Teeth Whitening: Comparing Chairside and Over-the-Counter Options

As you consider ways to brighten your smile, teeth whitening becomes an effective option. However, with the range of whitening products and services available, determining the right choice for your needs takes research. Comparing chairside whitening administered by a dentist to over-the-counter whitening strips or trays equips you to select the best route. Analysing the methods, costs, and results of professional versus at-home teeth whitening grants you the knowledge to move forward confidently with the ideal solution for your goals and budget. Arm yourself with information to make an informed decision about achieving your brightest, whitest smile through the safest, most affordable means.

Teeth Whitening Treatment Options in Singapore

In pursuit of a brighter, more radiant smile, many individuals in Singapore turn to teeth whitening treatments. Exploring the available options is crucial to finding the most suitable solution for your specific needs and circumstances.

Professional In-Office Whitening

For those seeking immediate and dramatic results, in-office whitening treatments offered by dental clinics like Excel Dental are an excellent choice. These procedures, performed by dental professionals, typically involve the application of high-concentration bleaching agents, sometimes combined with light activation. While this method provides the fastest and most effective whitening, it also comes with a higher price tag, ranging from S$950 or more.

Take-Home Whitening Kits

An alternative option that offers a more gradual and cost-effective approach is take-home whitening kits. These kits, prescribed by dentists, include custom-made trays and whitening gels containing lower concentrations of hydrogen peroxide. By wearing the trays for a specified duration daily, typically for 1-2 weeks, you can achieve a noticeable improvement in tooth shade at a more affordable cost, around S$500.

Over-the-Counter Products

For those seeking a more budget-friendly option, over-the-counter whitening products like toothpastes, strips, and gels are readily available. However, it’s important to note that these products generally provide minimal whitening results and may not effectively treat all types of stains. Improper use can also lead to tooth sensitivity or enamel damage, making professional guidance essential.

Before embarking on any teeth whitening journey, it’s crucial to consult with a dentist to evaluate your specific needs and determine the most suitable treatment option. Factors such as the type and extent of stains, as well as your overall dental health, will play a significant role in the dentist’s recommendation. By seeking professional advice, you can ensure a safe and effective whitening experience while achieving your desired level of brightness.

What Does Teeth Whitening Involve?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that aims to lighten the natural colour of your teeth and remove extrinsic (surface) and intrinsic (deep) stains. It involves using whitening agents or bleaching materials like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break down and remove discoloration.

Chairside Teeth Whitening

This professional whitening treatment is performed by your dentist in the dental office. It typically involves the following steps:

• A thorough dental examination to check if you are a suitable candidate for whitening.
• Applying a protective gel or rubber barrier to isolate and shield your gums from the bleaching agent.
• Coating your teeth with a highly concentrated whitening gel containing 15-35% hydrogen peroxide.
• Activating the bleaching process using a specialised light or laser to enhance and speed up the whitening reaction.

The gel is reapplied at regular intervals over 30-60 minutes for maximum effectiveness. One study found patients can see an improvement of 4-6 shades lighter in a single chairside session.

At-Home Whitening Kits

As an alternative or follow-up to in-office treatments, your dentist may provide custom-fitted whitening trays and lower concentration bleaching gels for you to whiten at home. This involves:

• Having impressions or moulds taken of your teeth to create customised whitening trays.
• Dispensing the whitening gel into the trays and wearing them for 30 minutes to an hour each day.
• Follow a multi-week regimen, as directed by your dentist, to gradually whiten your smile.

According to experts, avoiding dark beverages, using sensitivity toothpaste, skipping chewy foods, and allowing sufficient time between treatments helps maximise results and minimise side effects.

Whichever method you choose, your dentist will guide you through important pre-treatment and post-treatment care steps. Regular touch-ups and good oral hygiene habits like brushing and flossing are recommended to maintain your brighter smile long-term.

Teeth Whitening Benefits

Brighter, More Confident Smile

One of the primary benefits of teeth whitening is achieving a brighter, more radiant smile that can boost your confidence and self-esteem. According to a survey, 99.7% of adults believe an attractive smile is an important social asset, while 74% feel an unattractive smile can be a barrier to career success. A whiter smile can make you feel more poised and self-assured in professional and social settings.

Improved Appearance of Stains

Over time, teeth can become discoloured and stained due to factors like aging, consuming certain foods and drinks (like coffee, tea, or red wine), smoking, and inadequate oral hygiene. Teeth whitening treatments help lift these stubborn stains and discolorations, revealing a brighter, more youthful shade of enamel underneath.

Longer-Lasting Results

While over-the-counter whitening products offer convenience, they often provide inconsistent results that fade quickly. In contrast, professional teeth whitening treatments supervised by a dentist use higher concentrations of bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide, allowing for faster and more dramatic whitening that can last 6 months to a year with proper oral care.

Customised Treatment

During an in-office teeth whitening procedure, your dentist can customise the treatment based on your individual needs and sensitivity levels. This personalised approach ensures optimal results while minimising potential side effects, like tooth sensitivity.

Confidence and Peace of Mind

By choosing professional teeth whitening services, you can feel confident that the treatment is being performed safely and effectively under the guidance of a trained dental professional. This peace of mind allows you to enjoy your brighter smile without worry.

At Excel Dental, our core values of care, quality, and integrity guide every aspect of our practice. We’re committed to providing personalised, effective teeth whitening solutions to help you achieve the bright, beautiful smile you deserve.

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost in Singapore?

Professional In-Office Treatments

One of the most effective options for achieving brighter, whiter teeth is through professional in-office teeth whitening treatments performed by a dentist. These chairside procedures typically cost between $800 to $1300. The higher cost is due to the use of high-grade, concentrated bleaching gels and specialized equipment like LED or laser lights. With just a single one-hour session, you can expect your teeth to become up to ten shades lighter.

