Do dentists recommend teeth whitening?

Author: Dr. Ulices Wisoky  |  Last update: Sunday, July 6, 2025

For long-lasting results, experts recommend a whitening treatment in your dentist's office, followed by monthly over-the-counter treatments for maintenance. But this may not be right for everyone. SOURCES: American Dental Association: "Tooth Whitening,"“ "Natural Teeth Whitening,” "Oil pulling."

Is it better to get teeth whitened at dentist?

The results of professional in-office whitening are significantly better than the degree of whitening you can achieve at home with over-the-counter products. The whitening agent I use is more concentrated than commercial whitening agents. As a result, it lightens your teeth by about eight shades in one hour.

What are the cons of teeth whitening?

What are the risks of teeth whitening? No matter what treatment you use, there's a chance your gums will be sensitive to the chemicals used in teeth whitening, particularly if you already have sensitive teeth. There's also a chance of burns to gums and some of the whitening kits used at home can harm tooth enamel.

What do dentists say about teeth whitening?

Whitening treatments can be effective on both extrinsic and intrinsic staining. Only natural teeth can be whitened, not tooth-colored restorations. Whitening treatments include in-office bleaching procedures, dentist-supplied products for use at home, and over-the-counter (OTC) whiteners.

Do dentists recommend teeth whitening kits?

The dentists that were consulted for this piece with all agree that teeth whitening kits are safe for at-home use, provided you pick one that's made with recognizable, tested ingredients like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. “They can be quite effective and safe when used in the right way,” says Huang.

3 Best Ways to Whiten Teeth (Dental Hygienist Explains)

Can yellow teeth become white again?

Yellow teeth can regain whiteness through various methods, including good oral hygiene, professional dental cleanings, and teeth-whitening treatments. Stains from coffee, tea, or tobacco can be removed with adequate oral care, while professional procedures like bleaching or laser treatments offer quicker results.

Are dentist whitening kits worth it?

Pros of Teeth Whitening Kits

Can Be Personalized: To help you get even better results, your dentist can create teeth whitening trays specifically for your teeth. That means they'll be the perfect fit, so you won't have to worry that some teeth will be whiter than others.

Is dentist teeth whitening worth it?

Whiter Teeth

Last but not least, in-office whitening is the most effective choice. Even though the treatment is quick, it is powerful. At-home kits and whitening toothpaste cannot compete with professional results.

What is the best method to whiten teeth?

Home-based bleaching (following manufacturer's instructions) results in less tooth sensitivity than in-office bleaching. The optimal regimen to obtain persistence of tooth whitening is to follow an in-office treatment with monthly home-based touch-up treatments using OTC products.

Who shouldn't get teeth whitening on?

If you are younger than 16, you are not a candidate for teeth whitening. This is because the pulp chamber in young teeth is larger than that of an adult, and whitening treatments could cause irritation. If you are pregnant or lactating, teeth whitening is not recommended.

Why is teeth whitening not recommended?

One of the most common side effects is tooth sensitivity, which can occur during or after treatment. Overuse or misuse of teeth whitening products can also lead to enamel damage, gum irritation, and discoloration.

Can old yellow teeth be whitened?

Seniors can whiten their teeth gradually with a professional take-home kit. The kits include custom-fitted trays that you wear with a bleaching gel for several weeks, either twice a day for thirty minutes or overnight.

Why is teeth whitening at dentist so expensive?

Professional in-office whitening treatments use much stronger levels of bleaching agents than at-home or over-the-counter whitening products. That does make it more expensive, but it means that you can achieve much more dramatic results from your whitening. Faster results.

How to whiten the teeth naturally?

6 Natural Ways To Whiten Your Teeth
  1. First things first, brush your teeth regularly: ...
  2. Oil pulling: ...
  3. Brush with baking soda and hydrogen peroxide paste: ...
  4. Rub banana, orange, or lemon peels: ...
  5. Take a diet rich in fruits and vegetables: ...
  6. Go to the dentist:

Do crest white strips work?

While they are extremely popular, many people still question whether or not they actually are effective at whitening teeth. The short answer is yes, they do in fact whiten your teeth over time, but whitening strips are not the best way to whiten your teeth!

What is the number one teeth whitening method?

Laser teeth whitening remains at the forefront of dental cosmetic technology, offering rapid results with a high degree of precision. This method involves applying a bleaching agent to the teeth, which is then activated by a laser.

What is the least damaging way to whiten your teeth?

Baking Soda: As long as you are careful to brush gently, baking soda can eliminate stains from the surface of your teeth without damaging them. Whitening Strips: Whitening strips mold to the shape of your teeth to whiten them. Whitening strips are both safe and effective.

How fast does baking soda whiten teeth?

But on average, it can start to remove surface stains within just 2 days. However, it may take as long as two to three weeks to notice small noticeable results. Severity of Stains. The time it takes to see results with baking soda depends on the severity and nature of the stains.

What is the disadvantage of teeth whitening?

The potential side effects of teeth whitening include teeth sensitivity, gum irritation, and ineffective results. However, most patients do not experience any notable side effects from professional teeth whitening, as the dentist can monitor the process and perform treatment in a way that minimizes risk.

Does insurance cover teeth whitening?

Out-of-Pocket Payment: In most cases, teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure and is not covered by dental insurance, whether in-network or out-of-network. As a result, you should anticipate paying for the procedure out of pocket.

Will teeth whitening hurt my teeth?

This is usually due to the bleaching agents used to whiten the teeth. These agents can cause the nerve endings in the teeth to become irritated, leading to pain and discomfort. However, this side effect is usually temporary and should go away within a few days.

Is it better to whiten teeth at the dentist or home?

Professional teeth whitening uses a more effective process

Dr. Yalamanchili is able to use a stronger process in her office, typically approved for use by dentists only. You'll see some difference in the brightness of your teeth with a DIY kit, but not as much as if you had your teeth professionally whitened.

How much is teeth whitening without insurance?

What Is The Average Cost Of Professional Teeth Whitening In Camarillo, CA? The average cost ranges from $300 to $1,000.

Who should not use teeth whitening kits?

“Even with over-the-counter products, it is still recommended to see your dentist prior to starting a whitening procedure.” Dr. Scheier says. Those who are susceptible to sensitivity, either from gum recession or worn-down enamel, may inadvertently increase that sensitivity by using a teeth-whitening kit.

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