Teeth whitening is one of the most sought-after cosmetic dental procedures, helping people remove stubborn stains and enjoy a brighter smile. However, the market is flooded with both professional and retail (or over-the-counter) brand teeth whitening treatments, each with its unique benefits and limitations. Understanding the differences between these options can help you choose the most effective solution for your smile.
Professional Teeth Whitening: In-Office Treatments
Professional teeth whitening refers to treatments administered by a dentist in a clinical setting. These in-office procedures typically offer the fastest and most noticeable results due to the high concentration of whitening agents used. They’re also considered one of the safest and most effective ways to whiten teeth [1].
In-office whitening also gives patients greater control over the shade of white they choose for their smile, and a dramatic difference can be seen in just a single appointment, which typically takes about 60-90 minutes. With in-office whitening, you go home that same day with a brighter smile!
Professional Alternative: Take-Home Kits
Many dentists also provide custom take-home whitening kits as an option for patients. These kits include custom-made trays and professional-grade bleaching gel. With professional take-home kits from your dentist, you can use less product and have fewer whitening sessions to achieve your desired shade of white in the comfort of your home [2].Â
Custom trays can be less expensive than in-office treatments while still offering reliable results for a more dramatic difference and a safer alternative to over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments. However, they often take more time to work than a single in-office whitening procedure.
Retail Brand Teeth Whitening Options: OTC Kits
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products are widely available in stores and online. These include whitening strips, toothpaste, gels, and trays:
- Whitening strips and gels. Strips are coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel, while gels usually come with a brush applicator to apply directly to the teeth.
- Whitening toothpaste. Contains mild abrasives that help remove surface stains, but usually don’t change the color of teeth dramatically.
- Whitening trays. OTC whitening trays tend to be one-size-fits-all, meaning they can cause uneven whitening and gum irritation if not used correctly.
While convenient and less expensive, retail teeth whitening options have lower levels of whitening agents, which result in less dramatic changes than professional teeth whitening [3]. They can take weeks or months to show any improvement, which is less than ideal when you have an event coming up that you want a brighter smile for.
Ask Your Dentist About Your Teeth Whitening Options
The best way to pursue a brighter smile is to schedule a consultation with your dentist. They can assess the condition of your teeth, identify the cause of discoloration, and recommend the best approach to achieve your desired shade of white. Contact your dentist today to discuss your whitening options and get one step closer to your perfect smile!
Sources:
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4058574/
- https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC10873745/
- https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/whitening
