At-home whitening strips vs in-the-chair whitening vs DIY home remedies. As dentists, we’ve heard it all when it comes to brightening your smile. But with so many options out there, what actually delivers results and is best for your teeth?
Our very own Dentist Chris is putting the spotlight on teeth whitening, debunking myths and chatting through treatments he actually recommends to patients.
What can cause teeth discolouration and staining?
From your morning brew to daily hygiene habits, there are plenty of everyday factors that can discolour and strain our pearly whites. While some shifts in your tooth’s colour can point to deeper dental health concerns, often it’s simply what’s touching our teeth that can change our smile.
- Coffee and tea stains
Everyone loves a good coffee or cup of tea, but that comforting daily ritual contains tannins and chromogens that can easily bind to your enamel.
- Wine and soft drinks
As well as the tannins and chromogens found in tea and coffee, wine and soft drinks also continue acid that can strip your enamel over time. Think switching to white wine will help? We’re sorry to tell you: it’s more acidic than its red friend.
- Smoking and tobacco products
When it comes to smoking, it’s the tar and nicotine that create stubborn yellow stains, which can turn to darker brown to black shades in time. - Poor dental hygiene
While skipping a brush now and then happens to the best of us, prolonged relaxed dental habits can lead to plaque and tartar buildup. Not only will it turn your vibrant smile dull, but it can also pave the way to wider dental and gum concerns. - General aging
It might not be Grandad’s daily five cups of coffee giving him a darker smile! As we age, our enamel naturally thins and leaves behind a yellower tint. - Medication
Certain prescription medications can list surface discolouration as a side effect. It can also occur due to underlying systemic health factors and medical treatments. - Dental trauma and underlying conditions
Sometimes, a single dark or discoloured tooth can be a sign of an underlying dental concern, such as previous trauma experienced during tooth development or a nerve issue.
Top teeth whitening myths
As a dentist, Chris and the team have heard more myths than they can count. Here are some of the most common shared by patients.
Myth 1: Whitening is fundamentally bad for your teeth
While harsh DIY remedies can be harmful, professional teeth whitening and treatments – especially those recommended by dentists – are scientifically formulated to be safe for your tooth enamel. Usually, it’s not the trusted product itself that causes issues, but rather how it’s used (or overused) at home.
Myth 2: Teeth whitening is a painful process
When performed correctly, professional teeth whitening is designed to minimise discomfort. That said, a common side and entirely normal effect is temporary tooth sensitivity.
Myth 3: Teeth whitening can irritate your gums
More often than not, gum irritation is caused by ill-fitting over-the-counter trays or incorrect treatment application (rather than the whitening ingredients themselves). Because everyone’s mouth shape is unique, it’s best to read and follow the instructions carefully or chat to our friendly dentist before trying new products.
Myth 4: The best way to whiten your teeth is with in-chair options
Here at Allure Smiles, we only offer at-home whitening. Why? After 10+ years experience, our dentists find in-chair whitening is not only not as cost-effective but can also cause a lot of sensitivity during the procedure. Results tend to vary too much and in-chair options tend to fade a lot faster.
Want to know a little secret? Our dentists use the same at-home whitening kits we offer, personally and for their busy families.
Myth 5: Teeth whitening results are long-term
No matter which option you choose, our teeth naturally continue to mature and interact with the world around us. Which means, that brightenness will naturally fade over time. A whiter smile for longer starts with great habits, routine dental check ups, and aesthetic maintenance at home.
How to whiten your teeth at home
If you’ve been scrolling through social media, you already know there are countless ways to whiten your teeth at home. Here’s the honest breakdown of what’s out there (and what our dentists think).
Whitening toothpaste
A highly gradual option, daily whitening toothpastes can lift superficial surface stains over time. But just remember: consistency is key, and they won’t alter the actual internal shade of your teeth.
Professional at-home whitening kits and strips
Take-home kits are becoming more popular, with professional kits using regulated whitening gels. These contain hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide to safely break down deep discolouration. While some generic brands online falsely claim you can wear them overnight, our recommended at-home teeth whitening options are designed to be worn for just 30 – 60 mins a day to protect your gums from irritation.
Keen for an at-home option? Chat to our team about our at-home kits.
When it comes to DIY home remedies, our dentists recommend caution. From oil pulling to baking soda and lemon, there are countless hacks online that claim to give you that overnight glow. While some have minor surface-cleaning properties, we recommend skipping the harsh acids and abrasives altogether. These can permanently scratch and wear away your precious enamel.
At-home teeth whitening vs dentist teeth whitening: which is best?
While professional in-chair teeth whitening is designed for immediate, noticeable brightness, there are some fantastic, flexible at-home whitening kits out there. Here at Allure Smiles, we also find that at-home teeth whitening kits provide longer-term results. This is why we only offer at-home whitening kits.
The professional take-home whitening kits we offer are incredibly straightforward to use, cost effective, and allow you to brighten your smile – all in your own time. Our dentists love them so much, they are their personal go-to choice at home too!
Looking for a faster pathway to a brighter smile? Professional in-chair whitening might be the ideal fit for you. These clinical treatments are provided by a certified dentist, with premium whitening formulations that safely break down deep stains. The best part? You can walk out of our practice with a refreshed, vibrant smile the same day.
When paired with our professional at-home whitening kits, you can easily protect and prolong your radiant smile.
How often should you whiten your teeth
As dentists, we get asked this question a lot! The answer: As often as you’d like (within reason). Some teeth whitening options last longer than others or require continuous use to get results.
| Teeth whitening treatment | How often |
| Whitening toothpaste | Every time you brush |
| Whitening strips | Depending on the treatment, whitening strips can last from 3 – 6 months. Recommended active and maintenance timeframes will be included in the instructions. When buying whitening strips, we recommend you do your research first so you can make an informed decision. |
| Whitening at-home kits | Again, this can vary depending on the brand and ingredients, and should be used in line with the kit’s instructions. How often you use these treatments depends on your personal needs. Our dentists’ rule of thumb: if you feel it’s fading, it may be time to ‘top up’. |
Want whiter teeth?
Book a teeth whitening treatment with our team now.
At-home whitening kits can also be purchased directly from our clinic or during your next dental visit.
