There are more whitening options than ever, from supermarket strips to treatment at the dental practice. Here is how they compare.
At-home products from shops
- Lower concentrations of whitening agent.
- Generic trays or strips that may not fit well.
- No check for decay, gum disease or restorations that will not whiten.
Dentist-supervised whitening
- An examination first to make sure whitening is suitable.
- Custom take-home trays or in-chair treatment with the gums protected.
- Guidance on managing sensitivity.
Time frames
In-chair whitening can produce change in a single appointment, while take-home whitening works over days to weeks. How much change you see varies from person to person, and results fade over time.
Side effects
Sensitivity and gum irritation can occur with any whitening method and usually settle within a few days. Whitening is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for young children.
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