Professional Teeth Whitening vs. At-Home Teeth Whitening

Many people wish for a bright, white smile, but everyday habits—like drinking coffee, tea, or red wine—can lead to stubborn stains over time. Thankfully, effective teeth whitening options are available to help restore that sparkle, from professional treatments at the dentist's office to convenient at-home kits. Let’s walk through the differences between at-home and professional teeth whitening so you can make an informed decision based on your needs and budget.

Professional Teeth Whitening

The demand for professional whitening has grown significantly over the years. According to a survey by the American Association of Orthodontics, 88% of orthodontists have patients who request teeth whitening. So, if you’ve been thinking about investing in professional teeth whitening treatments, you are not the first. 

While drugstore whitening products can help remove surface-level stains, professional whitening treatments are often needed to tackle more advanced discoloration. 

Your professional whitening treatment may vary depending on the whitening strategy you and your dentist choose. For example, with Zoom! Whitening, a whitening gel is applied to your teeth and activated with an advanced light to accelerate the whitening solution. Custom whitening trays are also commonly used. These trays can be used at home with a potent whitening gel that zaps away stubborn stains. These professional-strength whitening solutions are adapted to your smile based on sensitivity levels and your desired shade of white.

What to expect:  

1. Prior to starting the procedure, your dentist will evaluate the baseline shade of your teeth. 
2. Next, your teeth will be gently polished to remove any plaque that could impede the whitening agent.
3. From there, your dentist will apply a whitening solution to your teeth, typically made from either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.
4. After application, your dentist may use a light or laser to activate the solution.
5. The treatment typically lasts around 30-90 minutes, depending on your shade preference.
6. After the time has passed, your teeth will be rinsed to remove the formula.
7. Your teeth may be slightly sensitive immediately following the treatment, so it’s best to avoid super hot or cold food and drinks.
   
   

What Does Professional Teeth Whitening Cost?

The cost of teeth whitening at a dentist’s office can vary depending on the extent of your discoloration and treatment choice. For customized treatments, the average sits closer to $500.

While pro whitening is clearly an investment, you do have the benefit of being under the supervision of your dentist for safety, and the treatments are generally more effective than store-bought solutions. Our highly-trained staff can help you determine the most effective and affordable treatment option to meet your goals.

Pros and Cons of Professional Teeth Whitening

If you are searching for a dramatic whitening treatment to tackle darker stains, you may want to consider having a professional treatment done. Here are some benefits and drawbacks of professional procedures to help you make an informed decision:

Pros:

• Quick and Effective Results: Professional treatments often show immediate results after one session, with teeth becoming visibly whiter.
• Long-Lasting Whitening: Professional treatments typically provide longer-lasting results than at-home methods, meaning fewer touch-ups are needed.
• Customizable and Personalized: Dentists can adjust the whitening treatment based on your teeth's sensitivity and specific needs, offering a more tailored approach.
• Safe and Supervised: A professional environment ensures that the procedure is safe, with a dentist monitoring the process to minimize risks like gum irritation.

Cons:

• Higher Cost: Professional whitening can be expensive, often costing more than at-home kits.
• Temporary Sensitivity: Some people experience tooth sensitivity or gum irritation after treatment, though this is usually temporary.
• Requires an Appointment: You need to schedule and attend an in-office appointment, which may not be as convenient as at-home options.
• Not Suitable for All People: Certain stains, like those from medication or injury, may not respond well to professional whitening, making other treatments more suitable.
  
  

At-Home Teeth Whitening

If you are looking for the most cost-effective teeth whitening solution, at-home products can be your best option. From toothpaste to strips, there are a variety of solutions that can help based on your sensitivity levels and routine, and we even carry several at-home whitening products in our office.

Whitening Toothpaste

You already brush your teeth every day (hopefully morning and night), so why not add a whitening toothpaste? A whitening toothpaste removes extrinsic stains by polishing the surface of your teeth rather than bleaching them with stronger agents. Due to its gentle nature, whitening toothpaste can take weeks to months to have visible results.

Whitening Strips

Whitening strips, on the other hand, usually contain peroxide, which works below the enamel surface to remove stains and lighten enamel. You apply them directly to your teeth and leave them on for a few minutes, depending on the packaging instructions. Since they are one-size-fits-all, any crowding or overlapping teeth may be challenging to properly whiten. If you have this concern, we recommend consulting with your dentist.

How Much Does At-Home Teeth Whitening Cost?

At-home teeth whitening options like whitening toothpaste and strips are generally affordable. Whitening toothpaste costs around $5-$20 per tube, and whitening strips range from $20-$75 per box. These options offer a budget-friendly way to brighten your smile, though results may be gradual and less dramatic than professional treatments.

Pros and Cons of At-Home Teeth Whitening

Depending on your desired whitening outcome, at-home whitening products can be a simple and cost-effective solution, but it's important to look at the pros and cons of this option:

Pros:

• Affordability: At-home options like whitening strips and toothpaste are much cheaper than professional treatments.
• Convenience: You can use these products in the comfort of your home, on your own schedule.
• Gradual Whitening: At-home treatments offer a gradual change, which some people may find more natural-looking over time.
• Easily Accessible: Over-the-counter products are widely available in stores and online.

Cons:

• Less Effective for Deep Stains: At-home products may not work as well on tougher stains or significantly discolored teeth.
• Longer Time for Results: Results are typically slower and require consistent use over weeks or months.
• Risk of Overuse: Some people may overuse at-home products, leading to tooth sensitivity or enamel erosion.
• Limited Customization: Unlike professional treatments, at-home options aren’t tailored to your teeth’s unique needs or sensitivity level.
  
  

Find Professional Teeth Whitening Services Near You

Ready to brighten your smile? Contact our team today to discuss professional teeth whitening options tailored to your needs—we’re here to help you find the best solution for a confident, radiant smile!