What’s the Difference Between At-Home and Professional Teeth Whitening?

15 July 2025

A bright, radiant smile is something many people desire. Today, there are numerous teeth whitening options—both at home and professionally done. A common question arises: what’s the difference between these two methods, and which is more effective? Let’s take a closer look at the specifics of each.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

At-home whitening products generally contain lower concentrations of whitening agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These products can come in the form of toothpaste, gels, strips, or custom trays.

At Blits Dental – Kakhaber Kharebava Clinic, we offer whitening with custom trays. The process begins by taking impressions of one or both jaws. These are then used to create tailor-made trays in a lab. The trays are provided along with a special whitening gel, which the patient uses following a dentist-approved schedule.

The main advantages of this method are accessibility and convenience. You can whiten your teeth at home at a time that suits you best. However, due to the lower concentration of the whitening agent, the results tend to be more subtle and temporary. Initial results appear after 3–4 days, and the full course takes about 21 days.

If not used properly, at-home products can irritate the gums or damage the enamel. Moreover, they don’t account for individual factors such as tooth sensitivity, crowns, or restorations, which may result in uneven whitening.

Professional Whitening: Fast, Safe, and Effective

Professional whitening is performed under a dentist’s supervision and uses higher-concentration agents. At Blits Dental – Kakhaber Kharebava Clinic, we use the Flash system by the German brand White Smile- a cutting-edge device featuring advanced positioning, a touchscreen display, and user-friendly controls.

During professional whitening, the gums are protected with a light-cured gel barrier. Whitening gel is applied to the teeth, and a specialized light is positioned to activate the gel. This light breaks down stains and whitens teeth by several shades in just 30 minutes.

The Flash system’s unique positioning arm ensures easy application, while a smart Flash Card ensures only White Smile gel is activated - making the procedure highly safe. The device also includes programs for individual teeth and specific settings for sensitive teeth.

After the procedure, fluoride gel is applied to reduce sensitivity, and patients are advised to follow a “white diet” for 14 days to maintain results. Additionally, using individual trays 2–3 times a week can help prolong the effect.

The biggest benefits of professional whitening are its efficacy and safety. The procedure is conducted by experienced dentists who assess your teeth and choose the most suitable whitening protocol for your individual needs, minimizing side effects. The results also tend to last longer - especially when patients follow aftercare instructions and maintain regular professional cleanings.

Mechanism and Key Differences

Both at-home and professional whitening methods rely on hydrogen peroxide’s bleaching action. As the hydrogen breaks down, it releases active oxygen molecules that penetrate tooth tissue and remove pigment, resulting in a whitening effect.

The key differences lie in the concentration of the gel and the duration of action. Professional systems use higher concentrations enhanced by light or laser activation, allowing for noticeable results in just one session.

If you’re looking for fast, noticeable, and safe results, professional whitening is the best choice. At Blits Dental – Kakhaber Kharebava Clinic, we care for each patient individually and offer modern whitening techniques that ensure maximum effectiveness and safety. Our experienced specialists will assess your dental condition, provide a personalized consultation, and select the most suitable whitening protocol for you.