In-office bleaching (aka professional whitening)
You can expect the most dramatic results from a professional teeth whitening treatment.
You’ll start by meeting with your dentist, who will examine your teeth and gums and ask you about your oral hygiene, lifestyle, and whitening goals. You’ll go through a full dental exam and evaluation, to determine which treatment is best for you.
“Staining can be caused by problems like decay or hardened plaque on your teeth. An evaluation by a dentist is crucial, to make sure you don't have any bigger underlying problems that are causing your teeth to darken,” says Chicago dentist Dr. Kaori Ema in a .
You may have specific instructions to follow before your whitening appointment. For example, some dentists recommend using Sensodyne toothpaste twice daily for two weeks prior, to diminish sensitivity.
Before the whitening solution is applied, your gums will be carefully covered to prevent burns from the hydrogen peroxide. Then your provider will apply the whitening gel to the tooth surface.
- Zoom contains 25% hydrogen peroxide, and an overhead blue plasma light is used to activate the hydrogen peroxide. The gel stays on for 15 minutes, and the process is repeated three times for a total of 45 minutes.
- Glo Professional contains either 24% or 30% hydrogen peroxide. An LED mouthpiece is slipped over your teeth to activate the hydrogen peroxide formula. Dr. Maddahi likes Glo because he believes it causes less tooth sensitivity.
- BriteSmile uses a 25% hydrogen peroxide–based gel, activated by a specialized laser. It’s typically a one-hour session, with a series of three 20-minute applications. This laser whitening or “power whitening” treatment is intended to make teeth five to six shades brighter.
- Opalescence Boost contains a higher amount of hydrogen peroxide (40%). The consistency of the gel is stickier, and a light activator is not used. The gel also contains potassium nitrate (to reduce sensitivity) and fluoride (to prevent cavities). The process takes about an hour.
During any in-office whitening treatment, you’re encouraged to sit back and relax, listen to music, or watch TV. The process shouldn’t be painful, but you may experience occasional pangs of discomfort. “I felt the ‘zinger’ they said may happen toward the last few parts of the treatment only once, but it wasn’t bad enough to end the treatment early,” says one RealSelf member.
Take-home whitening systems
There are prefilled whitening trays that are available only from your dentist. You use them at home, so they’re easy to apply and very convenient.
- For Opalescence PF, your dentist makes a mold of your teeth and creates a custom tray based on the impression. You squirt gel (which in addition to hydrogen peroxide, contains potassium nitrate and fluoride) from a syringe into your tray and wear it for a specific amount of time (as little as 15 minutes or as long as overnight) determined by your dentist, based on your whitening needs, for two weeks.
- Opalescence Go is similar but uses prefilled disposable trays, which you wear for between 15 and 60 minutes for 5–10 days.
- BriteSmile’s line of at-home whitening pens is called BriteSmile To Go. It produces results similar to those of whitening strips or lower-strength bleaching trays. The instructions recommend applying the gel twice a day for two weeks, then as needed to maintain results.
OTC whitening products
Over-the-counter whitening systems vary in efficacy and results.
- Whitening strips are the most common (and most popular) option. These clear, disposable strips are applied to the teeth and worn for about 30 minutes a day (in the case of 3D Crest Whitestrips) for two weeks. They’re good for tackling mild stains but really reach only the front six to eight teeth, often called the “smile zone.”
- OTC kits that use blue LED light (such as Glo Lit Teeth Whitening Device tech kit, AuraGlow, iSmile, or Zero Glow Teeth Whitening Kit) use an LED mouthpiece to help jump-start the chemical (either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide) that whitens your teeth.
- Other OTC products, such as whitening toothpaste, floss, and mouthwash have flooded the market recently. Unfortunately, clinical trials suggest that you won’t have significantly whiter teeth compared to their in-office counterparts.
RealSelf Tip: Some teeth whitening products list carbamide peroxide as their active ingredient. In water, carbamide peroxide breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea. “These at home products are typically used overnight in bleaching trays, as the carbamide peroxide takes time to break down into hydrogen peroxide,” explains Dr. Davidowitz. They can be a good option for those with sensitive teeth: the breakdown results in a lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide and accounts for it staying active over a longer period of time, working slowly and steadily.
