Is Getting Your Teeth Whitened at the Dentist Worth It?
How beautiful is a bright and confident smile?
At White Space Dental we want all our clients to have the most confidence in their smile. That’s why we offer teeth whitening as a service: to ensure that our clients are showcasing strong, healthy looking teeth at every opportunity.
However, supermarket-bought whitening kits have grown in popularity, making people wonder whether it’s worth spending more for a professional treatment. The truth is that while over-the-counter whitening products can provide small improvements, nothing compares to the safety, speed, and results of whitening done by an experienced dentist.
In this blog, we’ll explore both methods of teeth whitening, so that you can feel secure in your decision about how to get a brighter smile.
The Rising Popularity of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening has become the most in-demand cosmetic dental treatment worldwide. The global teeth whitening market was valued at US$8.52 billion in 2024 and is projected to grow to US$12.77 billion by 2032.
Here in Australia, demand is surging too. According to the Australian Dental Association (ADA), more than one in five Australian adults (22%) now use whitening products, which is a jump of 8% since 2017.
The numbers show that whitening isn’t just a passing trend. It’s part of a growing shift towards investing in your smile. And while DIY options are common, we’d always recommend going to dentists for professional treatments that deliver safer and longer-lasting results.
Supermarket Whitening Kits vs. a Professional Dentist: The Key Differences
There are several key differences between getting your teeth whitened at the dentist versus doing it yourself from a supermarket purchase.
Over-the-counter kits are appealing because they’re inexpensive and convenient. But, quite simply, they don’t work the same. Whitening strips, LED lights, and paint-on gels often promise quick results, but because they use weaker bleaching agents, they rarely achieve more than a few shades of improvement.
Professional whitening, by contrast, uses dentist-only solutions with higher concentrations of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. These penetrate deeper into the enamel, lifting stains far more effectively, producing a brighter smile that looks natural, not artificially “overdone.”
The result of a professional appointment is faster, safer, and more consistent whitening compared with the patchy or uneven effects of DIY kits. At White Space Dental, we use high-quality whitening products and techniques designed to safely lift deeper stains while protecting your enamel.
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Safe When Done by a Dentist?
Absolutely. At White Space Dental, we examine your teeth and gums beforehand to ensure you’re a good candidate, checking for issues such as cavities, exposed roots, or enamel weakness. This step is crucial, as whitening on compromised teeth can cause discomfort or damage if not managed properly.
Our Teeth Whitening Process
At White Space Dental in Manly, your whitening journey begins with a consultation. We’ll examine your teeth, discuss your goals, and recommend the option that suits you best:
In-Office Whitening
Our in-chair whitening is the quickest way to brighten your smile. In just one hour, our dentist applies a safe but powerful whitening gel and activates it with a specialised LED light. To keep you comfortable, every treatment room has a TV and noise-cancelling headphones, which means you can relax with Netflix while your teeth transform by several shades in one appointment.
Take-Home Whitening Kits
Prefer whitening at your own pace? We also offer dentist-prescribed take-home kits with custom-fitted trays. These ensure the even application of a professional-strength gel, which is something over-the-counter kits can’t guarantee. Many patients also use these kits for top-ups between in-chair treatments.
Understanding the Cost and Value of Professional Teeth Whitening
At White Space Dental, professional whitening is a safe, long-lasting investment in your smile. Our in-chair whitening treatment is $895, delivering significant results in just one appointment, while our custom take-home kits are $450, allowing you to whiten gradually at your own pace.
The cost reflects three key factors: professional-grade whitening gels that aren’t available over-the-counter, protective measures to safeguard your enamel and gums, and the dramatic, reliable outcome you can achieve under expert care.
Frequently Asked Questions About Dental Whitening
Can teeth whitening fix all types of stains?
Not all stains respond equally. Yellow stains from food, drinks, or ageing typically respond very well. Grey or brown stains, or those caused by trauma or medication, may require alternative solutions such as veneers or bonding. In your pre-whitening consultation, we can recommend any alternative treatments if we feel they’ll suit your smile better.
How many sessions will I need?
Most patients achieve their desired results in just one in-chair whitening session. For deeper or more stubborn discolouration, we may recommend pairing your treatment with one of our custom take-home kits for gradual, longer-lasting whitening.
What is the most effective teeth whitening procedure?
In-office whitening is the fastest and most effective option, with results visible after just one appointment. Using advanced, light-activated technology and professional-grade whitening gels, it can brighten your smile by several shades safely and comfortably. For long-term maintenance, our custom-fitted take-home trays are an excellent complement, allowing you to keep your smile white at your own pace between visits.
Will teeth whitening damage my enamel or cause pain?
When performed under professional supervision, teeth whitening is safe and does not damage enamel. The peroxide simply opens the enamel pores to lift stains without weakening the tooth structure. Some patients may experience mild sensitivity during or after treatment, often felt as a temporary “tingle”, but this usually resolves within a day or two.
Final Thoughts: Is Professional Teeth Whitening Worth It?
If you’re looking to achieve a brighter, more confident smile safely and effectively, professional whitening at White Space Dental in Manly is a choice you won’t regret. While supermarket products may offer a small improvement, they simply cannot match the results of a dentist-supervised treatment or offered at-home treatment.
A radiant smile can do more than enhance your appearance. It can boost your confidence from the inside out. At White Space Dental, we’d love to help you achieve the smile you’ve always wanted, book here to get started.
