Tooth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic treatments around and there are various options to choose from, including home whitening and in-chair treatment. Whitening treatment is designed to brighten the smile by lightening the shade of the teeth, making them look whiter, healthier and more youthful.

Home whitening

Home whitening is very popular because it is simple, convenient and effective. With home whitening, you can fit treatment around your daily schedule very easily and this makes it a very appealing option for those who have a very hectic work or social schedule. Before you start treatment, your dentist will arrange a consultation and they will check your oral health and explain how treatment works and what it involves before making your bespoke impressions; these moulds are used to create your whitening trays. Once the whitening trays have been made-up, you can then take them home and start your treatment.

The beauty of home whitening is the simplicity; all you need to do is wear the whitening trays for around 6 hours per day for 10-14 consecutive days. Home whitening is usually less expensive than in-chair treatment, but it does take longer and sometimes the results are slightly less impressive; however, treatment is very convenient and you can repeat it in the future to keep your smile looking white and radiant for years to come.

In-chair treatment

In-chair whitening treatment usually produces rapid results, which means that you can enjoy a transformation very quickly, often in just one hour. Treatment usually involves applying bleaching agent to the teeth and then shining a light onto the teeth to activate it; the process is very simple and easy and you don’t feel any pain. There is a risk of heightened sensitivity with whitening treatment, but this should only be mild and fleeting; if you experience severe sensitivity or prolonged pain, you should contact your dentist. In-chair treatment tends to produce incredible results, often lightening the teeth by several shades and making a major difference to the appearance of the smile, as well as your confidence.

If you would like to find out more about the different types of whitening treatment to help you choose which option is best for you, call your dentist and arrange a consultation; you can ask all the questions you have and find out exactly what goes on when you have whitening treatment.