Professional Teeth Whitening (Pros, Cons, and Costs)

Professional teeth whitening often takes the form of laser whitening treatments or take-home bleaching trays that provide fast, safe, and consistent results under expert guidance from a dentist.

An alternative to professional teeth whitening is using over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products from the comfort of your home.

As per our expertise, there are different types of teeth whitening products and professional services out there - the trick is finding one that works for you.

Today, we’ll cover everything about professional teeth whitening (pros, cons, and costs) and why using OTC whitening products by SNOW is the better choice for you and your dental health.

What this article covers:

How Professional Teeth Whitening Is Done
Why SNOW’s At-Home Teeth Whitening Remedies Are Better for You

How Professional Teeth Whitening Is Done

Professional teeth whitening is done by applying hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel to the teeth. Dentists use high-concentration bleaching agents combined with specialized light or lasers to enhance the whitening process. Patients wear protective eye gear and gum barriers to ensure their safety.

The treatment usually takes about an hour, and multiple sessions are usually needed for optimal results. It can remove stains and discoloration, offering you brighter, whiter teeth.

teeth whitening professional

Advantages Of In-Office Teeth Whitening

Drawing from our experience, in-office teeth whitening offers seven advantages, such as:

1. Immediate Results

In today's fast-paced world, waiting is seldom an option. In-office teeth whitening delivers immediate results, offering a visibly brighter smile in just one session.

2. Professional Supervision

Dentists ensure safe application, reducing the risk of gum irritation or enamel damage. Dentists and dental hygienists are trained to administer teeth whitening safely. Their expertise ensures that the process is conducted correctly, minimizing risks and maximizing outcomes.

3. Optimized Concentrations

In-office treatments utilize professional-grade whitening agents. This potency ensures effective stain removal and a significantly brighter smile in less time.

4. Even Application

Uniformity is the key to achieving a consistent shade of white. Under professional supervision, the whitening agent is applied evenly, avoiding patchy results. This meticulousness ensures every tooth gets an equal opportunity to shine.

5. Customized Treatment

Every person’s teeth are unique, and so are their whitening needs. In-office procedures can be tailored to address specific concerns, whether it's targeting deep-set stains or achieving a particular shade of white. This customization ensures that patients receive a treatment best suited to their individual requirements.

6. Protection

Safety is paramount with professional teeth whitening. Dental professionals employ various protective measures during the whitening procedure. They use gum barriers and other techniques to shield soft tissues, ensuring that the strong bleaching agents only contact the teeth, thereby preventing burns or heightened sensitivity.

7. Reduced Sensitivity

A common concern post-whitening is tooth sensitivity. In-office treatments, however, are designed to minimize this issue. With the use of desensitizing agents and the expertise of professionals, patients often experience lesser sensitivity compared to using at-home kits.

Disadvantages Of In-Office Teeth Whitening

In-office teeth whitening, while effective, has five disadvantages, such as:

1. Cost

One of the most significant deterrents to in-office teeth whitening is the expense. While the procedure boasts professional supervision and high-quality materials, these benefits come at a premium.

For instance, you can pay anywhere between $200 and $1800 for a dentist to give you a take-home bleaching tray or for a laser whitening procedure at their dental office.

When compared to our professional teeth whitening kit or affordable over-the-counter products like our teeth white strips, in-office treatments are more expensive, making them less accessible for those on a tight budget.

professional teeth bleaching

2. Sensitivity

Post-treatment sensitivity is a common concern. The powerful bleaching agents used during the procedure, although effective, can lead to heightened tooth sensitivity or even gum irritation. Some patients might experience discomfort when consuming hot or cold beverages for several days following the treatment.

That’s why we recommend at-home products like our tooth whitening foam and toothpaste that whitens teeth, which are gentle on your gums, and dental equipment like night guards or aligners.

