The A to Z of Teeth Whitening: Pros and Cons of Whitening Methods According to Dentists.

Are you looking for fast and truly noticeable teeth whitening? Then professional whitening at the dentist’s is perfect for you. Do you prefer subtle teeth lightening in the comfort of your own home at a reasonable price? At-home whitening could be just right for you. Looking for something in between? Find out more about the combined whitening method. But don’t worry. We’re now going to take a closer look at the various whitening methods and reveal all their pros and cons. This will make it easier to choose the one that’s right for you.

At-home teeth whitening

At-home whitening is popular because it is easily accessible and convenient. The most commonly used methods include whitening toothpastes and powders, special teeth whitening pens, mouthwashes with a whitening effect or teeth whitening kits. What are their undeniable advantages and what should you watch out for?

Pros:

• Affordability – compared to professional whitening, the at-home option is significantly cheaper
• Convenience – you can whiten your teeth at home without having to visit the dentist
• Gradual lightening – the process is gradual, which reduces the risk of tooth sensitivity

Cons:

• Lower effectiveness – the results are not as noticeable or long-lasting as with professional whitening
• Risk of uneven colouring – incorrect application of the whitening agent can lead to uneven lightening of the teeth
• Risk of gum irritation – some whitening products contain peroxide, which can irritate the gums and cause temporary tooth sensitivity

Combined whitening method

This whitening method combines professional whitening performed by a dentist with at-home whitening using special trays and a whitening gel containing 10–16% carbamide peroxide. “A dental technician will first make special trays for your teeth. You will then receive special whitening gels from your dentist, which you apply in very small amounts using the trays at night for 2–6 weeks. The gels have to be stored in the refrigerator,” explains the dentist Nikola Celerýnová.

Pros:

• Fast and noticeable results – whitening gels from the dentist have a higher concentration than those available over the counter
• Long-lasting results – with proper follow-up dental care, the effect will last longer and be more noticeable than with any at-home whitening method (for lasting results, you can touch up your teeth – one nighttime application per year is usually sufficient)
• Possibility of consulting on shade – if you still aren’t satisfied with the results, you can buy additional whitening gel from your dentist or buy an even stronger concentration
• Minimal risk of damage to tooth enamel – under medical supervision, it’s easier to avoid damage to tooth enamel, gum irritation or tooth sensitivity

Cons:

• Higher price – at-home whitening methods are significantly cheaper
• Temporary tooth sensitivity – higher concentrations of whitening gel carry a higher risk of tooth sensitivity (in this case, it is recommended to skip one night’s application or try daily application for at least 2 hours)
• Home discipline required – compared to purely professional whitening, for this method you need to have the discipline to wear gel trays every evening before bed for 2–6 weeks
• Not suitable for everyone – this method can’t be used on severely damaged enamel, for example

Professional teeth whitening

Professional whitening is performed by a dentist or dental hygienist. “The hygienist applies a protective varnish to the gums to prevent burning and then applies the whitening gel to the teeth. The entire procedure takes about 60 minutes,” explains the dentist Jonáš Celerýn.

Pros:

• Speed and effectiveness – results are visible immediately after the procedure
• Long-lasting effect – you can enjoy whiter teeth for several years
• Safety of the process – the procedure is performed by a professional, which reduces the risk of damage to the tooth enamel and gums

Cons:

• Highest price – professional whitening at the dentist's is definitely the most expensive whitening method
• Temporary tooth sensitivity – after the procedure, temporary tooth sensitivity occurs, especially to cold and hot drinks

After the whitening procedure, dentists recommend a so-called “white diet”. This means avoiding drinks that stain the enamel (coffee, black tea, red wine) and not eating colourful foods (such as beetroot, food with curry spices, etc.).

Which teeth whitening method is best for you and why? Weigh up all the pros and cons and never forget about thorough preventive dental care. The key to a bright white smile is not just the whitening process itself, but mainly thorough oral hygiene and visits to a dental hygienist (ideally twice a year), who will use fine sand to remove unwanted pigments from the surface of the enamel.