If you want a brighter smile, the two best options are a teeth whitening treatment at the dentist’s office or a professional-strength whitening kit you can use at home. In-office treatments are quicker, but they cost a bit more. At-home treatments take longer, but they’re more convenient. Let’s compare the pros and cons of in-office vs. at-home whitening, so you can decide which treatment is right for you.
How In-Office Teeth Whitening Treatment Works
The in-office teeth whitening uses a light-activated, high-concentration hydrogen peroxide gel. Here’s what happens during the procedure:
- First, your dental team uses a color chart to determine the current shade of your teeth and discuss how many shades lighter you would like your teeth to be.
- Next, they will polish your teeth with a pumice tool to remove plaque and tartar.
- They will then place a protective barrier in your mouth so that the bleaching agent does not come into contact with your gums, cheeks, and tongue.
- Next, they will use a syringe to apply the whitening agent to your teeth. After the gel is applied, they will place a light directly in front of your teeth. The whitening process usually takes about 90 minutes.
- After the whitening process is complete, they will rinse your mouth to remove the gel and apply a varnish to prevent tooth sensitivity. You will then be able to discuss whether your teeth have reached the desired shade or if you should schedule another treatment.
After your treatment, we will give you some advice to follow for the next few days. Your teeth are more vulnerable to stains immediately after a whitening treatment, so you’ll avoid brightly colored foods and beverages, like red wine, tomato sauce, coffee, and energy drinks.
Benefits of In-Office Treatment
In-office whitening treatment is safe and faster than other whitening options. We can use a higher-concentration bleaching agent in the office than you get on your own. The high-concentration gel gives you immediate results, so you leave the office with a noticeably brighter smile. This is a distinct advantage if you need to whiten your smile before a wedding or special event.
How At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits Work
Our team will take a digital impression of your teeth to design a custom tray that fits your teeth perfectly. Since the tray is custom-fit, there is little chance of uneven whitening results.
In your take-home kit, you will get a carbamide peroxide gel instead of a high-concentration hydrogen peroxide gel. The carbamide gel is not as strong, but it’s safer for home use and more effective than over-the-counter treatments.
At-home treatments take longer than in-office treatments, but you can do them in the comfort of your home. (You don’t have to sit in a dentist’s chair with your mouth open for 90 minutes). Results can vary, as everyone’s mouth and whitening goals are different.
If you decide to go with an at-home whitening treatment, you will have to be diligent. With at-home treatment, you will wear your tray for 30 minutes a day for up to 28 days.
Benefits of At-Home Whitening
The carbamide gel is a safe and effective option for at-home treatments. The custom-fit trays prevent the gel from reaching your gums, cheeks, and tongue. They also make it easier for the gel to reach into every groove and crevice. And if visiting the dentist’s office gives you anxiety, at-home whitening is probably best for you. At-home trays are also a great option for maintaining the brightness, no matter which route you initially use to get the results.
How Much Does Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment Cost?
At-home teeth whitening kits from your dentist are more affordable than in-office treatments. Nationally, at-home kits usually cost between $200 and $600, while in-office whitening can range from $400 to $1000. In our office, we offer these services on the low end of this price spectrum to make it available to as many people as possible.
Keep in mind that since teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure, your insurance won’t cover in-office or at-home treatments. However, the out-of-pocket cost is worth it if you want a noticeably whiter smile.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments may cost a lot less, but they don’t give consistently good results. If they’re used incorrectly, they can irritate your gums and damage your tooth enamel. Whitening toothpastes are abrasive and can wear teeth over time. When it comes to whiter teeth, professional help is more predictable and safe.
Professional Teeth Whitening in South Jordan, UT
No matter which method you choose, at-home and in-office teeth whitening treatments will give you the brighter smile you are looking for. And as long as you prioritize oral health, your smile should stay bright long after your treatment is over.
The team at Copper Creek Dental can help you get the smile you’ve always wanted! Contact us today to schedule an appointment at our Daybreak dental office.
Images used under creative commons license – commercial use (06/06/2025) Photo by Ozkan Guner on Unsplash