Teeth whitening is one of the most sought after cosmetic dental treatments nowadays. It is an affordable and non-invasive method of restoring your teeth to its original dazzling white. The procedure also gives immediate and long-lasting results IF the teeth are properly taken care of afterwards.
People looking to brighten their pearly whites have two teeth whitening options: An in-chair teeth whitening procedure or a DIY home remedy solution.
To help you decide which option is better for you, here’s a comprehensive comparison between the two.
In-Chair Teeth Whitening
In-chair teeth whitening is a safe and dependable tooth bleaching carried out by professional dentists. In this dental procedure, your dentist will apply highly concentrated bleaching gels to treat your teeth. Instantly, changes can be assessed through pre and post-treatment photos. It is good to note, however, that the full effect of the dental procedure will occur in a few days. To maintain your results, do’s and don’ts will be given to you by your dentist to avoid discolouration.
Several in-chair teeth whitening treatments are popularly applied by dental professionals. These include Philips Zoom, Britesmile, and Lumibrite teeth whitening treatments. Though they vary in cost, the mode of application of the treatments is relatively the same.
In-Chair Treatment – Philips Zoom
Philips Zoom treatment is an advanced LED light-accelerated whitening treatment used at our Helensvale dental practice and provides reliable results in just 45 minutes. With little to zero sensitivity, your teeth can be 8-10 shades brighter as they are freed from discolourations caused by foods, drinks, and even ageing. The process includes a pre-dental shade check, application of an advanced whitening gel, flashing of a White Speed blue LED lamp onto your teeth, and a post-treatment gel application.
At-Home Teeth Whitening
At-home teeth whitening is a DIY teeth whitening done at the convenience of your own home. It offers the ease of doing it at your most comfortable time and avoiding dental appointments.
You will have to purchase over the counter teeth whiteners like whitening toothpaste, brushes, strips, or trays readily available at local pharmaceuticals, groceries, and even online. These at-home teeth whitening products may not be provided unless you undergo a basic oral health examination.
Some of the at-home teeth whitening systems include DayWhite and NiteWhite treatment, teeth whitening strips, boil & bite whitening trays, and LED teeth whitening pens.
When choosing between in-chair and at-home teeth whitening treatments to help brighten your smile, there are several factors that you should consider:
Effectiveness
In-chair whitening process produces greater results compared to at-home whitening systems. The gel concentrations used in in-chair whitening are stronger and more effective compared to at-home whitening. Meanwhile, the over-the-counter teeth whiteners have lower bleaching concentration compared to the ones used by dentists, thus affecting the extent of changes to the color of your teeth.
Price
The cost of an in-chair treatment varies depending on the type of teeth whitening procedure, the specifications involved and the place where it will be performed. On average, in-chair teeth whitening will cost you $650-$850 per visit. At-home teeth whitening kits on the other hand cost less since it is a DIY alternative treatment. The price ranges from as low as $100 to $400 at most.
Safety for your teeth
In-chair teeth whitening treatment provides safe and reliable results for your teeth since they are administered and performed only by highly trained dental professionals. In an in-chair procedure, your dentist will recommend the safest procedure for your teeth that is why you will never have to worry about treatment side effects like tooth sensitivity and gum damage.
As for the at-home whitening treatment, it can offer much of the same safety to your teeth as long as it’s done correctly. The worrying part is if you have oral health issues, as long term use of an at-home treatment may leave you with tooth sensitivity, intense pain, and teeth or gum damage as an unintended side effect.
How long will teeth stay white
With proper care, in-chair treated teeth can dramatically change its glow up to 10 shades brighter that can be maintained to last for many years. At-home teeth whitening on the contrary do some little changes to your teeth’s shade in a short period. In some cases, they don’t even contribute to whitening effects.
Tips to Keep Your Teeth Whiter
When you resort to teeth whitening treatments to achieve a whiter shade of your pearls, how to maintain its glow after the treatment is equally essential. Here are some tips on how to keep your teeth in good shape longer after a whitening treatment.
Be aware of the food that you must avoid to eat 48 hours after the treatment. These foods are the following:
- Tea and coffee
- Dark-coloured sauces
- Fruit juice
- Dark chocolate
- Sour/acidic foods
Here are the foods that are safe to eat after the treatment:
- White-coloured vegetables
- White meat
- Colourless beverages
- Colourless sauces
- Non-acidic foods
Here are some tips for maintaining your teeth’s whiteness:
- Brush your teeth at least twice a day.
- Floss regularly to prevent plaque build-up.
- Use mouthwash to kill plaque-causing bacteria.
- Use a whitening toothpaste twice a week as a form of teeth retouch.
- Visit your dentist when needed.
Looking for more tips on How to Best Care for your Teeth and Gums?
In-Chair Teeth Whitening Treatments at GC Dental Solutions
Now that you know the two teeth whitening treatment options, you can make an informed decision on the best option to use for a whiter smile. Whichever you choose, don’t skip a consultation with your dentist who will take into account your current oral health and help determine the best option for you.
If you’re looking for a teeth whitening treatment service on the Gold Coast, contact GC Dental Solutions.
Conveniently located in Helensvale, our experienced dentists provide fast and effective Gold Coast teeth whitening treatments using Philips Zoom that will give reliable results in minutes.
GC Dental Solutions also offer a range of dental treatments, including the popular All-On-4 implants, to suit your needs. Call us today at 07 5573 1368 or click book an appointment online.
