Dental beauty is one of the fundamental areas of aesthetics and oral health. A radiant smile not only gives a more youthful appearance, but also boosts confidence and self-esteem.

There are two types of teeth whitening that will give you a whiter smile: in-clinic or at-home teeth whitening. In this article, we will make a comparison between the two methods so that you have the possibility to make a decision on which one to choose in the future.

In-clinic tooth whitening

In-clinic tooth whitening is a cosmetic treatment to lighten teeth by removing stains and discolourations. The treatment is performed in a dental clinic under the supervision of a dentist and is more effective and safer than at-home treatments.

Procedure

Pre-treatment preparation

Before starting treatment at a dental whitening clinic, a detailed assessment of the teeth and gums is carried out. The dentist checks whether you have any dental disease, such as cavities, gingivitis or tartar and tooth sensitivity.

As these problems can influence the process, if the oral cavity has no serious problems, a thorough cleaning of the teeth is done to remove plaque or tartar that can disrupt the procedure.

Application of the whitening gel

The next stage is to apply the tooth whitening gel. These tooth whitening products can be based on hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, both of which are agents capable of removing stains from teeth. The dentist then carefully places the gel in the mouth, avoiding the gums to prevent irritation.

Use of activating light

LED lamps or lasers are often used in dental treatments such as whitening. These tools used in dental treatment at the dentist activate the contents of the gel, making the process more effective and faster.

Advantages of in-clinic whitening

Having your teeth professionally whitened in a clinic can give you significant advantages over standard treatments. These are the main ones:

Fast and visible results

In contrast to teeth whitening at home, when you have your teeth whitened at a clinic, when you leave the dentist’s office, your teeth already have the desired result and look visually much whiter.

Professional supervision

As the procedure is performed at the clinic, your teeth will be monitored by the dental professionals. Therefore, the treatment will work and if any problems arise, they can be solved in time.

Increased effectiveness

In dentists’ clinics, the products and concentration in the equipment are much higher than those used at home. This makes the result more complete and longer lasting.

Disadvantages of in-office whitening

Although in-office whitening can be very advantageous for the aesthetics of your teeth, it also has some disadvantages that you should consider before opting for this treatment:

High cost

The price of in-clinic whitening can be significantly high. Depending on the location and reputation of the dentist, you will have to make a considerable investment.

Possible tooth sensitivity

After treatment, a patient may experience temporary tooth sensitivity, especially when eating or drinking something hot or cold. Generally, this discomfort disappears within a couple of days.

Teeth whitening at home

At-home teeth whitening is a common option for those who want a whiter smile without the hassle and cost of professional protection. Here are the most common methods, as well as the advantages and disadvantages of at-home teeth whitening.

Procedure

Use of custom-made splints

Professional at-home teeth whitening is usually done with customised trays or moulds that are made according to the shape of your teeth. The dentist takes a mould of your teeth and, based on this, makes splints that ensure the correct distribution of the whitening gel.

Applying the gel at home

Once the splints have been made, the dentist gives you the mould and the gel so that you can have the teeth whitening treatment at home.

The gel used for teeth whitening with splints at home has a lower concentration of whitening agents than the gel used in clinics, so the treatment usually takes a few weeks before you see significant results. Commonly, you should wear the splints for a few hours a day or even at night.

Advantages of at-home whitening

There are several advantages of at-home teeth whitening that make it an attractive option for many people. Some of the key benefits of performing this procedure at home include:

Convenience and comfort

The best thing about at-home teeth whitening treatment is that you can do it on your own time and in the comfort of your own home, with no appointments or travel involved.

Lower cost

Teeth whitening with trays is less expensive compared to whitening in a dental clinic. Although the kit may be expensive when you first buy it, it is less expensive in the long run.

Disadvantages of at-home whitening

Although at-home teeth whitening has many positive aspects, there are also some disadvantages and considerations worth mentioning before embarking on the treatment.

Slower results

With at-home whitening you get slower results compared to in-clinic whitening, as with at-home whitening the results of the latter are more gradual. It takes several weeks of treatment to notice a real difference and therefore patience is essential.

Less professional supervision

While the treatment is carried out after instruction from the relevant dentist, there is no professional on site at all times. Therefore, there could be an incorrect application of the gel or inadequate follow-up treatment.

Comparison between in-office and at-home teeth whitening

If you’ve been wondering which is the best way to compare in-office and at-home teeth whitening, here’s a clearer picture.

Efficacy and results

In-office whitening, compared to at-home whitening, tends to be faster and therefore offers quicker results. Still, both methods work when used properly.

Duration of treatment

In-clinic treatment takes one or two sessions, unlike at-home whitening, where the patient has to make a daily commitment, usually lasting several weeks.

Total cost

In-clinic treatment costs more, mainly because this method uses more advanced technologies and a doctor to administer the procedure. Whereas, at-home whitening is financially more affordable for people, but with this treatment it takes longer to achieve the expected level of whitening.

Tips on how to choose the best whitening method for you

Here are some tips to consider when choosing the treatment that best suits your needs:

Consult a dentist

Before making the decision to whiten your teeth, you should talk to a dentist. After assessing your oral health, he or she will determine my best choice based on these conditions.

Consider the condition of your teeth

If you have some pre-existing dental problems, such as several cavities, and your gums are sensitive, the dentist may opt for a more appropriate and less aggressive treatment to avoid potential complications.

Evaluate the available budget

Another item on this list would probably be budget. You should evaluate whether you are willing to invest in a dental treatment in a clinic or if you prefer a home treatment to save money and avoid a big expense.

Conclusions

Both at-home and in-office teeth whitening are effective in improving the appearance of your teeth and improving your self-esteem. However, both methods have distinct advantages and disadvantages.

In-clinic whitening has the advantage of providing fast, high-quality results with professional supervision. The disadvantage of the method is the cost and the possible sensitivity it may cause in some patients.

In the case of at-home whitening, this method is cheaper and easier in many ways, but the results may take longer than you would like. So consulting a dentist to learn more about your dental condition and discuss your budget is likely to help you make the right decision