In-office and at-home whitening treatments differ in several ways:

In-office treatments:

• Pros:
  • Faster results (usually completed in one visit)
  • Higher concentration of whitening agents
  • Professional supervision
  • Gum and tooth sensitivity protection
• Cons:
  • More expensive
  • Less convenient (requires office visit)
  • May cause more sensitivity initially

At-home treatments:

• Pros:
  • More affordable
  • Convenient (can be done at home)
  • Gradual whitening (may cause less sensitivity)
  • Can be used for touch-ups
• Cons:
  • Takes longer to see results
  • Lower concentration of whitening agents
  • Requires discipline to follow treatment regimen
  • Risk of misuse without professional supervision

The best option depends on your individual needs, budget, and time constraints. Many people opt for a combination of both methods for optimal results.

The effects of teeth whitening can last anywhere from several months to up to three years, depending on your oral hygiene habits, lifestyle choices, and consumption of staining foods and drinks. To maintain your results, it's recommended to do touch-ups every few months and practice good oral hygiene.

When used as directed, professional teeth whitening treatments are generally safe. However, some people may experience temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. It's always best to consult with a dental professional before starting any whitening treatment, especially if you have sensitive teeth, gum disease, or dental restorations.

The frequency of teeth whitening depends on the method used and your dentist's recommendations. For professional in-office treatments, once or twice a year is typically sufficient. For at-home treatments, you might do a full course every 6-12 months, with occasional touch-ups in between. It's important not to overuse whitening products, as this can lead to enamel damage and increased sensitivity.

Philips is the only whitening brand that features the power of three: Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP), Fluoride and Potassium Nitrate for the healthiest way to whiten teeth.

Hydrogen peroxide is great for treating yellow and brown stains and is highly potent for a short period of time (within 30-60 minutes) and best for patients who need or want short wear times. Carbamide peroxide has to break down into hydrogen peroxide and urea which extends the effectiveness of the hydrogen peroxide over a longer time (up to 5-6 hrs.). This is best for patients who have darker stains and need or want to wear the trays for 2-4 hours (or overnight). Darker stains whiten faster with carbamide peroxide as the teeth are in contact with the active peroxide longer.