Teeth whitening is a common procedure that can be done with at-home kits or at the dentist’s office. While the process is safe, there is a difference in effectiveness between professional and DIY whitening. Learn about each method in the guide below.

Application by a Dentist

When you choose professional teeth whitening, you’ll have access to superior products and the training and experience of your dentist. They’ll either apply the whitener in the office or send you home with a kit of ADA-approved products.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

Before the whitening, your teeth will be cleaned in preparation, which may involve a routine exam to make sure teeth and gums are healthy enough to receive the treatment. The technician will use a hydrogen peroxide gel, often paired with an accelerating light, to perform the bleaching. Application is completed in two 15 to 30-minute rounds in one appointment. This method offers more coverage since every tooth surface receives treatment. The products used are safe and ADA-approved, although the light may cause tooth sensitivity in some individuals.

At-Home Whitening

After having custom trays made in the dentist’s office, you fill them with a bleaching gel and place them over your teeth. The tray makes minimal contact with the gums. Treatment times vary with the brand and strength of the solution used, but the process typically involves wearing the trays for several hours over seven days. Though less concentrated than in-office whitening, these ADA-approved kits are stronger than over-the-counter products and still highly effective at removing stains.

Over-the-Counter Whitening Kits

OTC kits can consist of strips, trays, and brush-on bleaching agents. These products have lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and won’t deliver the same results as professional whitening, although they’re effective for minor staining.

There may be an increased risk of tooth and gum sensitivity since these products are difficult to apply without coming into contact with the gums. OTC kits are less expensive than professional teeth whitening, though they’ll likely only make a difference in front teeth. Look for products that are ADA-approved. 

Get professional teeth whitening from Stephanie ML Wong, DMD, in Honolulu, HI. Known as one of the Best Dentists in Hawaii, she also offers restorative, cosmetic, and general dentistry as well as oral cancer screenings. Call (808) 732-3072 to make an appointment, or learn more about services and dental procedures online.