A bright, white smile lights up a room, which explains the booming popularity of teeth whitening products. But do supermarket strips match up to professional clinical whitening?
Comparing your options
Over-the-counter (OTC) products
Whitening toothpastes, strips, and generic trays are cheap and convenient. However, they contain lower concentrations of bleaching agents, deliver slow results, and can sometimes irritate your gums due to ill-fitting trays.
In-office professional whitening
Performed safely under a dentist's supervision, clinical whitening uses high-strength gels activated by specialized light or laser technology.
The perks: You see dramatic results (up to several shades lighter) in just one 45-minute session, with custom gum protection to prevent sensitivity.
Note: Whitening only works on natural tooth enamel. Crowns, veneers, and fillings will not change color with bleach.
This article is for general information and does not replace a clinical examination. If you have pain, swelling or bleeding, book an appointment so we can look at the tooth.