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What’s The Best Option for Teeth Whitening in Blackburn?

When we talk about the appearance of the teeth, one goal that many people want to have is a bright, white smile that they claim can do wonders for your confidence. Research even shows how impactful one’s teeth appearance is to their self-esteem.

And because of advancements in dental technology, there are now several ways to achieve the smile you’ve been wanting to achieve.

If you’re considering teeth whitening in Blackburn, you might wonder which method is right for you. Should you opt for an instant in-chair whitening treatment, or is a professional take-home whitening kit the better choice?

At Whitehorse Dental, we offer these methods of teeth whitening options to give you that whitened, improved appearance you’re looking for.

Let’s look at their benefits and what might work best for your needs.

Understanding Your Options to Whiten Teeth

How Teeth Whitening Works

Teeth whitening involves the use of bleaching agents, typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to break down stains on the enamel and dentin layers of your teeth. This chemical process lightens the colour of your teeth, making them appear whiter and brighter.

There are two main teeth whitening options commonly offered by dental clinics: in-chair whitening and professional take-home whitening kits. Each method has its advantages and drawbacks, so it’s important to understand what they involve before making a decision.

Option 1: In-Chair Teeth Whitening

In-chair teeth whitening is a popular option for people who want fast results. This procedure involves applying a strong whitening gel to your teeth, which is then activated using a specialised light. The entire process is completed within a single dental visit, and you leave the clinic with noticeably whiter teeth.

Benefits of In-Chair Teeth Whitening

  1. Immediate Results: You can achieve visibly whiter teeth in just one appointment.
  2. Convenience: This option is ideal if you have an event or occasion coming up and need quick results.

Drawbacks of In-Chair Teeth Whitening

  1. Short-Lived Results: The whitening effect often fades quickly, and many patients find that they need to repeat the procedure every six months or so to maintain the colour.
  2. No Control Over Whitening Level: Since the process is completed in one session, you don’t have the option to adjust how white your teeth should be.
  3. Sensitivity: Many of our patients report that this method can cause significant sensitivity or discomfort for some people due to the speed and intensity of the treatment. 
  4. Cost: In-chair whitening is typically more expensive compared to other options as well.

For our dental professionals at Whitehorse Dental, we always uphold that our patients receive high-quality care that provides long-lasting results. And because this particular method can only last for an average of 6 months, we rarely recommend them to our patients. Plus, most of our patients prefer a more permanent solution with teeth whitening.

Option 2: Professional Take-Home Whitening Kits

A professional take-home whitening kit is a more gradual way to achieve whiter teeth, but it offers many benefits that make it a preferred choice for many patients. At our dental clinic in Blackburn, this method involves creating custom-fitted trays that fit your teeth perfectly. You use these trays along with a whitening gel, either overnight or for a couple of hours during the day, depending on your lifestyle.

Benefits of Take-Home Whitening Kits

  1. Long-Lasting Results: This method provides a permanent colour change, meaning there’s no rebound to your original tooth colour.
  2. Full Control: You can decide how white you want your teeth to be by continuing the treatment for longer periods.
  3. Comfortable and Gentle: Most patients report to us that they experience minimal to no sensitivity with this method, as the whitening process is gradual.
  4. Cost-Effective: At Whitehorse Dental, our take-home whitening kit costs $189, including custom trays and two weeks’ worth of whitening gel. If you want to intensify how white your teeth could be, additional gel can be purchased from us.

Disadvantages of Take-Home Whitening Kits

  1. Longer Time to See Results: Unlike in-chair whitening, take-home kits require a few weeks of consistent use to achieve noticeable results.
  2. Commitment Needed: This method demands regular application and patience, which might not suit individuals looking for a quick fix.
  3. Requires Proper Handling: You’ll need to follow instructions carefully to avoid uneven whitening or overuse of the gel.
  4. Initial Investment of Time: Custom trays require an initial visit to take moulds of your teeth, adding an extra step before you can start whitening.

Despite these drawbacks, many of our patients at Whitehorse Dental find the benefits of professional take-home kits far outweigh the disadvantages, as they offer long-lasting, customisable, and comfortable whitening results.

Which Teeth Whitening Option is Best for You?

Choosing the best teeth whitening option depends on your goals, lifestyle, and budget. Here’s a quick comparison to help you decide:

Criteria

In-Chair Whitening

Take-Home Whitening Kits

Speed

Instant results Gradual, takes a few weeks

Longevity

Short-term (often fades within six months) Long-term, permanent colour change

Customisation

No control over the final colour Full control over whitening level

Comfort

May cause sensitivity or discomfort Minimal to no sensitivity

Cost

Generally more expensive Affordable ($189 at Whitehorse Dental)

Figure 1: In-Chair Whitening vs. Take-Home Whitening Kits

Achieve a Radiant Smile with Whitehorse Dental

If you’re looking for teeth whitening options in Blackburn, it’s essential to choose a method that aligns with your goals and offers results that you’re satisfied with. Visit our practice at Whitehorse Dental for a partnership that not only thinks about stopping your dental issue but also ensures that you experience quality, long-lasting results.

Whether you’re preparing for a special event or simply want to boost your confidence, we’re here to help you achieve the radiant smile you deserve.

Book a consultation with our dental professionals today, or give us a call at (03) 8838 8820 to get to know more about our teeth whitening services.