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Take-home whitening kit

Take-home teeth whitening kit in Singapore

Whiten your teeth gradually, in your own time, with trays made to fit your teeth and professional Philips Zoom DayWhite gel. Your dentist checks your teeth first, sets your whitening plan and stays on hand if you have questions.

Custom take-home teeth whitening tray at Align Dental Surgery, Orchard Road

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Quick facts

It is a gentler, more affordable alternative to in-clinic whitening, at our clinic in Forum The Shopping Mall, Orchard Road.

Take-home teeth whitening kit at Align Dental Surgery: quick facts
What it isDentist-supervised whitening you do at home
Whitening systemPhilips Zoom DayWhite, worn during the day
VisitsVisit 1: check and impressions. Visit 2: tray fitting once your trays are made. Then a review visit
CourseUsually about 1 to 2 weeks, set by your dentist
Best forMild to moderate yellowing; maintaining in-clinic results
Not forUnder-18s; crowns, veneers, fillings, deep grey stains, untreated decay or gum disease
SensitivityMild and temporary for some people; desensitising gel included
TraysReusable for top-ups; gel refills available at the clinic
Where583 Orchard Road, #01-07/08/09 Forum The Shopping Mall

What is a take-home whitening kit?

A take-home kit lets you whiten your teeth gradually at home, under your dentist's guidance. We make thin, clear trays that fit your teeth closely, so the whitening gel stays where it should and away from your gums.

The gel is a lower strength than the one used in the clinic, which is why it is safe to use at home. It works more slowly, but over a week or two it can reach a result similar to an in-clinic session for many people.

Custom clear whitening trays, storage case and whitening gel syringes from a take-home kit

Is a dentist's kit different from one bought online?

Yes. In Singapore, whitening products sold over the counter are limited to a very low peroxide strength (0.1% hydrogen peroxide), so strips and pens bought in shops usually have only a modest effect. Stronger gels sold online may not be regulated at all.

A dentist-supplied kit is different in three ways

  • A check first. We make sure there is no decay, leaking filling or gum problem that whitening could aggravate.
  • Trays that fit. Custom trays keep the gel even across your teeth and off your gums. Boil-and-bite trays often leak.
  • A plan for you. Your dentist sets how long to wear the trays and adjusts if your teeth feel sensitive.
Philips Zoom whitening gel and custom trays from a take-home kit at Align Dental Surgery

Who is it suitable for?

Take-home whitening works well if you

  • Have mild to moderate yellowing from age, coffee, tea or food
  • Prefer to whiten gradually, with less sensitivity
  • Want a more affordable option than in-clinic whitening
  • Have had in-clinic whitening and want to keep the result

We offer take-home whitening from age 18. In children and teenagers, the pulp (the nerve chamber inside the tooth) is much larger, so whitening is far more likely to cause strong sensitivity.

It is not the right choice for everyone. Whitening does not change the colour of crowns, veneers or fillings. Deep grey stains, for example from certain medications or an old injury, often respond poorly.

White spots can look more obvious after whitening, so ICON resin infiltration is usually done first. We will tell you honestly at your consultation if another option would suit you better.

Take-home kit compared with in-clinic Zoom whitening
ComparedTake-home kitIn-clinic Zoom whitening
WhereAt home, in your own timeAt the clinic
How longUsually about 1 to 2 weeksOne visit of about 90 minutes
Gel strengthLower, for safe home useHigher, with your gums protected
SensitivityUsually milderCan be more noticeable for a day or two
CostLowerHigher
Best forMild staining, gradual change, top-upsA faster lift, or before an event

Many people combine the two: in-clinic whitening for the initial lift, then the take-home trays to maintain it.

What to expect

  1. Consultation and check. We look at your teeth and gums, note your starting shade and talk through what is realistic for you.
  2. Impressions for your trays. At the same visit, we take impressions of your teeth, which are used to make your custom trays.
  3. Fitting. Once your trays are made, you come back so we can check they fit comfortably and show you how much gel to use and how long to wear them.
  4. Whitening at home. You whiten over the course your dentist sets, usually about one to two weeks.
  5. Review. We book a review for every patient to check your progress and shade, and advise on top-ups.

