Coffee stains, wine, ageing. They all leave their mark on your teeth. If you’re thinking about whitening, you’ve got options. Some work faster, some cost less and some you can do at home. Let’s break down what’s out there so you can pick what suits you.
In-Chair Whitening
This is the quickest way to get results. You sit in the dental chair for about an hour and walk out with noticeably whiter teeth.
How It Works
Your dentist puts a protective barrier on your gums first. Then they apply a strong whitening gel to your teeth. Some dentists use a special light to speed things up. The gel they use is much stronger than anything you can buy at the shops, which is why it works so fast.
You can brighten up your smile with laser teeth whitening and see results in one visit. It’s perfect if you’ve got a wedding coming up or just want it done quickly.
Who It’s For
People who want fast results. Anyone who’d rather have a professional handle everything. The Australian Dental Association recommends seeing a dentist for whitening because they can check if it’s safe for your mouth first.
Take-Home Kits from Your Dentist
Your dentist makes custom trays that fit your teeth perfectly. You take them home with professional-grade gel and do the treatment yourself.
The Process
First visit, they take moulds of your teeth. A week or so later, you pick up your custom trays and gel. You wear them each evening for one to two weeks, usually while watching TV or reading.
Why People Like This Option
Here’s what makes custom trays good:
- They fit properly so the gel stays where it should
- You control when you do it
- Professional strength gel works better than shop stuff
- Cheaper than multiple clinic visits
- You can do touch-ups later
This suits you if you’ve got time and prefer doing things at your own pace.
Shop-Bought Whitening Products
Chemists and supermarkets stock strips, gels and toothpastes. They’re easy to grab and don’t cost as much as professional treatments.
Strips
Thin plastic strips with gel on them. Stick them on your teeth twice a day for a couple of weeks. They only tackle surface stains and the results aren’t as strong as professional options.
Whitening Toothpastes
These scrub away surface marks but don’t actually change your tooth colour. They’re handy for keeping teeth looking fresh after you’ve had proper whitening done. On their own though, they won’t give you dramatic results.
Gels and Pens
You brush the gel straight onto your teeth. Problem is, your spit can wash it away before it works properly. There’s also more chance of it touching your gums and causing irritation.
Professional vs DIY
Wondering if seeing a dentist is worth the extra cash? Here’s the honest difference.
Strength Matters
In Australia, only dentists can use gels stronger than 6% hydrogen peroxide. That’s why professional treatments work faster and better. Shop products have weaker formulas.
Safety First
When you see a dentist, they check your mouth first. Got cavities? Gum disease? Thin enamel? These need sorting before whitening. Your dentist also protects your gums properly. Strong whitening gel can burn if it touches soft tissue, which is risky when you’re doing it yourself.
One common question is is it safe for gums? When done professionally with proper barriers, yes. DIY products carry more risk if not used carefully.
Your Teeth Are Unique
Not everyone’s stains are the same. Your dentist works out what’s causing your discolouration and picks the right treatment. Deep stains might need something different like porcelain veneers.
What to Expect After Treatment
Sensitivity
Most people get some tooth sensitivity to hot and cold. It’s temporary and usually settles within a few days. Using sensitive toothpaste helps. Your dentist can also adjust the treatment if it bothers you too much.
Gum Irritation
If gel touches your gums, they might get irritated. Professional treatments prevent this with protective barriers. At-home products need more care with application.
How Long Results Last
Professional whitening typically lasts months to a few years. Take-home professional kits are similar. Shop products might only last a few months. Wondering how long teeth whitening can last? Check here to see how your habits can affect the results.
Keeping Them White
What you do matters:
- Coffee, tea, red wine and dark foods stain teeth over time
- Smoking quickly reverses whitening results
- Good brushing and flossing help
- Regular Dental Cleaning removes surface stains
Your dentist can give you extra gel for touch-ups when needed.
Who Should Avoid Whitening
Pregnant or breastfeeding women should wait. There’s no proof it’s unsafe, but there’s no proof it’s completely safe either.
Kids and teens with developing teeth shouldn’t whiten. If you’ve got lots of dental work on your front teeth or really sensitive teeth, your dentist might suggest other options.
Got gum disease or cavities? Fix those first. Whitening with existing dental problems makes them worse.
What About Cost
The teeth whitening cost in Australia varies. In-chair treatments are the priciest but fastest. Take-home professional kits cost less and still give good results. Shop products are cheapest but also least effective.
Your dentist can break down exact prices and payment options during a consultation.
Making Your Choice
Want instant results? In-chair whitening. Happy to take a week or two? Take-home kits from your dentist offer great value. Just maintaining an already decent smile? Shop products might do the job.
The smartest move is booking a dental check first. Your dentist examines your teeth, hears what you’re after and suggests what’ll work best. They’ll also make sure your mouth is healthy enough for whitening.
