Teeth Whitening Options: Professional vs At-Home

A bright, white smile can boost your confidence. But with so many whitening options available, how do you choose? Let's compare professional and at-home treatments.

1. Why do teeth become discoloured?

Teeth can become stained or discoloured for several reasons:

• Food and drink: Coffee, tea, red wine, and certain foods
• Tobacco: Smoking or chewing tobacco
• Age: Enamel thins over time, revealing yellower dentin
• Medications: Some antibiotics and treatments
• Genetics: Natural tooth colour varies between individuals

2. Professional whitening options

Professional whitening treatments are performed by dentists and offer the most dramatic results.

In-chair whitening: The strongest whitening treatment, using high-concentration bleaching gel activated by special lights. Results are immediate and can lighten teeth by several shades in one session.

Take-home professional kits: Custom-made trays filled with professional-strength gel, worn at home for a specified period. More gradual results over 1-2 weeks.

3. At-home whitening products

Over-the-counter options include:

• Whitening toothpastes: Mildly abrasive, can remove surface stains
• Whitening strips: Thin, flexible strips coated with peroxide gel
• Whitening trays: Generic trays with gel, less effective than custom versions
• LED whitening kits: Light-activated systems with varying results

4. Comparing your options

5. Is whitening safe?

When used correctly, teeth whitening is safe. However:

• Some people experience temporary sensitivity
• Overuse can damage enamel
• Whitening doesn't work on crowns, veneers, or fillings
• Pregnant or breastfeeding women should avoid whitening

Always consult your dentist before starting any whitening treatment.

Ready to brighten your smile? Find a cosmetic dentist on MyNextDentist.