-the-counter? ›

As a general rule, professional-grade teeth whitening has clinical-strength bleaching agents that produce better results that last longer. It has the ability to remove difficult stains and discoloration, whereas store-bought teeth whitening may not.

What is the number one best way to whiten teeth? ›

laser teeth whitening treatment. While this procedure is not the cheapest fix for yellowing, it is the most effective, quickest, and long-lasting procedure.

What is the best way to whiten your teeth professionally? ›

Top Professional Teeth Whitening Techniques 2024 | Effective &...
  1. Laser Teeth Whitening: Precision and Speed.
  2. LED-Activated Whitening: The Power of Light.
  3. Custom-Fit Whitening Trays: Personalized Convenience.
  4. Natural and Organic Whitening: A Greener Approach.
  5. Safety First: Ensuring a Risk-Free Smile.
Jan 3, 2024

What is the number 1 recommended teeth whitening? ›

There's no doubt that Crest Whitestrips are one of the most recognizable over-the-counter teeth whitening systems available. It seems almost as if they've been around forever — and professionals still love 'em. “Over the counter, I recommend Crest 3D White Whitestrips,” Dr. Hadaegh says.

Why is teeth whitening at dentist so expensive? ›

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.

What are the disadvantages of professional teeth whitening? ›

The potential side effects of teeth whitening include teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and ineffective results. However, most patients do not experience any notable side effects from professional teeth whitening, as the dentist can monitor the process and perform treatment in a way that minimizes risk.

Should you get your teeth professionally whitened? ›

The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment.

How long does in office dental whitening last? ›

Plus, the whitening agent that we use has 30% hydrogen peroxide which makes it more effective compared to the 6% hydrogen peroxide found in over-the-counter products. The results of dental chairside or in-office bleaching are long-lasting but not permanent. With proper care, your brighter smile can last for 1-3 years.

How long does professional at-home teeth whitening take? ›

How long does whitening take? If you opt for in-practice teeth whitening, it takes about two hours to achieve results, but whitening needs to be maintained with a top-up kit for around a week to ensure the results are permanent. At-home teeth whitening kits take around two to three weeks to take effect.

What is the most cost effective way to whiten your teeth? ›

Over-the-counter options, like whitening toothpastes, strips, and kits, tend to be the cheapest options.

What is the safest most effective teeth whitening method? ›

What are the 4 safest ways to whiten your teeth?
  1. Over-the-counter whitening toothpastes and gels. Whitening toothpastes and gels are a simple way to make your smile brighter. ...
  2. Whitening strips. ...
  3. Custom-fitted whitening trays. ...
  4. In-office blue whitening treatment.
Mar 7, 2023

What do doctors recommend for teeth whitening? ›

Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used in whitening interventions and can readily permeate dental hard tissues.

Where is best to get your teeth whitened? ›

One of the most significant advantages of getting your teeth whitened at the dentist is the treatment oversight before and during treatment to guarantee good results that you cannot get with at-home methods.

What type of teeth whitening is most effective? ›

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.

Do at home teeth whitening actually work? ›

Short answer – yes, they do. But not all home teeth whitening kits are the same – some kits work better than others, while some kits may not be as effective as you want. If you're curious about making your teeth look whiter with home teeth whitening kits, here's what you need to know.

Is take home teeth whitening worth it? ›

At-home whitening kits are typically much less expensive than professional treatments. They also offer convenience since you can do them in the comfort of your own home. However, they may not be as effective as professional treatments, and they can sometimes cause side effects like tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.

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