The Differences Between In-Chair Teeth Whitening and Home Kits

Teeth whitening is a procedure that removes discolouring and stains from the teeth, making them appear lighter. There are many causes of discolouration, including drinking coffee, tea, and red wine, some medications, and smoking.

Many people use teeth whitening to freshen their smile and improve their appearance. The process of teeth whitening uses peroxide products such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide to remove any stains on the teeth, making them appear white again.

There are many different options for long-lasting teeth whitening results. The two most effective methods, with the longest lasting results, are in-chair whitening in your dentist’s office and at-home whitening using custom-fitted trays and whitening gel. Both offer good whitening results but these procedures vary in price, length of the result, and ease of use.

In-chair teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure your dentist can assist you with. This whitening process involves the use of peroxide gel to whiten your teeth deep into the enamel. Your dentist may also use a special UV light to enhance the whitening process.

As the gel is generally stronger and more effective than those available over the counter, and because the process is completed by a dental professional, in-chair treatments have long-lasting results, usually lasting between 1 and 3 years.

The lengths of results vary from patient to patient, as those with diets rich in highly-stained foods will discolour their teeth faster than those who avoid such food and drink.

In-chair whitening is an easy procedure, and your cosmetic dentist can help you determine the best option for you. Most in-office treatments provide results that are 5-8 shades whiter, and, while you will see results after the first visit, many dentists will recommend several treatments for optimal results. The average cost for in-chair teeth whitening is around $800 for a result that will last for many years.

At-home teeth whitening will have the best results when you use a custom-fitted tray and high-quality peroxide gel. A dental professional makes a mold of your teeth to create a tray that is used to hold the whitening gel flush against your teeth. You can whiten your teeth from the comfort of your own home using this method.

Gels available for at-home use are not as strong as those used for in-office treatment, so you will need to apply the gel for 30-60 minutes per day for several days, even weeks, to achieve the same level of whiteness.

While in-home kits are economical, with prices ranging from $150-$600, at-home treatments do not penetrate the enamel as deeply as in-chair procedures and the results may not last as long, usually between 6 and 12 months.

If you are interested in easy, no-hassle teeth whitening, the in-chair procedure far outweighs at-home kits. While you pay a little more for this procedure than the DIY approach, you will have a long-lasting, professional result that will leave you happy with your smile for several years, without all the mess and fuss of at-home treatments.

If you are interested in cosmetic dentistry procedures and teeth-whitening, contact Enhanced Dental Studios today and speak to one of our trusted dental professionals to discuss your options and find out more about our treatments. Let’s get started on your new smile.