Is it worth going to the dentist for teeth whitening?

Author: Lorine Botsford  |  Last update: Friday, June 20, 2025

The answer is a resounding yes. The most effective way to whiten teeth is with a professional in-office treatment. But the comparison doesn't stop there. There are several other advantages to in-office whitening that make this option worth the investment.

Is it worth getting your teeth whitened at the 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.

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

Professional whitening is done in a dental office. In-office whiteners are much stronger than the other two alternatives because they have more peroxide in the solution. They can change the color of your teeth faster than at-home methods. The in-office whitening takes about an hour.

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 $500 teeth whitening worth it?

Professional teeth whitening is worth the investment if you are looking for better results. This is because professional teeth whitening treatments use more bleaching agents than over-the-counter products. This means that the results will be much more noticeable and long-lasting.

Is professional teeth whitening really worth it? Celebrity dentist spills all | Glam Lab

Do whitened teeth look fake?

This is a common concern, but we can assure you that professional teeth whitening treatment won't make your teeth look unnaturally white. If you've seen people whose teeth look too white to be natural, you're probably seeing their veneers, not their real teeth.

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.

What are the disadvantages 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.

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.

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.

How long does teeth whitening last?

Somewhat frustratingly, the answer is “it depends.” The effects of teeth whitening can last up to 2-3 years or as little as 6 months. It varies from person to person.

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.

How painful is teeth whitening at the dentist?

Most patients do not experience any discomfort during the treatment. However, some people may experience slight sensitivity after the procedure, but this is usually temporary and should subside within one to two days. The most common side effect of laser teeth whitening is increased sensitivity to temperatures.

Is professional teeth whitening a good idea?

Yes, teeth whitening works if carried out by a trained dental professional. Whitening uses a peroxide-based gel to lighten the teeth. When these chemicals break down, they release oxygen. This gets into the hard, outer surface of your teeth (the enamel) and whitens them.

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 should not whiten teeth?

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.

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.

How to get white teeth in 1 day?

10 Ways to Whiten Teeth in a Day and Keep Healthy Gums
  1. Brush with Baking Soda. ...
  2. Use Hydrogen Peroxide. ...
  3. Activated Charcoal. ...
  4. Powdered milk and toothpaste. ...
  5. Coconut Oil Pulling with Baking soda. ...
  6. Essential Oils Whitening Toothpaste. ...
  7. Turmeric Whitening Toothpaste. ...
  8. Baking Soda and Strawberry Paste.

How much does teeth whitening cost?

The price of tooth whitening can vary, but in Los Angeles, tooth whitening costs between $100-$500 per treatment. The total cost largely depends on the number of treatments needed to achieve the desired new tooth shade.

What vitamin deficiency causes yellow teeth?

The Link Between vitamin D Deficiency and Yellow Teeth

Increased Susceptibility to Cavities: Weak enamel due to insufficient calcium absorption increases the risk of cavities. Decayed areas can appear yellow or brown, contributing to an overall discolored smile.

Is it too late to whiten my teeth?

As we age, our teeth naturally become darker due to wear and tear. While teeth whitening can be effective at almost any age, younger teeth typically respond better to whitening treatments.

What's the cheapest way to whiten teeth?

Over-the-Counter Whitening. These take-home teeth whitening kits and products are the most inexpensive, convenient ways to restore the luster of your pearly whites. You can purchase these cost-effective bleaching and cleaning products at your local supermarket, drug store, or online.

How many sessions does it take to whiten teeth?

We can usually complete an in-office treatment in one or two visits and produce results within a matter of hours. Over the counter and in home teeth-whitening kits tend to take at least a month of wearing mouthpieces every night before they start to have an effect.

How much does a dentist charge for teeth whitening kit?

Professional whitening with a dentist in London can range between £235 to £350. In-clinic whitening is more costly at £450 – £500. Home whitening kits are cheaper around £250-£350.

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