64% of dentists surveyed selected at-home whitening as prescribed by a dentist as the method of teeth whitening they most recommend for dental patients.

The Wealthy Dentist conducted a survey of dentists asking what teeth whitening method they most recommend. 33% of the respondents recommend in-office tooth whitening while 3% recommend over-the-counter whitening products.

A South Carolina dentist wrote, “I started bleaching well over a decade ago. It has become such a commodity with good products being available inexpensively, that I tend to recommend over-the-counter products when indicated or now sell an inexpensive strip from Schein almost as a loss leader that is quite effective. I have found that it holds on to the weakening level of trust sadly seen in much of dentistry these days.”

The Teeth Whitening Product Manufacturing industry revenue is estimated to increase 3.7% in 2012, totaling $382.7 million according to IBISWorld industry analyst Eben Jose which has hurt some dental practice’s bottom line.

“OTC whitening strips have hurt office revenues in this area of our practice.” responded one Georgia dentist.

Here’s what dentists had to say about teeth whitening —

“We use in office Zoom but I do more custom tray and home whitening product then Zoom in-office whitening.” (Kentucky dentist)

“There is not a ‘whitening toothpaste’ on earth that actually whitens teeth. At home whitening with custom made trays is the standard.” (Illinois dentist)

“I have a Zoom machine, but have had adverse problems with sensitivity which has created some upset patients. Even with extreme care, some patients develop thermal sensitivity. I have had fewer side effects from the take home.” (Washington dentist)

“Patients are rarely satisfied with the over-the-counter whitening products or whitening toothpaste. Eventually, they come to the office to have the prescription at-home whitening or in-office whitening. None of the over-the-counter whitening products do well with whitening the interproximal surfaces or lingual surfaces, so the teeth are never as white as they could be.” (Ohio prosthodontist)

“Britesmile still gives the best results with the least side effects, at least for my office.” (California dentist)

“I do not do in office whitening anymore due to poor results that disappoint patients.” (Oklahoma dentist)

What method of teeth whitening do you most recommend for your dental patients?