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
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.
Is it better to go to the dentist for teeth whitening? ›
If you want to get effective teeth whitening treatment, you should visit a dentist's office. Having whiter teeth can also give you the confidence to make an excellent first impression when you are out on a date or for an interview.
How much should I spend on teeth whitening? ›
According to a survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, the average cost for teeth whitening or bleaching under the guidance of a dentist was $508 in 2022, up from $393 in 2019.
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.
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.
Is in-office teeth 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 dentist 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 teeth whitening last? ›
Although teeth whitening is not permanent, it can last for many years. In-office whitening treatments typically last up to 3 years; professional at-home whitening treatment is less long lasting, but it results in much longer-term results than over-the-counter whitening treatments, toothpastes, and whitening strips.
What's the cheapest way to whiten teeth? ›
Over-the-counter options, like whitening toothpastes, strips, and kits, tend to be the cheapest options. If you feel self-conscious about the brightness of your smile, you are far from alone.
What is the number 1 teeth whitening? ›
The Crest Whitening Emulsion with LED Light stands out as the best overall teeth whitening product due to its ease of use, effectiveness, and comfort. Its simple, straightforward process, coupled with the ability to carry on with normal activities during treatment, makes it highly convenient and user-friendly.
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.
How often can I do in-office teeth whitening? ›
Professional teeth whitening performed in the dentist's office is recommended once every year to every 18 months, depending on how long the results last. At-home kits can be used as often as once every four to six months.
Is it better to get teeth whitened at dentist? ›
Teeth whitening done by your dentist can get teeth brighter faster. The bleaching solution is usually much stronger than that in at-home kits.
What do most dentists use for teeth whitening? ›
Carbamide peroxide and hydrogen peroxide are commonly used in whitening interventions and can readily permeate dental hard tissues. Temporary tooth sensitivity and gingival inflammation are the most common adverse effects of vital tooth whitening.
Is dentist teeth whitening better than at home? ›
Some home kits don't contain enough whitening product to be effective. Also, if a dental professional isn't doing the whitening, the mouthguard provided may not fit properly so some of the bleaching gel may leak out onto your gums and into your mouth, causing blistering and sensitivity.
Is professional teeth whitening better than over the counter? ›
While mass-produced, at-home kits might be a cheaper option, consider that professional teeth whitening is a safer and more effective investment. Professional teeth whitening at Sedation Dental Care creates more effective results in a shorter amount of time.
Why should teeth whitening only be performed at the dentist? ›
The bleach concentration used by dentists is generally stronger than what you find elsewhere because they are able to safely monitor the procedure. This results in a more noticeable color change and a brighter smile.
