The cosmetic dental industry has grown exponentially in recent years, with estimates valuing the industry to reach roughly $11.66 billion by 2030. As people look for new ways to improve their appearance and feel more confident with their smile, many people wonder, “What is the best teeth whitening treatment?”

Over-the-counter (OTC) products claiming to be the “top best teeth whitening products” fill hundreds of store shelves, overwhelming those who are ready to get the best whitening solution once and for all. 

When considering teeth whitening at home vs. dentist treatments, you must understand the differences between OTC products and professional services.  

While at-home options are everywhere, most of these products don’t offer the same whitening power as professional treatments. Store-bought products often only provide temporary results and aren’t tailored to one’s individual needs.   

Let’s take a look at cosmetic teeth whitening vs. dentist treatments and determine the most effective whitening treatment that will provide you with a bright, beautiful, and long-lasting smile.

But before we cover questions like, “What is the most effective teeth whitening treatment?” let’s discuss why teeth may need to be whitened in the first place. 

What Leads to Tooth Discoloration?

If you want to find the best whitening solution for your teeth, you first need to understand how teeth discoloration occurs. A number of factors can contribute to discolored teeth, including: 

  • Age
  • Genetics 
  • Medications
  • Smoking or using tobacco products 
  • Consuming dark-colored foods and drinks, like coffee and wine 
  • Having gum disease, calcium deficiency, or other medical conditions 
  • Maintaining poor oral hygiene or inadequate brushing habits 

It’s important to note that intrinsic stains (those that occur due to aging) can be more challenging to remove than extrinsic ones (those that occur due to lifestyle and dietary habits). 

The best tooth whitening treatment depends on the underlying reason behind your tooth discoloration. For example, discoloration from smoking dissolves more effectively with professional whitening treatments than with OTC products.

Teeth Whitening At Home vs. Dentist: What Methods Are Available?

There are two main teeth whitening methods available: at-home treatments and professional services. Several treatments fall under both methods, each offering varying degrees of whitening power. Figuring out which teeth whitening actually works for your specific case requires a thorough understanding of the different treatments available. 

At-home Treatments 

Many people look for at-home options for teeth whitening, like whitening strips and trays, due to price concerns. Inexpensive OTC products can be purchased without a prescription and are often easy to use. 

Although many OTC products claim to offer overnight results, the complete duration of the whitening process can take up to several weeks. Certain at-home products even contain harsh chemicals that can cause sensitivity or allergic reactions. 

Professional Services 

If you’re looking for a more powerful whitening solution, cosmetic dentistry services might be your best option. Trained cosmetic dentists can apply a professional-grade teeth whitening solution that can achieve a more dramatic result than OTC products.   

A few different types of professional teeth whitening treatments include: 

  • Zoom teeth whitening: A specially designed ultraviolet light is used to activate a bleaching gel, whitening teeth in just 2 hours. 
  • Take-home trays: Trays are custom-fitted to your teeth, accompanied by whitening gels that give you the right shade of white without harming your teeth and gums.

If you’re curious about which professional whitening treatment is right for you, consult a qualified dentist. An added benefit of working with a dentist is that they can combine a deep clean with whitening services to boost your chances of success. 

Which Teeth Whitening Actually Works?

Age, personal habits, and the type of discoloration can all impact how well whitening treatments work. Professional-grade treatments use higher concentrations of active ingredients and are overseen by trained professionals, making them more effective.  

Professional teeth whitening is also a tailored experience, giving you a pearly white smile that’s natural-looking. Best of all, a qualified dentist can help you understand your options and answer questions like: 

  • What is the most effective teeth whitening treatment?
  • What are the differences between Zoom whitening vs. trays
  • What is the best thing for whitening teeth? 
  • What are the pros and cons of OTC cosmetic teeth whitening vs. dentist services?

Overall, professional teeth whitening services like Zoom whitening provide safer, more successful results than at-home treatments. 

Where Do You Get Your Teeth Whitened? At Northside Dental Co. 

Teeth whitening results vary depending on the type of discoloration, one’s lifestyle habits, and the method chosen. At-home treatments, like whitening strips and trays, are available over the counter but frequently don’t offer the dramatic results that are possible with professional services.

So, what is the best teeth whitening option?

At Northside Dental Co., our experienced team can help you determine the best whitening solution, such as Zoom teeth whitening: a fast and effective treatment to help you get a brighter smile. If you live in the Richmond, VA area, book a consultation to learn how we can help you get the best tooth whitening treatment today!