October 14, 2025

Key Takeaways Everybody wants a brighter smile, but figuring out how to get it can feel tricky. Do you spend money at the dentist, or do you grab a box of whitening strips from the drugstore? Both can help, but the results and experience aren’t the same. If you’re thinking about teeth whitening in Sherman Oaks, let’s lay it out in plain language so you can decide what fits your needs. At Clove Dental Sherman Oaks, some people like getting their teeth treated in our office because it works quickly. Others prefer using kits at home. Here’s how the two options really stack up. What Happens with Professional Whitening When you come in for whitening, your dentist uses a stronger gel than anything you can buy off the shelf. Sometimes, a special light or laser is added to speed things up. The appointment usually takes about an hour. You walk out seeing a clear difference, several shades brighter in many cases. Dentists can also send you home with custom trays and professional-strength gel if you’d rather whiten slowly. The big advantage here is control: your dentist makes sure the gel only hits your teeth, not your gums. That means fewer issues with sensitivity. The At-Home Approach At-home whitening is what you’ll find at stores or online. Strips, gels, pens, and even whitening toothpaste fall into this category. They’re affordable and easy to get, which is why people like them. The catch? The active ingredients are much weaker. That means changes happen slowly. Strips may lighten surface stains, but they won’t touch deeper discoloration.  Side-by-Side Comparison When At-Home Whitening Makes Sense We won’t say home kits are useless; they aren’t. They’re fine for small touch-ups, light stains, or for someone who just wants a little improvement without spending much. If you don’t drink much coffee or wine, you may be happy with strips. Just keep your expectations realistic. One tip: don’t overdo it. Some people think if one strip works, two will work better. That’s how you end up with sore gums or sensitive teeth. When Professional Whitening is Worth It Dentists also personalize treatment. If one tooth is darker than the others, they can adjust the gel placement to even things out. That kind of detail isn’t possible with a strip from the store. Safety First Not everyone should whiten right away. If you have cavities or sore gums, whitening your teeth might not be good for you. So, it’s important to see a dentist before you try to whiten your teeth. At Clove Dental Sherman Oaks, we always look at the health of your teeth first. Sometimes whitening isn’t the best move, and in those cases, we might suggest options like bonding or veneers instead. How Long Does It Last With professional whitening, results can last a year or more if you take care of your teeth. That means brushing, flossing, and cutting back on things like coffee, tea, and red wine. At-home whitening doesn’t last as long. You’ll usually need touch-ups every few months to keep your smile bright. The Bottom Line So, which works better? Both have their place. At-home products are convenient, affordable, and fine for mild changes. Professional whitening gives faster, safer, and longer-lasting results. If you’re serious about improving your smile, professional whitening is usually the smarter option. And if you’re searching for teeth whitening in Sherman Oaks, the team at Clove Dental Sherman Oaks is here to help. We’ll walk you through your options and make sure whitening is both safe and effective for you.