General Dentistry
Ever catch yourself hesitating to smile because your teeth aren’t as white as you’d like? You’re not alone. It’s true, that dull, yellowish tint can be a real confidence killer.
Whether it’s coffee, red wine, or just the passage of time, tooth discoloration creeps in and is impossible to budge with toothbrushing alone. But here’s where it gets *really* frustrating… with so many teeth whitening kits out there how are you supposed to know which ones actually work and give you the best bang for your buck?
Don’t worry, we’ve got your smile covered. Let us break down exactly how teeth whitening kits work, what you can expect to pay and the difference between professional take-home kits and store-bought teeth whitening kits. Read on to find your perfect path to a brighter, whiter smile.
A home teeth whitening kit is a convenient way to brighten your smile without leaving your house. Most DIY whitening teeth kits use peroxide, usually carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. This active ingredient lifts surface stains and lightens the colour of your teeth.
Whitening kits come in a variety of formats, from teeth whitening pens, strips and pre-filled trays to LED light systems and custom-fitted trays, which you can get from your Chelsea Heights dentist.
The big question is ‘do teeth whitening kits work?’
Yes—but whitening results can vary depending on the strength of the formula, how often you use the teeth whitening products, and the level of staining you’re dealing with. Professional teeth whitening kits (the kind you get from us at Hello Dental) offer more noticeable results because they contain stronger teeth whitening ingredients and custom trays for even application. Store bought kits tend to be better for mild discolouration.
Looking for the best teeth whitening kit in Australia? It’s important to consider all your options. As we mentioned earlier, at-home whitening treatments range from strips and pens to LED lights and trays. Here’s a rundown on each.
Arguably the most effective method to whiten your teeth, the trays are filled with whitening gel and worn over the teeth for a specified time. If you get custom-made trays from your dentist, not only will they fit snugly and comfortably over your teeth, but you’ll also be given a high strength whitening gel.
In comparison, teeth whitening trays bought online or in-store tend to use a one-size-fits-all tray or a DIY mouldable tray (you dip this in boiling water to soften before moulding it to your teeth). It’s important to make sure you follow the instructions carefully.
Some at-home teeth whitening kits use an LED light—either a handheld device or the LED lights can be built into the trays. This is designed to activate the whitening gel by speeding up its chemical reaction, boosting its effectiveness.
But here’s the thing; for the LED light to make a difference, the whitening gel must contain the right light-activated ingredients. Without them, the light is just a flashy gizmo rather than a whitening game changer.
Sure, LED lights can be a convenient way to brighten your smile at home, but they do have their limits. Unlike professional treatments, at-home versions don’t come with a protective barrier for your gums, which dentists use to avoid irritation. Plus, the results will take longer to notice compared to dentist-grade LED teeth whitening options.
Teeth whitening pens are compact, easy to use and convenient for on-the-go touch ups. The pen contains a low concentration whitening gel that you apply directly to the teeth.
Compared to other at-home teeth whitening options, pens won’t drastically change the colour of your teeth. The gel can’t penetrate deep into the teeth, so the results are likely to be short-lived.
Teeth whitening strips are made from thin pieces of flexible plastic coated on one side with a whitening solution. Compared to the pens, teeth whitening strips provide teeth with longer exposure to the whitening gel. Typically, the strips are worn for 30 minutes once or twice a day for up to two weeks.
To avoid damage, make sure you follow the instructions and don’t leave the strips on your teeth for longer than the recommended time. Also, avoid applying the strip over your gumline as the bleaching gel can irritate your gums.
In-chair teeth whitening is safe, effective and offers immediate noticeable results—often several shades whiter in just one visit. Plus, your dentist uses protective barriers to shield your gums and reduce sensitivity.
On the other hand, at-home teeth whitening is both convenient and affordable. Store-bought options generally contain low strength whitening gel and take longer to show results. Yet, dentist-supplied whitening kits can be very effective, if used correctly.
Still uncertain which option is best for you? Here’s a look at the key benefits of each one.
Ultimately, the teeth whitening treatment that’s best for you depends on your lifestyle, personal preference and cost, of course.
Teeth whitening toothpaste, strips and pens are among the most affordable options. Whitening toothpaste ranges from about $4 to $40. Strips can cost anywhere from $30 upwards and whitening pens range from around $30 to over $100.
Store-bought or online teeth whitening kits range from $100 upwards, depending on the contents and the concentration of the whitening gel. In comparison, take-home teeth whitening kits from the dentist, complete with custom-trays, cost on average $300-$400.
Meanwhile, the price for professional, in-chair teeth whitening can range from $600 to more than $1,000.
At Hello Dental, we offer both in-chair teeth whitening and take-home treatment using either POLA or Philips Zoom. Take-home teeth whitening treatment is available from $350. It includes a custom bleaching tray and whitening solution. Our professional, in-chair teeth whitening starts from $650. There’s also the option of having a combination (in-chair plus take-home treatment) from $900.
The safest way to use an at-home teeth whitening kit is under the guidance of your dentist. This is because your dentist will give advice on how to use the whitening solution safely—avoiding gum irritation or excessive tooth sensitivity.
If choosing a store-bought teeth whitening kit, it’s important to follow the instructions carefully and be aware of the potential risks. The main considerations are:
Professional in-chair teeth whitening can last from several months to two years, especially if you avoid stain-causing foods and drinks (such as curry, coffee and red wine) and maintain good oral hygiene.
Professional take-home whitening kits usually last six months to a year. The results tend to increase over time and last longer with good care.
Store-bought teeth whitening kits (like strips or pens) are milder and don’t penetrate as deeply into the tooth enamel, so may last up to a few months.
Professional teeth whitening isn’t permanent. However, here are a few simple steps to help keep your teeth whiter for longer.
Brush at least twice a day and remember to clean in between teeth to prevent plaque build-up which can cause yellowing.
[NOTE: If you’re using an at-home whitening kit it’s best to wait 30 minutes after brushing before applying the whitening gel. Plus, don’t brush your teeth immediately after whitening, as this can reduce the whitening results].
Limit coffee, tea, red wine and foods known to stain, such as berries and curries. It can be helpful to drink through a straw, as this stops stain-causing drinks from coming into contact with your teeth.
Smoking or using other tobacco products can quickly re-stain teeth and dull your results.
Using whitening pens, strips or touch-up trays (especially from your dentist) can help keep your pearly whites looking their best.
Dental check-ups help keep your oral health in great shape and staining at bay. Plus, you can discuss the need for touch-up treatments to keep your smile bright.
Is it time to put the sparkle back into your smile? Book your teeth whitening appointment online now.
