Professional tooth whitening refers to tooth-whitening procedures that are performed by a certified cosmetic dentist. Thus, these procedures are those that are effectively performed and executed. For executing simple professional tooth whitening, dentists use bleaching agents on the patients teeth. Bleaching treatments are considered to be the best whitening option.

Professional tooth-whitening treatments can be categorized as those that are performed by a dentist in the office and those that are performed at home (where the bleaching treatments are performed unsupervised by the person on his own). Professional tooth-whitening systems contain carbamide peroxide, which is the same ingredient as that found in at-home tooth-whitening kits. The only difference between the two is in the concentration. Most of the over-the-counter kits contain a carbamide peroxide solution of 10 percent or less, whereas the concentrations of the same in professional tooth-whitening gels usually begin at 15 percent.

Professional tooth-whitening methods are completely safe and produce no harmful side effects. Some patients may experience some tooth sensitivity for a while. However, the symptoms are temporary and usually disappear once the treatment is completed. Clinical studies have shown that about one out of twenty users experiences tooth and gum sensitivity, so it is best that patients make use of professional help in tooth whitening.

In comparison to other methods of tooth whitening, professional tooth whitening has many advantages because professional tooth-whitening kits work better. Also, professional tooth whitening can be performed in one sitting, and it produces immediate results. However, professional tooth-whitening gels may cause tooth and gum sensitivity and are expensive compared to at-home tooth-whitening kits. As far as reliability and safety are concerned, professional tooth whitening is undoubtedly the better choice.