In-Chair Whitening vs Take Home Whitening Kits

When it comes to your smile, can you honestly say that you’d proudly and confidently display them when posing for a photograph? If the answer is no, then rest assured that you’re certainly not alone.

Thanks to the ridiculously high and unattainable standards set by Hollywood, social media, and so-called “influencers” people believe that teeth need to be brilliantly white and unblemished if they are to be classed as healthy. The truth of the matter is that healthy teeth are slightly discoloured, but from an aesthetic perspective, that’s hardly ideal.

Teeth can become stained and discoloured for a whole host of different reasons, which is one of the main reasons why teeth whitening kits and services are so popular. Today, we’re going to be looking at in chair whitening vs take home whitening kits and looking at the differences and which, if any, is better.

If you’ve ever wondered what is the difference between in-chair and take home whitening kits, all will soon become clear as we break down the key differences. 

Take-home whitening kits

If you find that your teeth have become stained and are looking slightly discoloured, you might want to consider having them whitened. 

Teeth whitening is now a very common procedure and it can help to restore a person’s confidence and give them the set of pearly whites that they’ve always wanted. 
If you visit Nedlands Dental, your local dental practice, you’ll find that you’re spoilt for choice when it comes to teeth whitening. You can have the procedure done by your dentist, or your dentist will provide you with a teeth whitening kit to take and do at home. 

Patients will need to book an appointment to have impressions of their teeth taken, which will consist of two custom-made trays to fit over the upper and lower teeth. They will then be given a teeth whitening kit containing the whitening solution and instructions on what to do, and they’re all set. 

Pros of take-home teeth whitening kits 

• Some of the main benefits of take-home teeth whitening kits include:
• Affordable
• Provide noticeable improvements
• Easy to use Convenient
• Fully customised for you

Cons of take-home teeth whitening kits 

Despite the benefits, there are some drawbacks associated with teeth whitening kits you use at home These include: 

• Results are not permanent
• Results are not as noticeable as with in chair whitening

In-chair teeth whitening

As we’re looking at in chair whitening vs take home teeth whitening, we’ll now look at what is known as in chair whitening.

In chair whitening is a professional teeth whitening procedure performed by qualified and experienced dentists at a dental surgery. Results here are quicker, are more prominent, and can last for a longer duration of time. 

In-chair teeth whitening treatments utilize a special formula containing higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. 

The in-chair teeth whitening process involves anaesthetic being applied to the upper and lower front teeth. Next, to prevent irritation and to protect soft tissue and the gums, a protective resin is applied.

The whitening gel will then be applied by your dentist to your teeth. The solution is activated via a blue LED light 3 – 4 rounds, repeated 10 – 15 minutes per round. This whitening solution works via oxidation and makes the teeth noticeably whiter and helps to lift and remove stains. 

Pros of in-chair teeth whitening 

Here’s a quick breakdown of some of the main advantages of in-chair whitening:

• Speedy results
• Very noticeable improvements
• Helps to whiten the teeth and lift even the most stubborn of stains
• Carried out by a professional in professional surroundings
• Provides more impressive whitening results than take home kits
• Longer lasting results 
• Cons of in-chair whitening 

There are a couple of drawbacks associated with in-chair whitening, and they include the following:

• More expensive than take home kits
• Slightly more invasive procedure 

Should I see a dentist before booking in for a teeth whitening procedure?

So, we’ve answered the question of what is the difference between in chair and take home whitening, but what about prepping for a teeth whitening procedure?

One of the most common questions that people have regarding in chair whitening vs take home whitening, is whether they should see a dentist before booking for a teeth whitening procedure.

The answer to that question is yes. 

Before you have your teeth whitened, your dentist will need to examine your teeth, mouth, and gums to ensure that no additional dental work is required and to ensure that your teeth will be suitable for the procedure. They may also need to take impressions of the teeth in order to make the custom tray moulds for you to take home and whiten the teeth at home. 

Is teeth whitening permanent?

In a perfect world you’d book to see your dentist, you’d whiten your teeth, and you’d be left with a set of stunning white teeth for the rest of your days. Sadly, we don’t live in a perfect world and unfortunately whitening results do fade.

Teeth whitening is NOT permanent.

The take home kits can last anything from 6 months, up to two years on average. The in-chair whitening procedure however, lasts anything from one year up to four years. 

In chair whitening vs take home whitening – which should I use?

If you’re determined to whiten your teeth, the only dilemma you probably have now, is deciding whether to use a take home whitening kit or to go with in-chair whitening at your local dental practice.

The truth of the matter is that either solution will offer noticeable results, though in-chair results will likely be more noticeable and will last slightly longer, so that is certainly worth considering.