Popular at-Home and Professional Teeth Whitening Methods

When it comes to teeth whitening, it can be confusing when choosing the right option for your needs. Whether you choose to have your teeth whitened at the dentist's office or at home, there are tons of options — whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, strips, trays — the list goes on and on. This article will cover the various teeth whitening options available today, so read on to find out which method will work best for you.

At-home whitening vs. dentist office whitening

The two main differences between teeth whitening at home and teeth whitening at your dentist’s office are the cost and length of time needed to whiten. The biggest benefit to getting your teeth whitened in the dentist office is that results can be seen in as little as one treatment. In-office treatments usually take 30 to 90 minutes and are typically repeated every four to six months, or until the desired level of whiteness has been achieved.

The other main difference is cost. The average cost of in-office, professional teeth whitening is about $650. You can also get take-home professional teeth whitening kits from your dentist that cost around $250-$400. At-home teeth whitening products can cost as little as $5, but on average are closer to $50.

At-home whitening options

There are a variety of options available to you if you decide to do your teeth whitening at home. Here are the most common options:

  • Whitening toothpaste: Whitening toothpaste is one of the easiest options when it comes to teeth whitening, but it typically only whitens your teeth by one shade. Since whitening toothpastes do not contain bleach, they usually are only effective at removing surface stains.
  • Whitening mouthwash: Similar to whitening toothpaste, there is no bleach in whitening mouthwash. Whitening mouthwash is used by swishing around in your mouth for 60 seconds twice per day. Some dentists debate the effectiveness of whitening mouthwash since it is only in contact with your teeth for a couple of minutes each day.
  • Whitening strips: One of the most popular at-home teeth whitening options are whitening strips. This option uses thin, clear strips coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel, which are applied directly to your teeth for between five and 20 minutes per day.
  • Whitening trays: This is another popular option for teeth whitening that involves filling a tray (similar to a mouthguard) with a gel whitening solution and applying to your teeth for between 30 minutes and several hours, sometimes overnight.

Choosing the best option for you

Now that you know more about your options, how do you choose what is right for you? The best way to do this is by talking to your dentist. There are several factors that you’ll want to keep in mind when choosing the right option for you. Come to your appointment prepared with answers to the following questions:

  • How many shades do you want to whiten?
  • What is your budget?
  • How quickly would you like to see results?

By coming prepared with answers to these questions, you and your dentist can choose the option that is the best match considering your needs and your personal oral health history. You’ll be well on your way to a dazzling, white smile in no time.

Request an appointment here: https://www.smilesbydesignhuntsville.com or call Smiles by Design, PC at (256) 660-3233 for an appointment in our Huntsville office.

Check out what others are saying about our services on Yelp: Read our Yelp reviews.

Related Posts

Do Dental Sealants Protect Children's Teeth?

Most people develop a cavity at some point in their lives, but children are especially prone to tooth decay. Dental sealants can be used to help lower the risk of getting cavities, protecting a child's teeth for many years. This supplemental treatment offers many benefits and is recommended by most dentists for virtually all children…

How Long Does A Dental Cleaning Take?

If you have not undergone a dental cleaning in over six months, it is time to go for a dental cleaning. Dental professionals recommend undergoing dental cleaning every six months to prevent oral issues such as tooth decay and gum disease. Due to your schedule, you might be concerned about how long the cleaning appointment…

Four Ways A Dental Cleaning Can Improve Your Overall Health

A routine dental cleaning can prevent cavities and tooth decay. The cleanings are a protective measure that prevents plaque and tartar buildup in the hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.Just like oral health affects systemic health, dental cleanings are also beneficial to overall health. It may have something to do with the fact that the mouth…

Finding The Right Dentist Near Me: What To Look For In Quality Dental Care

Many people start their search for a local dentist by typing "find a dentist near me" into the search box of their internet browser. However, finding a local dentist who provides high-quality care, feels comfortable, and meets your or your family's dental needs starts with knowing what to look for. Understanding the key features of…