Professional whitening typically comes in two forms: in-chair (in-office) whitening and take-home whitening kits.
In-chair whitening uses a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel applied directly to your teeth, often activated by a special light. The entire procedure takes about 60 to 90 minutes and can lighten teeth by several shades in a single session.
Take-home whitening involves custom-fitted trays made from impressions of your teeth, along with professional-grade whitening gel that you apply at home over a period of one to three weeks. The concentration is lower than in-chair treatment but still significantly stronger than over-the-counter products. Many patients achieve excellent results with take-home whitening, and it gives you more control over the degree of whitening.
Some patients opt for a combination approach — starting with an in-chair session for an immediate boost, then maintaining results with take-home trays. We'll talk you through the pros and cons of each option so you can choose what fits your lifestyle and goals.