In-chair Teeth Whitening vs. Home Kits

A brighter, whiter smile can dramatically boost confidence, and today there are two main ways to achieve it: in-chair whitening at a dental office or at-home whitening kits. Both have their benefits, but at-home kits offer a level of convenience that makes them an increasingly popular choice.

Flexibility and comfort

In-chair whitening delivers fast results — often in a single session — but it requires a scheduled appointment, travel to the practice, and typically lasts about 60–90 minutes. At-home kits, on the other hand, allow you to whiten your teeth at your own pace, in the comfort of your home, fitting easily around your daily routine.

Gradual and customisable results

At-home kits are typically worn over several days or weeks, which allows you to control the intensity of whitening and achieve a natural, even result. You can pause or adjust treatment as needed to suit your sensitivity and lifestyle.

Cost-effectiveness

In-chair whitening is generally more expensive due to professional supervision and equipment costs. Home whitening kits offer a more budget-friendly option while still using professional-grade formulas, especially when purchased through trusted dental suppliers. In the long term, home kits are more affordable because refill gels are cheaper than repeating in-chair whitening for touch-ups. Whitening is something that may be required throughout life, as teeth gradually lose brightness over time, although relapse rarely returns them to their original shade.

Reduced sensitivity risk

Some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity after in-chair treatments due to the high peroxide concentration used in a single session. Home kits often use lower concentrations applied over several sessions, which can reduce discomfort while still providing effective results.

Long-term convenience

At-home whitening allows for easy maintenance. Once your teeth reach the desired shade, you can use touch-up kits periodically without needing repeated visits to the practice, saving both time and effort.

Book or buy your whitening solution

• For those who prefer professional supervision or want custom trays, you can book an in-chair procedure or impression-taking visit with Dr Nadya Abedian. Appointments typically last 60–90 minutes. Remember it is advised to have a dental cleaning done as close as possible to taking impressions.
• For a convenient, off-the-shelf home whitening option, you can order Opalescence Go below.

P.S. Don’t forget to take before and after pics! We love a smile transformation!