A bright grin can lift your mood and your confidence. But with so many ways to bleach teeth, how do you know which one to pick? Below, Superior Dental Health of Lincoln compares two common choices—professional care in the dental chair and over-the-counter kits from the store—so you can choose the method that fits your goals, time, and budget. 

Whitening strips, paint-on pens, one-size plastic trays, toothpastes, and rinses all fall into the over-the-counter (OTC) group. These items use a gentle form of peroxide, so they are safe for home use. Most boxes include enough gel for about two weeks of daily use. Because the trays and strips are not custom-fit, they may slide around and miss spots, but they are easy to buy and cost the least up front.

[Related: Gum Disease Prevention and Treatment]

Professional teeth whitening happens under the care of a dentist. At Superior Dental Health of Lincoln, we place a strong, dentist-grade gel on your teeth and shield your gums. A special light may be added to speed things up. We can also make thin, custom trays for you to use at home with refills of our professional gel. Because we supervise the steps, the gel strength is higher, and the results show up much faster than store kits.

• OTC whitening usually creates a two-to-three-shade jump after 10–14 days of daily use.
• Professional in-office whitening can lighten up to eight shades in a single one-hour visit. Custom take-home trays from the dentist sit in the middle, brightening in one to two weeks.

• Store kits: $20–$100 per box, but you may need several boxes each year to keep stains away.
• Professional in-office whitening: A larger one-time fee, but most people need only one visit plus small touch-ups with their custom tray.

OTC results tend to fade in 3–6 months, especially if you drink coffee, tea, or dark soda. Professional whitening can last 12–18 months with regular brushing and quick tray touch-ups.

[Related: How to Choose a Dentist]

Pick an OTC kit if you want a gentle boost, have light stains, or need the lowest price today. Choose professional whitening if you need a big color jump fast, have deep coffee or tobacco stains, or struggle with sensitivity and want expert help.

• Sip dark drinks through a straw.
• Rinse with water after eating berries, curry, or tomato sauce.
• Brush twice a day with fluoride paste.
• Visit Superior Dental Health of Lincoln every six months for a cleaning.

Ready to see a whiter smile in the mirror? Book a visit with Superior Dental Health of Lincoln online and let our team match you with the teeth whitening plan that makes the most sense for you.