If you want dazzling white teeth – and who doesn’t? – you have probably considered whitening toothpaste or over-the-counter kits at one time or another. In fact, you may have tried them and been underwhelmed with the outcome.
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. But the comparison doesn’t stop there. There are several other advantages to in-office whitening that make this option worth the investment.
Benefits of Receiving Professional Treatment
While home options can be inexpensive and convenient, there are a lot of reasons to choose professional whitening instead of using over-the-counter products.
Faster Results
There are several types of in-office treatments, but they are all faster than at-home options. For example, our Zoom in-office system whitens teeth up to 8 shades in just 45 minutes. Yes, you read that right. Both over-the-counter and professionally prescribed at-home treatment trays require several hours and repeat applications over multiple days or weeks to get their maximum results. In-office treatment is the clear winner in this aspect.
Safer
Professional treatments are safer than over-the-counter options. Studies have shown that Zoom treatment does not negatively impact the tooth enamel or overall health. Unfortunately, at-home options often cannot say the same. Whitening toothpastes (traditional or the trendy charcoal versions) contain abrasive substances, which can potentially damage tooth enamel. Bleaching products can cause tooth sensitivity or harm the gums.
More Comfortable Process
In-office treatments can be quite comfortable. Of course, the short treatment time plays a big role in making this option easier to tolerate. In addition, the application methods are designed with the patient’s comfort in mind.
Expert Guidance Throughout
Another great benefit to professional treatment is that it is overseen by your experienced and knowledgeable dentist. Your dentist can determine if it is safe to whiten your teeth and will recommend methods that suit your goals and needs. Treatment is supervised closely so that results are maximized and the health of your teeth is a top priority.
It is also important to note that some stains do not respond to whitening treatment, and in fact, whitening the surrounding teeth can make those types of stains appear more noticeable. Your dentist can assess the causes of your tooth discoloration and recommend other options if necessary.
Whiter Teeth
Last but not least, in-office whitening is the most effective choice. Even though the treatment is quick, it is powerful. At-home kits and whitening toothpaste cannot compete with professional results. Typically over-the-counter methods only result in 1-2 shades of improvement, as compared with Zoom’s average whitening strength, which is up to 8 shades.
Are You Ready for Whiter, Brighter Teeth?
The vast majority of patients are good candidates for tooth whitening and their teeth respond well with beautiful results. Of course, everyone’s teeth are different, and how your teeth will respond to whitening cannot be guaranteed. This is why it is so important to seek professional advice.
Keep in mind that while in-office treatments are one option, we also offer professional at-home options that allow for professional oversight. And, if you are not a good candidate for these types of tooth whitening, there are still other options for creating a stunning white smile.
If you want to find out more about in-office whitening or other cosmetic options, schedule a free consultation with Tompkins Dental to make sure your whitening efforts don’t disappoint.
FAQs
Faster Results
What is the advantages of whitening teeth in a dental office? ›
Unlike at-home teeth whitening, this method produces visibly whiter teeth when you walk out the door. If you have a major event coming up or you don't have the time to whiten your teeth yourself at home, the quick results produced by the in-office whitening will make this option best for you. Is safer.
What is the best in-office teeth whitening system? ›
Dentist's #1 Choice
Over 10,000 dental professionals are already using Sinsational Smile - the ONLY Green Certified teeth whitening system in the world. Sinsational Smile is rated 4+ by The Dental Advisors with a 91% clinical rating, making it the top in-office teeth whitening system in the US.
Why do dentists not recommend teeth whitening? ›
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.
Why is professional teeth whitening better? ›
Long-Lasting Results
A professional teeth whitening treatment can last for years with the right aftercare, whereas at-home treatments may only last for a few months. This is because professional teeth whiteners use higher concentrations of bleaching agents than at-home kits.
What is teeth whitening in-office? ›
In-Office Professional Teeth Whitening
Your provider may place a barrier along the gum line to protect your gums from exposure to the solution. Your provider will coat your teeth with a whitening solution. The solution typically includes either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as the bleaching agent.
What are the pros and cons of teeth whitening? ›
Whitening Strips
Pros: Strips are inexpensive compared to most other methods. Cons: The strips only reach the front six teeth; they can irritate the gums; some users complain of sensitivity.
Is in-office whitening worth it? ›
Whiter Teeth
Last but not least, in-office whitening is the most effective choice. Even though the treatment is quick, it is powerful. At-home kits and whitening toothpaste cannot compete with professional results.
Why is in-office teeth whitening 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.
How long does in-office dental whitening 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. It usually requires only one visit.
People who have restorations such as fillings, implants, crowns and dental bridges. Children under 16 years of age. Patients with periodontal disease, tooth decay, cavities and exposed roots. People who are allergic to teeth bleaching whitening agents like peroxide.
Who cannot do teeth whitening? ›
If you are younger than 16, you are not a candidate for teeth whitening. This is because the pulp chamber in young teeth is larger than that of an adult, and whitening treatments could cause irritation. If you are pregnant or lactating, teeth whitening is not recommended.
Is it safe to get teeth professionally whitened? ›
In-office whitening is highly effective, safe, and long-lasting. But it's more expensive than over-the-counter options, and often isn't covered by dental insurance. Ask your dentist for a cost estimate before committing to teeth whitening.
Is teeth whitening worth the price? ›
While it might be more expensive, it's typically worth the investment since you'll get long-lasting and, possibly, immediate results. Teeth Whitening Tip: The type of teeth whitening treatment you use can make a big difference in how long the results last.
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.
What is the best teeth whitening method? ›
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.
Why is it best to have the dentist involved in the teeth whitening process? ›
Professional teeth whitening treatments are much more effective than over-the-counter products. Dentists can assess your individual needs and choose the best treatment for you. Teeth whitening treatments at the dentist are supervised, so you can be sure they're being done safely and correctly.
Is teeth whitening business worth it? ›
Numbers support the Growing Trend of Whiter Teeth
The global teeth whitening market size was estimated at $6.9 billion in 2021 and $7.2 billion in 2022. A research report by Future Market Insights (FMI) states that the valuation will reach $10.7 billion by 2032.
What teeth whitening do dentists do? ›
Laser whitening, also known as power whitening, is another type of teeth whitening system that a dentist can provide. A bleaching product is painted onto your teeth and then a light or laser is shone on them to activate the whitening. Laser whitening takes about an hour.
