Whitening products are easy to buy, so is professional whitening worth considering? It depends on your teeth and your goals.
How professional whitening differs
- Assessment first: your dentist checks for decay, gum disease, cracks and existing restorations that will not whiten.
- Custom fit: take-home trays are made for your teeth, which helps keep gel off the gums.
- Supervision: in-chair whitening uses a stronger gel with the gums protected, under the supervision of the dental team.
What affects the cost?
In-chair whitening, take-home trays and a combination of both are priced differently. Any treatment needed beforehand, such as a scale and clean or fillings, is extra. You will receive a quote before treatment.
Results and side effects
How much lighter teeth become varies from person to person, and results fade over time with food, drink and smoking. Sensitivity and gum irritation are common for a few days after whitening.
Is it right for you?
Whitening is optional. If your teeth are healthy and you would like them lighter, your dentist can explain the options. Read more about teeth whitening at North Ryde Dentistry.
Related reading
This article is general information only and does not replace advice from your own dentist. Whether a treatment is suitable for you can only be decided after an examination. All dental treatment carries risks, and results vary from person to person.
Related at North Ryde Dentistry: our North Ryde dental clinic