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
Of course, in-office whitening delivers more immediate results because the hydrogen peroxide used is a higher strength. If you're whitening at home, it will take weeks to produce the same dramatic effect (and you may not reach the same level of brightness as you would with a professional-strength agent).
Is professional teeth whitening worth the cost? ›
Your dentist may even recommend a specific teeth whitening system that has a reputation for producing the best results. While it might be more expensive, it's typically worth the investment since you'll get long-lasting and, possibly, immediate results.
Why is in-office teeth whitening so expensive? ›
But professional teeth whitening procedures typically cost more for a number of reasons: Stronger whitening agents. Professional in-office whitening treatments use much stronger levels of bleaching agents than at-home or over-the-counter whitening products.
What is the advantages of whitening teeth in a dental office? ›
Highly Effective Results in a Short Amount of Time:
Opting for in-office teeth whitening, you could experience drastic results seen within one visit. This is a far more efficient way to brighten your smile than at-home treatments like trays and strips, which may take weeks or even months!
Is teeth whitening worth doing? ›
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.
How much should I spend on teeth whitening? ›
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
| Teeth Whitening Treatment | Average Cost |
|---|
| In-office whitening | $650 for upper and lower teeth;3 internal teeth can cost up to $272 per tooth5 |
| Dentist-provided take-home kits | $100 to $4003 |
| Over-the-counter products | $20 to $100 per product3 |
Dec 15, 2023
The effects of teeth whitening can last up to 2-3 years or as little as 6 months. It varies from person to person. Things that will stain your teeth quickly and make your whitening short-lived include: – Smoking.
What is the best budget way to whiten your teeth? ›
Once you have that conversation, consider one of these over-the-counter kits.
- Crest 3D White Whitestrips Professional Effects Teeth Whitening Kit, $44.99 (target.com) ...
- Plus White 5 Minute Dental Whitening Kit, $11.49 (riteaid.com) ...
- Dr. ...
- Walgreens Extreme Whitening Wraps, $14.99 (walgreens.com)
The most effective treatment you can receive through your dentist is Zoom! laser teeth whitening treatment. While this procedure is not the cheapest fix for yellowing, it is the most effective, quickest, and long-lasting procedure. If you are looking for the best brightening solution, Zoom! is it!
How many shades does in-office teeth whitening whiten? ›
Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments at the Office
It often requires numerous 30- or 60-minute in-office sessions with teeth whitening dentists near you to achieve the most dramatic effects, typically involving teeth being three to eight colors brighter.
The following strategies may help whiten teeth:
- Making dietary changes. Eliminating foods that mark the teeth can prevent further staining. ...
- Trying oil pulling. ...
- Brushing with baking soda. ...
- Using hydrogen peroxide. ...
- Whitening with fruit. ...
- Chewing high fiber foods.
Teeth whitening is good for individuals who have healthy teeth already. It is better for patients not to have visible restorations before choosing whitening. Patients should also have healthy gums. The good news is that patients can have teeth restored and gums treated to become whitening candidates.
Are there cons to 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.
Can old yellow teeth be whitened? ›
It's natural for teeth to appear darker as they age, but a bleaching product with hydrogen peroxide or urea peroxide can help turn back the clock – and a whitening toothpaste is an easy way to get a jump-start.
Does coconut oil whiten teeth? ›
By removing plaque, coconut oil reduces plaque on the teeth and whitens the teeth. What makes coconut oil for teeth whitening more enticing is that there is little to no evidence showing any side effects of swishing coconut oil for teeth whitening.
Do teeth get whiter after professional teeth whitening? ›
How white will my teeth get after in-office teeth whitening? After the 30-60 minutes treatment, your teeth whitening may vary: from 10 to 15 shades whiter, to 2 to 5 shades lighter.
Do teeth continue to whiten after professional whitening? ›
Your teeth will continue to lighten for a couple of days even after you stop a whitening session.
What are the cons of teeth whitening? ›
Schedule an appointment with our dentist in Gainesville for more information or a consultation about your specific concerns.
- Tooth sensitivity. ...
- Doesn't work on all teeth. ...
- May exacerbate certain conditions. ...
- Temporary. ...
- Don't use if you're pregnant.
Choosing a non-professional teeth whitening treatment can carry a higher risk of adverse effects, including damage to your teeth and gums, and even a worsening of your discoloration. By far, the safest and most effective option is to have your teeth professionally whitened by your dentist.
