25 Jul Is Professional Teeth Whitening Worth It?
If you’re interested in whitening your teeth, professional whitening delivers much more powerful and longer lasting results than over-the-counter, DIY treatments. Before you reach for that whitening kit in the toothpaste aisle, let us explain why visiting your dentist is the best path to success.
Professional vs. Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening
If you want lasting, noticeable results, make an appointment with your dentist. In-office whitening treatments are stronger, last longer, and are better targeted to your unique tooth placement, so no spots get missed. Because dentists use higher-grade products, you’ll reach your desired shade of lightness in just one or two visits.
Here are a few of the advantages of professional teeth whitening:
- Topical solutions have a significantly higher percentage of key whitening ingredients, almost double what’s available over-the-counter for home use.
- Trays used to hold whitening solutions against your teeth are custom-made for your mouth to deliver consistent results.
- The high-intensity lights used in LED, UV or other light-based whitening methods far exceed the capabilities of at-home kits.
- Your dentist will make sure to use only products that won’t harm your gums or your existing dental work, like veneers or crowns.
How Well Do At-Home Whitening Products Work?
Teeth whitening products that you can buy over-the-counter do work—they just don’t work very well. You can get strips, gels, and toothpastes that include whitening agents. However, the concentration of active ingredients is far less than what dental professionals can use.
These DIY solutions can take weeks or months to show results because they are so weak. They simply can’t deliver the same bright shade of white that’s achievable with professional-strength dental whitening products.
Does Teeth Whitening Works on Crowns and Veneers?
Dental restorations do not react to whitening treatments, and so they will need to be replaced if you want them to look whiter. Whitening can’t change the shade of crowns or veneers because they are not made of porous materials, but you can still achieve a brighter smile with the help of a skilled dentist.
When you combine professional teeth whitening with crown or veneer replacement, it makes your entire smile look bright and polished. After your whitening treatments, your dentist can give you new restorations that perfectly match your new smile.
Get a Perfect Smile in Sun Lakes
Feeling confident, put-together, and always ready for a candid photo is possible, and we can help get you there. We’ll assess your current smile, talk about your goals, review your dental history, and design a whitening plan tailored just for you. If you live in the Sun Lakes area, contact Saba & Chiappetti Dental Associates for a teeth whitening appointment today!
Photo by Lesly Juarez on Unsplash used with permission under license for commercial use 07/19/2025.