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? ›

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.

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.

Is in-office or at-home whitening better? ›

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 home kits? ›

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 ...

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

In-Office Teeth Whitening

Your dentist will carefully set up and monitor the procedure, making it safe and pain-free. And unlike in-home teeth whitening, in-office/professional whitening uses high-concentration bleaching gel, which means you'll get immediate, noticeable results from the treatment.

Is in clinic teeth whitening better than at home? ›

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.

What is the most effective teeth whitening method? ›

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.

Why is in-office teeth whitening so expensive? ›

In-office teeth whitening tends to be quicker because dentists can apply prescription-strength whitening agents that you cannot apply at home. The average cost for one of these treatments — which may run from 15 minutes up to an hour — is around $650 for upper and lower teeth.

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

Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments at the Office

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.

What percentage of hydrogen peroxide is in-office teeth whitening? ›

As a result, there has been a significant increase in commercially available in-office tooth-bleaching products that commonly use high levels of hydrogen (15% to 45%) or carbamide (≥37%) peroxides.

Is there a home teeth whitening that really works? ›

Known as the No. 1 dentist-recommended at-home teeth-whitening product, you can't go wrong with Crest 3D Whitestrips. They're formulated with the same hydrogen-peroxide whitening ingredient that dentists use, which will help enhance your smile after a recommended ten days of use.

Are dentist teeth whitening kits worth it? ›

The answer depends on your goals and budget. Professional teeth whitening is probably your best bet if you're looking for fast, dramatic results. If you're working with a tight budget or are simply interested in trying out a teeth whitening method, then an at-home kit may be a better option.

What is the disadvantage of teeth whitening kit? ›

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.

What are the downfalls of in-office bleaching? ›

One downside of bleaching is that this process can increase tooth and gum sensitivity. This may be because of multiple factors including the fitting of the bleaching tray. But any tissue and gum irritation is usually temporary. In-office bleaching is also expensive.

What is an advantage to professional take home bleaching over professional in-office bleaching? ›

In-office bleaching provides immediate and noticeable results under the professional supervision of dental experts. It is ideal for those seeking rapid transformations or preparing for special occasions. On the other hand, take-home bleaching offers convenience, affordability, and a more gradual whitening process.

How long does in-office bleaching last? ›

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.

Is it safe to get teeth whitened not at a dentist? ›

Teeth whitening is safe if done by a dental professional or if you use products that are approved by the American Dental Association (ADA). Having the ADA Seal of Acceptance on an over-the-counter whitening product ensures that it's safe and effective.

Is it cheaper to whiten teeth at home? ›

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.

Where is best to get your teeth whitened? ›

The advantages of working with your dentist

First, they know your gums and teeth better than anyone and can recommend the best whitening procedure for you. Second, if you have cavities or another dental disease, they can treat it before the whitening process begins.

Is home teeth whitening effective? ›

Are At Home Teeth Whitening Kits Effective? At home teeth whitening kits can show some results, but they have their limitations. Teeth whitening kits are effective only at eliminating some stains and help how to get rid of teeth stains.

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