At Excel Dental, our in-office teeth whitening starts from $950. While it may seem pricey upfront, this professional-grade treatment delivers fast, dramatic results under the supervision of our experienced dentists to ensure safety and efficacy.

Take-Home Whitening Kits

For a more budget-friendly approach, take-home teeth whitening kits offer a convenient solution. These typically range from $300 to $600 and involve using custom-fitted mouth trays filled with bleaching gel. The process takes around 2-4 weeks of daily or nightly wear to see noticeable results.

At Excel Dental, our take-home kit is priced at $388 and includes custom-fitted trays along with professional-strength whitening gel for superior outcomes compared to over-the-counter options. While requiring more patience, the lower cost makes this an affordable alternative supervised by our dentists.

Over-the-Counter Products

The most economical path is over-the-counter whitening products like strips, gels, and rinses available at drugstores for as little as $13 to $60. However, the low-concentration bleaching agents mean it can take up to 12 weeks before seeing a modest whitening effect.

While affordable, these one-size-fits-all products lack customization and professional oversight. This increases the risk of uneven results, gum irritation, and tooth sensitivity – negating any cost savings. We recommend discussing your goals with our dentists to determine the most suitable, cost-effective teeth whitening solution tailored to your needs.

What causes teeth stains?

Stained or discolored teeth can occur for a variety of reasons. Understanding the common culprits behind tooth discoloration is the first step toward maintaining a brighter, whiter smile.

Dietary Habits

The foods and beverages we consume regularly can have a significant impact on tooth color over time. Deeply pigmented items like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored fruits and vegetables contain compounds that can discolor tooth enamel. According to WebMD, these staining agents accumulate on teeth, gradually causing yellowing or browning.

Acidic foods and drinks like citrus fruits, tomatoes, and sodas can also contribute to staining. The acids temporarily weaken enamel, allowing colored compounds to penetrate and discolor teeth more easily.

Tobacco Use

Smoking or chewing tobacco products is a well-known risk factor for tooth discoloration. The tar and nicotine in tobacco create stubborn, yellow-brown stains that permeate tooth enamel. Research from the Cleveland Clinic indicates a higher prevalence of discoloured teeth among smokers compared to non-smokers.

Poor Oral Hygiene

Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to plaque and tartar buildup on teeth. These deposits create a rough surface that attracts and holds onto staining substances from food and drinks. According to Rifkin Dental, failure to maintain proper oral hygiene significantly increases the risk of stained, discoloured teeth.

Age and Enamel Wear

As we age, the outer enamel layer of our teeth naturally begins to thin and wear down. This exposes more of the underlying dentin, which has a yellowish hue. The combination of thinning enamel and yellower dentin gives teeth an increasingly stained appearance over time.

Other Factors

In some cases, tooth discoloration stems from excessive fluoride exposure during childhood, certain medications like antibiotics, genetic factors influencing enamel strength, dental trauma, or existing dental work like silver fillings. Addressing the root cause is crucial for maintaining a bright, healthy smile.

Teeth Whitening FAQs

Difference Between Professional and OTC Whitening

Professional teeth whitening performed by dentists uses higher concentrations of bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide (up to 35%) compared to over-the-counter (OTC) products, which typically contain only 3-10% concentrations. This provides faster and more dramatic whitening results in a shorter timeframe. Custom-fitted trays ensure proper gel application without leakage, while light or laser treatments activate the peroxide for deeper stain removal from both the enamel and dentin layers.

OTC whitening strips and gels take around 2 weeks of regular application to show noticeable results. While more affordable, these one-size-fits-all products may not fit properly, leading to irritation and less effective whitening.

Professional Treatment Process

Before any whitening treatment, your dentist will examine your teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy enough for the procedure. If required, a professional cleaning may be done first to remove tartar buildup that could impact results. This dental exam is crucial, as whitening may not be suitable for those with existing dental work like veneers, crowns or cavities.

You can choose between an in-office treatment taking 1-2 hours or custom take-home trays for gradual whitening over 1-2 weeks. In-office whitening provides faster results but is more expensive, ranging from $450-$650 per visit. Take-home kits with custom trays from your dentist provide similar results at lower costs with refill options for maintenance.

Managing Sensitivity

Some tooth sensitivity and gum irritation is common with whitening due to the peroxide content in gels. Your dentist can suggest methods like using a desensitising gel or adjusting the treatment time to manage discomfort. With professional treatments, your dentist closely monitors sensitivity levels to ensure your safety.

Home whitening kits may increase the risk of sensitivity if trays don’t fit properly, leading to excess gel exposure on gums. Be sure to follow the usage instructions carefully. Consulting your dentist is highly recommended before attempting any whitening regimen.

Conclusion

When deciding between chairside and over-the-counter teeth whitening, consider your budget, lifestyle, and desired results. Chairside whitening performed by a dentist provides fast, dramatic results, but at a higher cost. Over-the-counter kits are more affordable and convenient, but they take longer and may not whiten as much. Evaluate whether the time commitment of at-home whitening is feasible for you. Think about how white you want your teeth to be and whether you have any sensitivities. And don’t forget – maintaining your results involves adjusting habits like reducing staining foods and drinks while continuing to brush thoroughly. With this guidance in mind, you can confidently choose the teeth whitening option that aligns with your needs, priorities, and budget.

Excel Dental Clinic has two branches located in the North (Sembawang) and East (Downtown East) of Singapore, offering affordable dental care for all. Amongst other services, we offer scaling and polishing of teeth. If you are in need of dental care, or have any inquiries, don’t hesitate to contact us here.