In-office vs. At-home Teeth Whitening

A beautiful smile is something to treasure. When you meet someone with a friendly smile, you are instantly drawn to them. It is especially so if they have taken the time to maintain the whiteness of their teeth. But sometimes, we let our teeth go, and they become stained. However, there is an option that can restore your bright smile: teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dentistry procedure that you can either have a dentist do or do yourself at home. Many people may not care which option they choose if they get results. But the results of the two options differ, so you must weigh the benefits and drawbacks.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening utilizes different chemicals and compounds to remove the color pigments causing your teeth to discolor. The results can last a few months or more, depending on how you maintain your teeth. However, the two options available may also differ in how long the results last.

• In-office Teeth Whitening

A dental professional always performs in-office teeth whitening. They perform the procedure in the office, taking anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour.

• Bleaching Agents

During in-office teeth whitening, the dental professional will apply a bleaching agent. They usually use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The bleaching agent is then activated using a particular light or laser, which helps accelerate the whitening process.

• Laser Teeth Whitening

Another in-office teeth whitening method is laser teeth whitening. It uses high-intensity laser light to activate the bleaching agent and accelerate the whitening process. This method can take as little as 20 minutes.

At-home Teeth Whitening

At-home teeth whitening is a popular option for people looking to enhance the appearance of their teeth. However, it comes without the cost and time commitment of in-office teeth whitening.

• Whitening Toothpaste

Whitening toothpaste contains mild abrasives and enzymes that help remove surface stains from the teeth. They can help improve the teeth's appearance over time, but they are less effective than other at-home whitening options.

• Whitening Gel Strips

Whitening strips are thin, transparent strips coated with a peroxide-based gel. They are applied to the teeth for usually around 30 minutes. You can use them once or twice a day. Whitening strips can effectively remove surface stains and provide noticeable results in a few days.

• Whitening Trays

Whitening trays are custom-fitted trays filled with a peroxide-based gel. You wear them over your teeth for usually around 30 minutes. These trays are made to fit your teeth's shape and can effectively whiten teeth. However, these require a dental visit to get the impressions of your teeth.

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Which Is Better?

At-home teeth whitening products are generally less effective than in-office teeth whitening. They also take much longer to show results. Despite this, they can still provide noticeable improvements in the color of the teeth. They are also less expensive and more convenient because you use them in the comfort of your own home. A dentist at Midtown Dental Center will determine if it's safe for your teeth and gums to get the treatment.

​​​​​​​For more on in-office vs. at-home teeth whitening, visit Midtown Dental Center at our office in Atlanta, Georgia. Call (404) 874-0800 to book an appointment today