FAQs
If you have a need to quickly whiten, then it could be worth the price tag to do a professional whitening treatment. At-home teeth whitening options (like whitening strips, toothpaste, and LED kits) take longer to whiten your teeth. You'll need to use the products numerous times to see noticeable results (on average).
Is it worth going to the dentist for teeth whitening? ›
Because when a qualified and experienced dentist oversees it, teeth whitening is actually a perfectly safe procedure. Moreover, it produces brilliant results that can transform your smile and let your personality shine through. Safety and satisfaction are worth paying a little extra for, don't you think?
What are the disadvantages of professional 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 didn't professional teeth whitening work? ›
Many factors may have come into why your teeth whitening didn't work as well as you hoped. The right product and concentration, and the proper method and duration, weren't chosen for your particular needs. Your trays were leaking, allowing the whitening product to leak out or saliva leak in and break down the product.
Do most celebrities get their teeth whitened? ›
The most common and effective ways to get a whiter smile, just like the celebrities, are not through at-home whitening treatments. In fact, they can often be a waste of money. Most celebrities opt for regular teeth whitening treatments or veneers.
What percentage of people have had their teeth professionally whitened? ›
American teeth whitening becoming the norm
A staggering 45 million Americans – 14 per cent of the population – have had professional teeth whitening, according to data guru Mintel.
Why is teeth whitening at dentist 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.
Can yellow teeth become white again? ›
Yellow teeth can regain whiteness through various methods, including good oral hygiene, professional dental cleanings, and teeth-whitening treatments. Stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco can be removed with adequate oral care, while professional procedures like bleaching or laser treatments offer quicker results.
How long does professional teeth whitening last? ›
When done by a professional, it can last anywhere between 6 months to 3 years. In comparison: Over-the-counter whitening products may only last a few months. Professional teeth whitening is an investment in a brighter smile for longer.
Who is not a good candidate for teeth whitening? ›
Multiple Restorations
If you have a lot of fillings, dental bonding or crowns, you may not be a candidate for dental whitening. This is because restorations will not respond to whitening, and a whitening treatment could result in a very uneven appearance.
The potential side effects of teeth whitening include teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and ineffective results. However, most patients do not experience any notable side effects from professional teeth whitening, as the dentist can monitor the process and perform treatment in a way that minimizes risk.
Who should not get their teeth whitened? ›
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. Individuals with sensitive teeth.
Should you get your teeth professionally whitened? ›
Studies show that whiter teeth are associated with attractiveness and that people with whiter teeth are perceived to be more sociable, friendly, and intelligent. Professional teeth whitening is the best, if not the only, way to achieve maximum teeth whitening.
Why are my teeth so yellow after whitening? ›
Teeth can become temporarily dehydrated after using whitening strips. Your teeth may appear more yellow as a result of this dehydration because the enamel may become dry and lack moisture. Dehydrated enamel sometimes has a transparent appearance that makes the naturally yellowish dentin underneath visible.
Does professional teeth whitening weaken enamel? ›
We all want a white brighter smile. But this begs the question “does teeth whitening damage the enamel?” The answer is no. While there may sometimes be side effects, whitening treatment is safe on tooth enamel. The process of tooth whitening is essentially the tooth will become dehydrated, meaning dried out.
How long does a professional teeth whitening last? ›
When done by a professional, it can last anywhere between 6 months to 3 years. In comparison: Over-the-counter whitening products may only last a few months. Professional teeth whitening is an investment in a brighter smile for longer.
Should teeth whitening be done by a dentist? ›
Yes, teeth whitening is generally safe when performed under the supervision of a dental professional. Aspen Dental's teeth whitening services use professional strength whitening agents that are safe and effective.
What is the success rate of teeth whitening? ›
In terms of efficacy, it is estimated that 90% of teeth whitening treatments are successful, while evidence-based studies have shown the ability of professional teeth whitening systems to lighten teeth by up to 10 shades.
How many sessions does it take to whiten teeth? ›
Dentists offer various whitening treatmentss, including in-office treatments and take-home kits. In-office treatments often show results after just one session, while take-home kits may require multiple applications over a few weeks.
