Almost everyone would love to have a naturally bright, white smile that makes us look healthier, younger, and more attractive. But, few of us are born with a Hollywood smile; instead, we have to work for it or pay for it.
While teeth whitening is still considered a cosmetic dental procedure, it is popular due to its instant benefits and affordability. In this article, we’ll compare the pros and cons of professional teeth whitening and at-home kits so you can determine which is best for you.
Are You Looking for a Brighter, Whiter Smile?
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental option for a reason. People from all walks of life appreciate the effects of a beautiful smile, including those mentioned here.
- Anyone considering whitening for the first time
- People comparing cost vs. results
- Patients with tooth sensitivity
- Anyone who wants a clear comparison between in-home and professional teeth whitening
Let’s compare both teeth whitening options so you can achieve the smile of your dreams.
What Is Professional Teeth Whitening and How Does it Work?
Most in-office whitening gels contain 25-40% hydrogen peroxide, which is a stronger and more effective concentration than those found in at-home systems. According to the American Dental Association, this percentage is considered safe, however, it can cause tooth sensitivity.
Professional teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that brightens your natural teeth, working exceptionally well on stains caused by coffee, tea, and other foods or drinks. These stains settle into the tiny pores beneath the enamel, and professional whitening is designed to safely and effectively lift that discoloration.
How In-Office Teeth Whitening Works
Getting your teeth whitened at the dentist is an easy, in-and-out, hour-long procedure. The following outlines three different methods.
In-Office Gel Whitening:
In-office gel whitening is performed in the dental chair using a professional-strength whitening gel, which is bleach-based and contains either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to lift the stain molecules that sit beneath the enamel. The gel is harsh enough to irritate your gums; consequently, the dentist will protect your gums with gauze, which effectively creates a barrier.
The appointment typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes, and the gel is applied in short cycles, each lasting approximately 15 minutes. Most patients experience immediate results, but you can return for a second visit if you would like a more pronounced outcome.
Custom Take-Home Trays and Gel
Some dentists offer a take-home tray system where the trays are perfectly fitted to your mouth, not unlike a mouthguard. During the visit, the dentist will take impressions of your teeth and send them to a lab. Within a few days, you can collect the impressions along with the whitening gels and start using the system at home.
Because the trays sit close to our teeth, the gel stays in place and is spread out evenly. This option is done at home on your own schedule and uses a professional-strength formula that is stronger and more reliable than store-bought kits.
Light or Laser-Assisted Whitening
Light or laser-assisted whitening begins the same way as standard in-office gel whitening. A mouth expander holds your lips back, exposing your teeth in an exaggerated smile. Then, the dentist can easily reach every tooth when applying the gel.
A blue or soft red light is then directed at your teeth to help activate the ingredients and speed up the whitening process. The appointment usually lasts about an hour. You’ll likely only need one visit for optimal results.
These options are designed to accommodate a range of patient goals and objectives.
What Is At-Home Teeth Whitening and How Does it Work?
Most at-home whitening products use 5 to 10 percent hydrogen peroxide, or the equivalent in carbamide peroxide, which is much milder than the more potent formulas used by dentists. The American Dental Association, along with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, sets the percentages.
At-home teeth whitening systems don’t need to take place in a dentist’s office. Instead, the DIY kits are sold in most retail stores and can be easily purchased online.
Whitening Strips
Available almost anywhere, whitening strips are hugely popular, and they work like this. They are thin strips coated with the peroxide gel and are placed directly on your teeth. They are easy to use and can brighten surface stains over time, but the results are usually more gradual and less dramatic than those achieved with professional whitening.
Whitening Pens or Brush-On Gels
Whitening pens let you ‘paint’ the gel on the outside of each tooth. Best for minor touchups and overall maintenance, they aren’t strong enough to lift deeper stains or whiten as evenly as other methods.
At-Home Kits With Trays
At-home kits are the consumer version of the in-office version. At-home kits with trays include a whitening gel and trays that you fill and place over your teeth for a set amount of time. The trays can be moldable or pre-formed, and the gels are milder than those found in professional products. These kits can brighten a smile with consistent use, but they usually take a few weeks to show full results.
The Cost of In-Office Teeth Whitening Compared to At-Home
Generally speaking, in-office teeth whitening is more expensive than at-home teeth whitening. Here are some numbers you can use as guidelines.
- In-office whitening costs more, typically ranging from $300 to $600, because it uses stronger gels and is performed under a dentist’s supervision.
- At-home products are more affordable, ranging from $20 to $150, depending on the type of kit.
- The trade-off is speed and strength: in-office whitening works faster and brightens more deeply, while at-home options lighten more slowly with regular use.
Bleaching and Tooth Sensitivity
In-office and at-home whitening kits are peroxide-based systems that absorb below the tooth enamel to reach tooth discoloration in the pores of your teeth. These teeth whitening products can be uncomfortable for patients with sensitive teeth. Depending on the level of discomfort, you can still lighten tooth color, but it will take longer. Dentists suggest leaving the tooth-bleaching gel on for about half the time indicated on the whitening kit and extending the periods between whitenings.
Get a White, Bright Smile With Indiana’s Premier Cosmetic Dentistry Practice
Teeth whitening, whether done at home or in a dentist’s office, is safe; however, the gel, which is bleach-based, can cause some mild pain or discomfort. While we understand that at-home products offer flexibility and are far less expensive, patients get better results with an in-office system.
Aegis Dental Group offers premier cosmetic dental services, including teeth whitening, with excellent results. We have offices in Goshen, Warsaw, and Fort Wayne, which are within driving distance of anywhere in Indiana. So, you’re never very far away from getting the smile you’ve always dreamed of.
One session of our in-house teeth-whitening system will be enough to enhance the color of your teeth by at least two shades. Book an appointment online or call (833)278-7833 to speak with a specialist about how we can help you achieve the whitest and brightest smile ever.