Teeth whitening is a process that uses bleaching to achieve a lighter shade for the teeth. It’s important to note that the methods and products used for this purpose can vary greatly between dental clinics and beauty salons.

Many individuals choose to seek professional teeth whitening treatments from dentists. In recent years, beauty salons have expanded their services to include teeth whitening. But which is better – getting whitening treatment at a dental clinic or a beauty salon? Here is a comparison that will help you make a decision.

Professional Expertise

Dental Clinic

Dental clinics have a team of skilled professionals specialising in oral health, including teeth whitening. These dentists are skilled at thoroughly assessing your dental needs and resolving any dental issues before undergoing whitening treatments. This ensures proper application and monitoring for the best whitening results.

Beauty Salon

Beauticians may have training in aesthetic procedures but they may not have the extensive dental knowledge necessary to safely perform teeth whitening treatments. Many beauty salons offer standard whitening treatments that do not take into account individual dental health needs. This approach can lead to ineffective results and increase the risk of complications.

Whitening Gel

Dental Clinic

In Singapore, only licensed dentists can prescribe whitening gels exceeding 0.1% concentration, as regulated by the Health Sciences Authority. As dentists are well-trained in applying and monitoring the whitening procedure, they can use stronger whitening gels that deliver superior whitening results in a shorter time.

Beauty Salon

In compliance with regulations, beauty salons generally opt for lower-concentration whitening gels. The whitening services offered at beauty salons are primarily cosmetic and are usually provided by individuals who do not have medical qualifications. Due to this, they often have to use lower concentrations of whitening gels which can lead to less effective results, as well as a higher risk of complications such as gum irritation or tooth sensitivity.

Customised Treatment

Dental Clinic

Dentists can trained to develop personalised treatment plans that are customised to meet each individual’s specific dental needs.

• Custom trays are customised for a precise fit to ensure that the whitening gel can be applied evenly.
• Custom take-home kits are designed to have a good fit for an even application and optimal results.
• Whitening gel concentration can be adjusted to meet your specific dental needs.

These personalised treatment plan reduces the risk of uneven whitening or discomfort associated with an incorrect application.

Beauty Salon

Beauty salons typically provide a one-size-fits-all treatment that does not account for individual dental conditions. Pre-made whitening trays used in these treatments may not be an accurate fit resulting in patchy whitening. Since beauticians may not have the necessary skills to make adjustments, this can create complications if there are pre-existing dental conditions.

Which Option Is Best for You?

Getting your teeth whitened at a dental clinic dentist may involve a higher initial cost, but the quality of treatment, safety, and lasting results make it a valuable investment. While the low whitening prices at beauty salons may seem like a bargain, the less effective results and higher risk of complications may cause you to end up spending more, especially if you need corrective dental treatment later on.

It is best to visit a licensed dental clinic for teeth whitening to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the treatment. Investing in professional dental whitening not only results in a brighter smile but also provides peace of mind, knowing that your oral health is in the hands of a trained professional dentist.