Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental treatment. The reason? It provides a smile upgrade quickly and cost-effectively. But, it’s also popular because there are several options for getting a brighter, whiter smile. The three options for whitening your teeth include professional whitening in your dentist’s office, professional-grade take-home whitening kits available from your dentist, and over-the-counter whitening products such as toothpaste, strips, and mouth rinses. Here are the pros and cons of each of the three teeth whitening options.
Pros and Cons of Professional Teeth Whitening at the Dentist
In-office teeth whitening is available from cosmetic dentists. Teeth whitening at your dentist’s office offers the following pros and cons:
Pros:
- Immediate results (typically in about one hour)
- May whiten teeth up to 8 shades
- Gums and soft tissues are completely protected
- Lasting results
- Includes a take-home whitening pen to touch up at home
- May lighten intrinsic stains
Cons:
- More expensive than take-home kits or over-the-counter whitening products
- Whitening may cause temporary tooth sensitivity
Pros and Cons of Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits from Your Dentist
Take-home teeth whitening kits available from your dentist include professional-grade whitening agents and instructions for use. Dental-grade take-home teeth whitening kits offer the following pros and cons:
Pros:
- Greater concentration of active whitening agents than over-the-counter products
- May whiten teeth up to 6 shades
- Allows you to whiten teeth at your convenience at home
- Less expensive than in-office teeth whitening
Cons:
- Full results may not be visible for a couple of weeks
- May not offer the same level of whitening as in-office whitening from your dentist
- You are responsible for making sure the whitening agent does not come in contact with soft tissues, including lips and gums
- Whitening may cause temporary tooth sensitivity
Pros and Cons of Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening Products
Various whitening toothpaste, strips, and mouth rinses are available in stores and online. The pros and cons of whitening products bought in stores or online include:
Pros:
- Cheapest way to whiten teeth (in most cases)
- May whiten teeth a few shades
Cons:
- Results can take weeks or months to be noticeable
- Over-the-counter whitening products only remove surface stains
- You are responsible for ensuring the products don’t irritate gums or soft tissues of the mouth
- Whitening may cause temporary tooth sensitivity
- May not provide any noticeable results
Schedule an Appointment for Brighter, Whiter Teeth in Glen Cove
At Gold Coast Smiles in Glen Cove, NY, Dr. Andrew Sami is a highly respected Google 5-star reviewed cosmetic dentist. Gold Coast Smiles provides in-office teeth whitening and dental-grade take-home teeth whitening kits. To book an appointment, call 516-676-0250 or schedule your appointment online.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do You Accept CareCredit for Teeth Whitening?
Yes. Gold Coast Smiles is happy to accept CareCredit for all cosmetic dental procedures. We also offer in-house short-term financing for patients. To learn more about financing, send us a message.
Can You Whiten Teeth that Have Fillings or Crowns?
No. Teeth that have dental restorations such as fillings or crowns will not respond to teeth whitening. However, if your dental crowns or fillings are in the back of the mouth, you can still whiten the visible teeth in the front. If you have dental restorations on the visible teeth and want a brighter smile, Gold Coast Smiles offers alternatives to whitening, such as dental veneers.