3. Not Permanent

While in-office whitening offers immediate and impressive results, it's essential to understand that it isn’t a permanent teeth whitening solution. Over time, due to dietary habits, aging, or smoking, the whitening results fade, and teeth can get stained again. This means you’ll have to do periodic touch-ups, which will add to the overall cost of professional teeth whitening.

4. Varied Outcomes

The overall effectiveness of in-office whitening varies based on:

the natural color of your teeth
the type and severity of your stains
your overall dental health.

For instance, yellow stains might lighten well, but gray-toned discolorations could be more resistant. This unpredictability means that some people might not achieve the desired shade even after an in-office whitening procedure.

5. Time

In-office whitening sessions can last anywhere from 45 minutes to a couple of hours, which requires a significant time commitment on your part. Moreover, the degree of whitening you want might require multiple visits. This demands both time and scheduling, which isn’t convenient for you.

While in-office teeth whitening offers a number of pros and benefits, it's essential to weigh these against its cons to make an informed decision.

Why SNOW’s At-Home Teeth Whitening Remedies Are Better for You

In contrast to professional teeth whitening treatments, our at-home whitening products offer convenience, giving you a deep teeth whitening experience and helping you brighten your smile according to your own schedule. We’re also more affordable than professional treatments, too.

We have a variety of options available, so you can choose the product that fits your personal preferences and sensitivity levels. With consistent use, our whitening solutions yield impressive results over time, making them a competitive alternative to in-office procedures.

Let’s take a look at some of our best teeth whitening products that actually work and how they can brighten your teeth on a professional level.

Teeth Whitening Mouthwash

Our mouthwash for whitening teeth is the perfect dual-action solution to brighten your teeth and protect the enamel. It’s alcohol-free and the inclusion of natural ingredients like aloe soothes and moisturizes sensitive gums and teeth while making your oral care routine more invigorating with its refreshing minty flavor.

After trying out this product, we found that it’s best utilized both in the morning and at night for optimal whitening results. Regular rinsing aids in diminishing spots and discoloration to maintain your pearly whites.

Teeth Whitening Powder

Our whitening tooth powder is formulated specifically to tackle common culprits of dental discoloration. No need to forgo your favorite drinks or habits; this powder works effectively against stubborn stains, like coffee, wine, and smoking.

It offers visible whitening results in just two minutes. It’s a fuss-free addition to daily oral hygiene; simply sprinkle it onto your regular toothpaste and get to work on brushing your teeth and making them shimmer. This teeth whitening powder is perfect if you’re looking for immediate improvements in tooth brightness without waiting days or weeks.

Teeth Whitening Toothbrush

Our teeth whitening electric toothbrush uses advanced blue LED light technology to boost the whitening process. It has four distinct modes tailored for switching up your oral care needs whenever you like.

Our findings show that this innovative whitening toothbrush is perfect if you need a vigorous setting for a quick polish session or a gentler setting for sensitive teeth. It comes equipped with a 2-minute timer, which takes you through 30-second structured intervals to cover all areas of your mouth and strategically remove plaque for a deeper cleaning.

Our innovative whitening products are more than just cosmetic solutions. They combine efficacy with convenience, ensuring that you not only achieve a brighter smile but also maintain optimal oral health without disrupting your daily routine.

does professional teeth whitening work

Conclusion

As we’ve seen, professional teeth whitening offers immediate, even results under expert supervision, ensuring safety and tailored treatments.

While professional teeth whitening can effectively whiten your teeth, it has some downsides, like its cost and hampering your daily schedule with multiple whitening sessions. Professional teeth whitening can also cause sensitivity and may not work on all types of discoloration, making it unsuitable for some individuals.

That’s why using at-home whitening products is a better choice for you. You’ll see rapid improvement in the color of your teeth and go the distance in promoting your dental health.

If you’d like a brighter smile without the hefty price tag, check out the best at home teeth whitening solutions by SNOW today and find a product that’s perfect for you.

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Professional Teeth Whitening