How to use your trays

  1. Brush and floss before each session
  2. Place a small drop of gel in the front of each tooth space in the tray; a little goes a long way
  3. Seat the trays and wipe away any gel that reaches your gums
  4. Wear them during the day, for the time your dentist advised
  5. Rinse your teeth and the trays afterwards with cool water
  6. If your teeth feel sensitive, use the desensitising gel in the trays, or skip a day before carrying on

Aftercare: what to eat and avoid

While you are whitening, and for a day or two after each session, your teeth pick up colour more easily.

Coffee and tea to avoid during take-home teeth whitening

Do

  • Choose lighter foods such as rice, chicken, fish, pasta and plain yoghurt
  • Drink water, or use a straw for other drinks
  • Use a sensitive-teeth toothpaste if needed
  • Keep your trays clean, dry and in their case

Don't

  • Avoid coffee, tea, red wine, cola and dark juices
  • Avoid curry, soy sauce, beetroot, tomatoes and berries
  • Don't smoke
  • Avoid mouth rinses containing chlorhexidine

How long do results last?

Whitening is not permanent. Teeth slowly pick up colour again from everyday food and drink, so how long your result lasts depends on your habits.

To keep your shade bright, brush twice a day, clean between your teeth, keep up regular check-ups and cleaning, and rinse with water after coffee or tea. Because your trays are reusable, a short top-up every so often is usually all you need.

Rinsing a clear whitening tray under cool running water

Why whiten with Align Dental Surgery

  • Every kit starts with a proper dental check, not just a box of gel
  • Custom trays made from impressions of your teeth, with gel refills available for top-ups
  • A dentist who sets your plan and reviews your progress
  • Honest advice when whitening isn't the right answer, including veneers or ICON where they suit better
  • Convenient location at Forum The Shopping Mall on Orchard Road

Questions & answers

Take-home whitening kit: common questions

How much does a take-home whitening kit cost in Singapore?
A take-home kit costs less than in-clinic whitening, and the price includes your consultation, custom trays and gel. The exact fee depends on what your teeth need first, for example a cleaning. Contact us and our team will let you know the current fee before you book.
How long does take-home whitening take to work?
Most people notice a change within the first few days, with the full result usually after about one to two weeks. How quickly your teeth lighten depends on your natural shade, the type of staining and how consistently you wear the trays.
How long do I wear the trays each day?
We use Philips Zoom DayWhite, which is worn during the day rather than overnight. Your dentist will set how long each session should be, depending on how your teeth respond. Wearing them longer than advised won't speed things up and can increase sensitivity.
Is the take-home kit as effective as in-clinic whitening?
It can reach a similar result for many people, but more gradually. If you want a faster lift, or have more stubborn staining, in-clinic Zoom whitening is the better starting point. Many patients then use a take-home kit to maintain it.
Is take-home whitening safe for my enamel?
Yes, when it is prescribed and supervised by a dentist. Professional whitening does not weaken or thin your enamel. The main side effects are temporary sensitivity and, occasionally, mild gum irritation, both of which usually settle within a few days.
Will whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Some people feel mild, short-lived sensitivity to cold during the course. It usually settles within a day or two. The kit includes a desensitising gel, and a sensitive-teeth toothpaste helps too. If a session feels uncomfortable, shorten it or skip a day.
Can teenagers use a take-home whitening kit?
We offer take-home whitening from age 18. In children and teenagers, the pulp (the nerve chamber inside the tooth) is much larger, so whitening is far more likely to cause strong sensitivity. We are happy to advise on gentler ways to manage staining until then.
Can I whiten my crowns, veneers or fillings?
No. Whitening only lightens natural teeth, so crowns, veneers and fillings stay the same colour. If they are on your front teeth, we will plan around them, as they may need replacing afterwards to match your new shade.
Can I use the kit if I'm pregnant or breastfeeding?
We recommend waiting. Whitening is a cosmetic treatment, so there is no need to have it during this time. We are happy to see you for check-ups and cleaning in the meantime.
How do I look after my trays?
Rinse them in cool water after each use and brush gently with a soft toothbrush, without toothpaste. Store them dry in their case, away from heat and direct sunlight. If a tray cracks or no longer fits, let us know and we can make a new one.
Can I use my trays again later?
Yes. Your trays are made to last, so you can top up your shade every so often with gel refills, which you can buy from the clinic. If you've had dental work since, check with us that they still fit.

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