Teeth Whitening Options Compared: In-Office, Trays, Strips and More

A brighter smile is one of the most common cosmetic requests we hear. There are many products and techniques available, and with so many choices it can be hard to know which one is right for you. This guide compares the main options, based on the information on our teeth whitening page, so you can make an informed choice.

Start with a conversation

The best way to begin any teeth-whitening regimen is to schedule an appointment and talk with your doctor about the differences between in-office professional whitening and at-home whitening. A checkup also gives the doctor a chance to look for anything that should be treated first, such as decay or gum disease.

The options at a glance

Option	Where	Typical time	What to expect
In-office whitening	Dental office	About 90 minutes	Results you can see immediately
Custom tray whitening	At home, from your dentist	10 to 14 days	Results in as little as 3 to 5 days
Whitening strips	At home, over the counter	30 minutes, twice a day	Duration varies
Paint-on whiteners	At home, over the counter	Varies	Less expensive, less effective
Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash	At home, over the counter	Daily use	Removes surface stains only

In-office teeth whitening

In-office whitening is performed at the dental office. During the appointment, your dental professional applies a whitening gel to the surface of your teeth. The entire visit generally takes about 90 minutes, and you will be able to see results immediately. It is a good fit if you want the fastest visible change, for example before a wedding or a big event.

Professional tray whitening at home

Tray bleaching is a professional whitening option that uses custom-made trays and a whitening gel only available through your dentist. The gel goes into trays that fit precisely over your teeth. As the peroxide in the gel breaks down, it helps whiten stained teeth.

Unlike strips, custom trays whiten all of your natural teeth, and the gel may contain ingredients intended to provide maximum comfort. Tray whitening generally takes ten to 14 days, although many people notice results in as little as three to five days.

Over-the-counter options

Whitening strips

Whitening strips are thin, flexible plastic strips with a thin film of hydrogen peroxide on one side, with separate strips for the upper and lower teeth. You press them across your teeth to make contact. Strips are typically worn for 30 minutes a day, twice a day, and the length of treatment varies.

Paint-on whiteners

Paint-on whiteners are gels applied with a small brush. The gel hardens into a film that coats the teeth and dissolves in the mouth. They are generally less expensive and less effective than strips or professional options.

Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash

These are the least expensive options. They remove surface stains with mild abrasives, but unlike professional whitening, they do not lighten the actual color shade of the tooth. Expect only a mild change.

How to choose

Ask yourself what matters most:

• Speed: In-office whitening shows results the same day.
• Convenience at home: Custom trays let you whiten on your schedule with professional-strength gel.
• Budget: Over-the-counter products cost less, but results are more limited. Our financial information page covers payment options, including CareCredit, for professional treatment.

Whatever you choose, it is wise to consult a dental professional before you start.

When whitening is not the answer

Whitening works on natural teeth. If you have chips, gaps, misshapen teeth or stains that whitening cannot lift, other cosmetic dentistry treatments may help:

• Veneers are thin porcelain shells that cover the front of the teeth. They are stain-resistant, though your doctor may recommend avoiding coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco to keep them looking their best.
• Bonding uses a tooth-colored material to repair slightly chipped, discolored or crooked teeth, usually in one visit. Bonding can stain and is easier to break than porcelain veneers.

Keeping your smile bright

Good daily habits help a whitening result last. Brush at least twice a day, floss daily, and keep up with regular checkups and cleanings, where we remove tartar and plaque and polish your teeth. Avoiding tobacco also helps prevent stains. See our preventive care tips and dental FAQs for more.

New to Janzen Dental? Here is what to expect at your first visit. When you are ready, request an appointment or call (559) 431-5544 to talk about the whitening option that fits you.