In-chair or Take-Home Teeth Whitening Treatment – Which is Better?

There are many different professional teeth whitening options available on the market today. You can go for teeth whitening by a dentist or use at-home teeth whitening kits to do it yourself. But which is the ideal option for you? This article will compare in-chair teeth whitening to take-home teeth whitening kits and make it easy to decide the best option for you.

In-Chair Teeth Whitening Procedure

The first step is to schedule a consultation with your dentist to discuss your goals for teeth whitening. If you have dental issues like tooth cavities or gum disease, your dentist will recommend you undergo treatment before whitening your teeth.

If you have no dental problem, your dentist will begin the procedure by cleaning your teeth. They will then apply a gel to your gums to safeguard them from the whitening agent. Next, they will apply the whitening agent to your teeth and activate it with a special light. The duration of the procedure will depend on how much whitening you want to achieve. However, in most cases, the whitening takes around an hour. Finally, your dentist will apply a fluoride gel to your teeth to prevent sensitivity.

In-Chair Teeth Whitening Procedure

Benefits of Professional In-Chair Teeth Whitening

• One of the main advantages of in-chair teeth whitening is achieving excellent results in a single visit. So if you want to make a big difference to the brightness of your teeth, then professional in-chair teeth whitening is the best option for you.
• Another benefit of in-chair teeth whitening is that your dentist can customise the treatment per your needs. This means they can use a higher concentration of the whitening agent, if necessary, to help you achieve your desired results.

Drawbacks of Professional In-Chair Teeth Whitening

• One of the main drawbacks of professional in-chair teeth whitening is the cost. It is usually more expensive than take-home teeth whitening kits as it requires specialised equipment and products.
• Another potential drawback of in-chair teeth whitening is that it may cause sensitivity. But, this is temporary and can be alleviated with the use of a fluoride gel or toothpaste.

How Long Does Professional Teeth Whitening Last?

Professional teeth whitening can deliver a noticeably brighter smile, but the duration of its effects can vary from person to person. After you get your teeth professionally whitened, they usually stay white for a few months. But here’s the thing: your tooth surface is like a sponge, which can slowly soak up new stain stuff over time. So, how long your teeth stay white depends on how well you care for your teeth and what you do in your daily life.

Maintenance After In-Chair Whitening

To maintain the brightness of your smile for as long as possible, it’s recommended to follow a regular maintenance routine. Here are some steps to help prolong the effects of professional teeth whitening:

• Oral Hygiene: Brush and floss your teeth to clean the surface stains and avoid the buildup of plaque and tartar. Using a toothpaste formulated for whitening can also help maintain the results.
• Avoid Staining Substances: Minimise or avoid the consumption of staining substances. These include coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. If you consume these items, consider using a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
• Regular Dental Check-ups: Schedule routine dental check-ups and cleanings to address potential issues and remove surface stains. Your dentist can also guide you on maintaining your whitened teeth.
• Whitening Touch-Ups: Some individuals opt for periodic touch-up treatments to refresh the whiteness of their teeth. Your dentist can recommend safe and effective at-home whitening products or in-office touch-up sessions.
• Healthy Lifestyle Choices: A balanced diet and staying adequately hydrated can contribute to the overall health of your teeth and help maintain their whiteness.

Take-home Teeth Whitening Procedure

• Take-home teeth whitening kits usually contain everything you need to whiten your teeth at home. This includes a mouth tray, whitening gel, and instructions.
• First, you must mould the mouth tray to fit your teeth. Then, apply the whitening gel to the tray and insert it into your mouth. The duration you need to keep the tray in your mouth will vary depending on the kit you use. But, with most kits, the application time is around 30 minutes to an hour.
• You must carry out the procedure daily or weekly until you achieve your desired results.

Benefits of Take-home Teeth Whitening Kit

• One of the significant benefits of take-home teeth whitening is that it is more affordable than in-chair teeth whitening.
• Another benefit is that you can do it in the comfort of your home at a time that suits you. You don’t need to take time out of your busy schedule to visit a dentist for an appointment.

Drawbacks of take-home teeth whitening?

• One potential drawback of take-home teeth whitening is that it can take longer to achieve your desired results than in-chair teeth whitening.
• Another drawback of take-home teeth whitening is that it can be challenging to get an even result. This is because applying the whitening gel evenly to your teeth with the mouth tray can be difficult.

So, which teeth whitening option is right for you?

If you want to achieve dramatic results quickly, professional in-chair teeth whitening is the best option. But, if you want an inexpensive option that you can do in your own time, then take-home teeth whitening may be a better choice. Ultimately, the decision comes down to your personal preferences and budget.

If you find it challenging to choose which option is right for you, then you must speak to a professional. The dentist will examine your mouth and let you know which teeth whitening option is likely to be the most effective for you. If they feel that take-home teeth whitening is not suitable for you, then they may be able to offer an alternative solution.

If you want to find the correct teeth whitening system, consult care family dental toorak specialist. Please call (03) 9999 3328 or drop an email at to book an appointment.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

Which method of teeth whitening is best?

In-chair teeth whitening is generally the most effective method of teeth whitening. This is because a dentist can use a higher concentration of whitening agent than what is available over the counter. In addition, in-chair teeth whitening allows for a more targeted application of the whitening agent, which results in a more uniform shade change.

Over-the-counter teeth whitening methods can be less effective, as they typically use lower concentrations of whitening agent and may not be as evenly applied. In addition, over-the-counter products often contain abrasive ingredients that can damage tooth enamel over time.

Is it worth getting your teeth whitened at the dentist?

Dentists offer whitening treatments more effective than over-the-counter whitening products, but they can also be more expensive.

The best way to know whether or not teeth whitening is worth it is to consult a dentist and discuss your individual needs and goals. Some factors that may influence the decision include the current colour of your teeth, their overall condition, and how stained they are.

If you decide to pursue teeth whitening treatment at the dentist, be sure to ask about the risks and potential side effects. Teeth may become more sensitive after treatment, so you must be aware of this possibility before you begin.

Which is the safest teeth whitening procedure available today?

Although there are many teeth whitening methods that you can use at home, it is best to visit a professional for in-chair teeth whitening. This is because professionals can access more potent bleaching agents and better monitor your progress. They will also be able to offer customized trays or strips that fit your mouth more snugly and prevent the bleaching solution from coming into contact with your gums. For these reasons, in-office teeth whitening is generally considered much safer than home-based methods.

Does Professional Teeth Whitening Work Better Than at Home?

Professional teeth whitening in a dental office typically produces faster and more dramatic results than at-home whitening kits. This is because professional treatments use higher concentrations of whitening agents and are often supervised by a dentist. The results of in-office professional teeth whitening are immediate and can significantly whiten your teeth in just one session. In contrast, at-home whitening kits, while effective, may require several weeks of consistent use to achieve comparable results. However, professional and at-home whitening depends on individual preferences, needs, and budgets.

Are Home Whitening Kits Effective?

At-home whitening kits can effectively achieve a whiter smile, but they often require more time and consistency compared to professional in-office treatments. These kits usually contain whitening gels or strips with a lower concentration of bleaching agents. When used as directed over several weeks, they can produce noticeable results. While at-home kits are generally less costly than in-office treatments, they may deliver results slower or as dramatically. Effectiveness can vary depending on the specific product and how diligently it is used.

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