Are you looking to whiten your teeth and unsure which method is right for you? When it comes to teeth whitening, you have two options: at home or with a professional dentist. Both options come with their own set of benefits and drawbacks, and you must understand these before you choose your whitening treatment.
Having your teeth whitened by a professional dentist will be the most effective option, but it can be expensive too. At-home treatments from your dentist can be purchased to reduce the cost and provide flexibility, or you can purchase DIY kits from most stores or online retailers, which are not as effective. Today, we take you through all the factors to consider when choosing between at-home whitening or whitening with a professional dentist.
At home whitening can be provided by your dentist, allowing you to enjoy a professional teeth whitening experience, at home. You will meet with your dentsit for a con sultation to decide which whitening treatment is right for you and to address any oral health concerns you have.
Your dentist will then create customised trays, with a whitening gel that sits in the trays. These are then used regularly over a two-week period (unless instructed otherwise) to brighten your smile. The treatment can be completed at a time that suits you, giving you complete flexibility. At-home teeth whitening from your dentist is typically offered at a lower price, making it a great choice for anyone on a budget.
Learn more about whitening options at home.
At-home teeth whitening has several benefits, including offering flexibility and a lower price point. These benefits make it an excellent option for most patients, with the full list of benefits detailed below:
It is more convenient, allowing you to complete the treatment at home instead of at your dentist's office
It is cheaper than professional dental treatments, without sacrificing on quality
It is flexible, allowing you to work at a convenient time for you
It provides gradual whitening, allowing you to create the perfect shade for your complexion
It comes with support from your dentist without the need to visit them
At-home teeth whitening has a few drawbacks that you should consider before proceeding, including a longer treatment time and increased risk of chemical burns. We have outlined the main drawbacks below:
The treatment time is longer than professional teeth whitening
The treatment can cause chemical burns if not applied correctly or if it comes into contact with your gums
The treatment can be less effective if you do not purchase it from a dentist
The treatment can cause temporary sensitivity lasting up to a week
The cost of at-home teeth whitening depends on the treatment you choose, but typically it can cost around $350. This would cover the take-home whitening trays and the gels you need to brighten your smile. How many times you need to repurchase these will depend on your smile goals and the strength of the gels provided by your dentist.
We understand that paying in full is not an option for everyone and offer several payment options that allow you to spread the cost of your whitening treatment. This can be done via one of our payment plan options, where you can spread the cost over several months, allowing you to enjoy your new smile without worrying about a large bill.
Learn more about our costs and payment options.
At-home teeth whitening can take several weeks or months, depending on how bright you want your smile and how regularly you complete your treatments. Typically, treatments are given for two-week increments, where 6% of hydrogen peroxide is given to whiten your smile. Two weeks is longer than it will take to brighten your smile with a professional dentist, but it allows you to work at your own pace, without the need to visit your dentist regularly.
When you have at-home treatments, you can pause your treatment if your teeth become sensitive. Temporary sensitivity is a common side effect of teeth whitening treatments, especially if you already have sensitive teeth. That does not mean the option is not suitable for you, but you might need to pause the treatment until the sensitivity subsides. We offer complete guidance through your at-home treatment, and are on hand to answer any questions you have.
Whitening toothpastes or over-the-counter whitening treatments are another option you can explore to brighten your smile. As these can be bought over the counter, they typically have a lower amount of hydrogen peroxide, so they won't be as effective.
You need to take care when purchasing these products, too, as they aren't as tightly regulated as dental-grade whitening. Purchasing these treatments online can be dangerous, as there is no guarantee of the ingredients and quantities of bleaching agents. This makes these very unsafe, and you could end up with chemical burns or ineffective treatment.
Whitening toothpastes can help to brighten your smile, but they can be abrasive, damaging your teeth. They can strip away your enamel if you use them excessively. Not all whitening toothpastes contain fluoride either. Brushing without fluoride means you aren't getting the protection you need, increasing your risk of cavities and tooth decay.
Professional teeth whitening is carried out by your dentist in their clinic, giving you instant results and a brighter smile. Our dentists use the Philips Zoom teeth whitening system, a bleaching gel that contains hydrogen peroxide. When the gel is exposed to the Zoom light, stains on your teeth are broken down and made lighter. The light activates the bleaching gel, helping with discolouration and deep stains.
The treatment can help make your teeth eight shades lighter, and your dentist will make recommendations on the right shade for your new smile. Before undergoing a teeth whitening treatment, we recommend that you have your teeth professionally cleaned to remove any plaque, which will help the whitening treatment work effectively.
Learn more about whitening options at our Melbourne clinic.
Professional teeth whitening comes with many benefits, including instant results and professional care for your smile. Professional teeth whitening can be expensive, but if you want to whiten your teeth effectively, it is a fine choice. Each benefit is listed below:
The treatment provides instant results, up to eight shades lighter than your smile
The treatment takes between 1 and 2 hours, making it a fast process
The treatment can help improve oral health and give you a more professional appearance
The treatment allows your dentist to provide additional healthcare where needed
The treatment can help improve your self-confidence
The treatment will last longer than other whitening treatments as it penetrates deep into the surface of your teeth
Like anything, professional teeth whitening comes with some drawbacks that you should consider before moving forward with your treatment. The high cost and temporary sensitivity can be off-putting for some patients, with all drawbacks listed below:
Professional teeth whitening can be very expensive
Professional teeth whitening can cause temporary sensitivity in your teeth, lasting up to one week
Professional teeth whitening can cause gum irritation, making them temporarily sore or inflamed
The price of professional teeth whitening varies between $450 and $895, depending on whether you have a professional dental cleaning and add at-home whitening to the service. The treatment can be paid upfront, or we offer several payment methods that allow you to spread the cost of your treatment. We believe that everyone should have the smile they deserve, so our interest-free payment plans are available to most patients.
Professional teeth whitening takes between one and two hours. The treatment is fast, and you should notice results instantly. The time it takes can increase if you have a teeth cleaning appointment booked beforehand. We do recommend that you have your teeth professionally cleaned between whitening sessions. This can be done as part of your appointment or at a separate one if needed.
When choosing between at-home and in-chair teeth whitening, it is important to consider all of the benefits and drawbacks to see which is best for you. You can book a consultation appointment with one of our skilled dentists to help you decide between the two and start your whitening journey today.
Teeth whitening carried out by a professional is considered safe. It is also regarded as safe when you purchase teeth whitening treatments from your dentist and perform them at home. Unsafe teeth whitening products exist and are usually purchased online or overseas, where regulations are not as tight.
Teeth whitening treatments can help with yellow teeth, brightening them and helping them become more white. However, not all teeth can become completely white, and in these situations, your dentist might recommend other options, like veneers or dental crowns.
At-home teeth whitening is easy, with full directions and guidance provided by your dentist. The trays are easy to use and will be customised to offer a comfortable fit, so you don't need to worry about the whitening gel burning your gums.
Sadly, no teeth whitening treatment is permanent. Professional teeth whitening treatments will last longer, and if you follow the aftercare guidance, you can enjoy the results for years.
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