Teeth Whitening At Home: Is It Better Than The Professional Way?

Teeth whitening has rapidly become one the most popular cosmetic procedures in Australia, and it’s easy to see why. Everybody wants a bright, beautiful smile, but stained or yellowed teeth can keep you from letting your true self shine through. If self-consciousness about your teeth has you second-guessing your smile and hiding from selfies, teeth whitening can be a relatively quick and easy way to boost your confidence and feel more at-ease in both your personal and professional lives.

With more options than ever before, teeth whitening is widely accessible and often affordable - but with so many choices, it can be hard to know where to start your whitening journey. At-home whitening kits look like an appealing option, but are they effective? Are they safe? And how do they compare to professional whitening treatments from your dentist?

The Whitening Process

Whether at home or in your dentist’s office, the teeth whitening process is fairly similar. Teeth whitening involves the application of a whitening agent – typically the chemical hydrogen peroxide, or sometimes carbamide peroxide – to the teeth. These chemicals can penetrate your teeth’s outer enamel layer to help lift deep-set stains and lighten discolouration.

The biggest difference lies in the concentration. Dentists are able to use much higher concentrations of bleaching agents, between 15% to 35%, than over-the-counter whitening products, which typically contain 3% to 9.5%. Both professional and at-home whitening treatments may utilise an LED light to activate and accelerate the whitening agent.

At-home treatments come in different forms. Teeth whitening kits often contain whitening gel, a mouthpiece or tray for easy application, and sometimes an LED light. Whitening strips are a thin film containing the whitening gel that can be easily applied to the teeth, and are a popular alternative to kits.

Does it work?

The short answer is yes. Both in-chair treatments with your dentist and over-the-counter whitening kits can, when used correctly, effectively whiten your teeth. What differs is the time each treatments takes, the possible side-effects, and the costs associated.

How long does it take?

A key difference between professional and take-home whitening treatments is how long it can take to achieve your desired results. Because dentists use higher concentrations of bleaching agents, professional whitening treatments will usually give you visible results faster than over-the-counter kits. Most in-chair teeth whitening appointments take 1-2 hours, and while you may need to book multiple sessions, it is also possible that a single session will give you your desired results.

At-home whitening kits will typically take longer to reach your whitening goals. The Polished London Teeth Whitening Kit, for example, can be used for 10-15 minutes daily to gradually whiten teeth, while the Teeth Whitening Strips should be applied for 30-60 minutes a day for 14 days. The total time required will vary depending on the level of discolouration and the whitening results you’re hoping to achieve. While at-home treatments typically take longer than professional whitening, they can be done on your own schedule and fit in around your existing beauty and oral health routines.

Is it affordable?

When it comes to affordability, at-home whitening kits definitely have the advantage. Professional whitening with a dentist can cost upwards of $500, and may reach over $1000, depending on the dentist, the complexity, and the desired whitening results. Note these figures are approximate and may vary significantly between dental clinics. It should also be noted that teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic treatment, and is not covered by public healthcare.

Kits for teeth whitening at home are typically significantly more affordable, often running between $100 and $200. Kits like the Polished London Whitening Kit are far more affordable that in-chair whitening with a dentist. Whitening strips are also a more budget-friendly choice, and other whitening products such as whitening toothpastes and pens are affordable options to support your at-home whitening routine.

Are there side-effects?

The primary side-effect of both professional and at-home whitening treatments is sensitivity in the teeth and gums. This is caused by the active whitening agent, peroxide. Peroxide is an effectively bleaching chemical that can lift surface stains and penetrate enamel to lighten deeper discolouration, but can also irritate nerve endings and even aggravate the pulp deep within your teeth. This can lead to pain in your teeth and gums, especially when exposed to hot or cold foods.

Professional whitening treatments administered by a dentist can use much higher concentrations of peroxide. While this often delivers faster results, it can also increase the risk of post-whitening sensitivity. The sensitivity caused by teeth whitening is usually temporary, but in some cases may be long-lasting.

Fortunately, there are recently developed whitening options that do not rely on peroxide as it’s active ingredient. Polished London’s whitening range is entirely peroxide-free, instead using the whitening agent PAP. PAP is enamel-safe and does not cause irritation or sensitivity, making it a good whitening option for those prone to sensitive teeth.

Other options?

If you are still unsure where to begin with teeth-whitening, there are other at-home options you can try before pursuing a full whitening treatment regimen. Whitening toothpastes are affordable and can be effective at lifting daily stains from your teeth or maintain the results of a whitening treatment. Polished London also offers a revolutionary Teeth Whitening Powder, which helps whiten teeth and lighten discolouration while hydrating your gums with hyaluronic to support whole-mouth health.  

Short term whitening solutions such as the Polished London Whitening Pen can be used for quick and easy whitening, and can protect against stains when eating and drinking. This compact pen gives your smile a quick boost, leaving a glossy finish for an instantly brighter smile.

DIY Whitening

The internet is full of suggestions for how to whiten your teeth at home – baking soda, charcoal, oil pulling and fruit acids are commonly said to whiten teeth, and may seem like a quick and easy path to a the whiter smile you’re seeking.

There is little reliable research into these DIY whitening methods, and very little evidence that they can effectively whiten your teeth. While most DIY methods are relatively low-risk, they are not widely recommended, and should never replace proper oral health and hygiene.

Before You Whiten

Before pursuing whitening treatments of any kind, it is recommended you consult with your dentist to address any existing dental or oral health issues and discuss the best whitening options for you.

The Verdict

Choosing the right teeth whitening treatment for you isn’t as simple as it seems, and both professional, in-chair treatments and over-the-counter take home kits have their pros and cons. Ultimately, there is no one right answer, the decision comes down to your budget, your time, and your dental health concerns, but for those who want an affordable teeth whitening treatement that fits your busy schedule, at-home whitening is a great option.

If you choose to whiten at home, Polished London is a great choice. Our range of affordable, effective, peroxide-free whitening products will help you achieve the bright and beautiful smile of your dreams!