At Helix Dentistry, we are often asked what the difference is between in-chair teeth whitening and at-home teeth whitening kits. The only difference is price, right? Well, not exactly.
Essentially, the difference between these teeth whitening processes comes down to the quality of the product, the time and money you are willing to invest and finally, the results that you want to see.
It’s cheap and easy to pick up an at-home whitening kit at the supermarket or online, but you simply can’t achieve the same results at home. Supermarket whitening products essentially dehydrate the teeth, thus giving a whiter appearance for a brief time. Some whitening gels have a concentration of peroxide that is very difficult to achieve a result from that can be seen with the naked eye. Some kits also come with blue LED lights which are designed to replicate the professional ‘laser’ whitening available by dental professionals. But, let us clear that up for you – those blue LEDs don’t whiten your teeth! But they do make it fun, so I guess there’s a positive! On the other hand, the process for at-home whitening can be much more time-consuming. While most at-home kits bought at the supermarket are more affordable, they also require multiple applications over weeks or even months, leaving you waiting for results.
Does Activated Charcoal Teeth Whitening work?
What about whitening toothpaste and activated charcoal? Whitening toothpastes are labelled to make you think they are whitening, but in actual fact, their ingredients are a little more abrasive than the average toothpaste. They may help to remove extrinsic staining (if there is any) off the outside of the enamel. So, in practice, all that is happening is the removal of any staining. However, the problem is – and this is something we see far too often in the clinic – that with continued use, your enamel will continue to be worn away and what will be left is the darker dentine layer. So, in effect, your teeth could appear darker with a more yellowish appearance. This is definitely counterproductive to the desired result! Unfortunately, these layers can never be restored. There are a small number of toothpastes that do have a low peroxide level. These won’t whiten your enamel, but if you have had professional tooth whitening, they may help to maintain your shade.
In terms of activated charcoal or charcoal toothpastes, there can be both positives and negatives. There’s no denying that this powdery black substance has become a recent trend on social media with every blogger around snapping selfies with the jet-black substance smeared all over their teeth. Activated charcoal has high-adsorbing properties, so it can mop up impurities or toxins. However, these products are abrasive and wear away layers of enamel that can never be restored. So, use with caution and minimally. Studies are yet to prove these treatments actually whiten enamel.
IN-chair dentist Zoom Teeth Whitening
The reason that in-chair teeth whitening administered by a dentist can attain faster, more visible results, is that the medical grade hydrogen peroxide whitening gel utilised during in-chair treatments is licensed to be used only by dental professionals. And only by dental professionals who have been trained and certified in the procedures. The technique carried out during your whitening procedure can impact your treatment and the outcome. Some areas on your teeth due to decay or erosion can become extremely painful during a whitening procedure and a qualified dental professional can ensure that these areas are covered to protect you and allow you to achieve white teeth, without the potential discomfort. As you can see, there is huge benefits to having a qualified dental professional carry out your treatment as opposed to those whitening pop-up shops that are appearing on every corner.
The time it takes to reach optimal results is also an important difference. In-chair teeth whitening can whiten your teeth up to eight shades brighter in just one session. The best part? Usually, only one session is needed, meaning you’ll see maximum results in minimal time.
Dentist Teeth Whitening Before & After Photo
So, as dental professionals, we believe the best way to whiten your teeth and to keep them white is using an in-chair professional whitening procedure, combined with light maintenance at home. This will be sure to give you a smile you’ll be dying to show. When it comes to results, there’s simply no comparison. The combination of a high-quality, concentrated whitening gel partnered with a high-intensity UV light administered by a dental professional in a hygienic environment is the best way to get that bright, white smile that you’ve been searching for.
Central Coast, Gosford, & Erina Dentist Teeth Whitening
So with that said, here at Helix Dentistry, we’ve put together a deal you simply can’t ignore!
Normally, the Philips ZOOM in-chair Whitening process costs $1,550 but we are thrilled to offer a very special price of $599 to Helix Dentistry patients. What’s even better? This special includes a FREE Take-Home Touch Up Kit that will help maintain the whiteness of your brand-new, Luminous Smile.
To book your consultation at Helix Dentistry for a Phillips ZOOM In-Chair Whitening appointment, call 02 4334 1383 or click here to book now.
For more information about the Phillips ZOOM In-Chair Whitening process at Helix Dentistry at Long Jetty on the NSW Central Coast, click here.
