“It’s like comparing a professional car wash to washing your car yourself in the driveway,” Man says. “Professional whitening uses stronger bleaching agents and gives you dramatic results in just one or two visits. Plus, if something goes wrong, your dentist is there to fix it.
Sachar has the following advantages and disadvantages for each type of treatment:
Benefits of at-home whitening strips:
• More affordable than professional in-office treatments.
• Convenient and easier to use on your own schedule.
• Gradual whitening allows for subtle changes over time instead of quick, one-day whitening.
• Reduced risk of sensitivity.
Disadvantages of at-home whitening strips:
• Lower peroxide concentrations mean slower and less dramatic results.
• The strips may not fit perfectly, which can result in uneven whitening, especially between teeth or along the gum line.
• More risk of inappropriate use leading to unwanted side effects, such as leaving them on for too long.
Benefits of professional teeth whitening:
• Fast and spectacular results in just one or two visits.
• Customized trays that fit perfectly to the teeth are sometimes included for ongoing whitening or touch-ups at home.
• Protection of the gums to avoid any sensitivity.
• Supervised by a professional, reducing the risks of misuse or complications.
• Professional in-office peroxide concentrations with enhanced activation using LED or laser light can produce a more dramatic and faster result.
Disadvantages of professional teeth whitening:
• Significantly higher cost.
• May cause temporary tooth sensitivity in some patients.
• Less convenient, requiring planning and attending a dental visit.
