Teeth Whitening in Brunswick: In-Chair vs Take-Home, and What Actually Works

In Brunswick and thinking about cosmetic dentistry? If you’re looking to whiten your teeth it’s important to find the method that works for you. Here at Barkly Dentalworks we offer both custom-fitted take-home kits; and ‘in-chair’ whitening procedures with one of our dentists. With that in mind, let’s talk about what makes one choice better than the other.

Professional whitening procedures and take-home kits are different in a few key ways, however it’s important to remember that this doesn’t mean one is always the better choice. At Barkly Dentalworks we always offer our patients a pre-whitening assessment to ensure that you get the best out whichever method you choose.

It’s important to make an informed choice because when a whiter smile is the goal; it’s important that the condition of your teeth and gums always comes first.

Teeth Whitening in Brunswick: Which Option Makes More Sense For You?

How important are; speed, convenience, and having a professional dentist present to you? Whatever answer comes to mind is the first step in making a cosmetic dentistry decision that is sustainable and works for you.

In-chair whitening is a more immediate option. The treatment is carried out at the dental practice, making it particularly appealing if you want a noticeable change without spending weeks using a home product. There is also the reassurance of having the treatment supervised by a dental professional.

Take-home whitening is a little different. At Barkly Dentalworks we provide custom-fitted trays, along with whitening gel and instructions for use. Because we make the trays to fit your teeth, the treatment is more personalised than buying a generic kit off the shelf. The whitening happens gradually, which can suit people who would rather do it at home and build up the result over time.

Then there are always over-the-counter kits, strips and whitening pens that you can purchase in chemists. They are easy to buy and can be tempting because there is no appointment involved. The trade-off, however, is that they are not tailored to your teeth in the same way and use lower concentrations of whitening agents than professional products.

In simple terms:

If you are still unsure of where to start, a consultation with one of our Brunswick dentists, while avoiding one-size-fits-all products is the best first step. Whitening works best when it is planned around the individual

Brunswick Cosmetic Dentistry: What About Sensitivity; and How Long Will Results Last?

A question most people have about whitening is really sensible: will my teeth become sensitive?

The truth is that they can. Some people notice temporary sensitivity to cold following whitening. Gums can sometimes become irritated too. That doesn’t always mean something is wrong, but it is worth mentioning any existing sensitivity to your dentist before treatment.

Following the instructions properly is also extremely important to avoid unwanted side-effects. Using more whitening gel than recommended will probably not produce a better result, and what’s more it can make the process more uncomfortable than it should be.

Whitening also has limits. It changes the colour of natural teeth, but it won’t whiten existing fillings, crowns or veneers. If you have existing dental work you should discuss that with us during your pre-whitening examination.

The other questions most people have is how long the whitening will last. There isn’t a single answer. Everyday habits you might have make a big difference. Tea, coffee, and red wine or any other staining foods and drinks can gradually affect the colour of your teeth again. Good oral hygiene and professional advice about maintenance will help keep the result looking fresh.

It is better to think of whitening as something that may need occasional maintenance rather than a permanent change.

Cosmetic Dental Brunswick: Is Whitening Enough?

Sometimes whitening is exactly what a smile needs. However oftentimes it is only part of the journey.

If the issue is deeper staining or the shape, colour or condition of particular teeth, whitening alone mightn’t give you the result you have in mind. This is where a wider cosmetic dental plan made for you by us at Barkly Dentalworks is useful.

Veneers are an option we offer at Barkly Dentalworks. Porcelain veneers are thin, tooth-coloured facings bonded to your natural teeth and they can be used to address concerns such as staining, worn teeth or teeth that are mis-shapen or misaligned. Composite veneers are another option and can generally be completed in a single visit using material applied directly to the tooth.

White fillings can also make a difference when an older or darker filling stands out among otherwise brighter natural teeth. At Barkly Dentalworks we use composite resin in different shades, with the colour selected to suit your teeth.

The important thing is not to assume that whitening has to be the entire treatment plan. For some people, brightening the natural teeth is enough. For others, whitening alongside veneers or tooth-coloured fillings may create a more balanced result.

You can read more about teeth whitening in Brunswick, meet the team through the Brunswick dentist page, or explore veneers. You can also visit the Barkly Dentalworks home page to see the full range of dental services.