Feel like your smile’s not lighting up the room the way it used to?
You’re not imagining it—over time, our teeth naturally lose their sparkle. Coffee, tea, wine, even just everyday life can leave behind stubborn stains. And while brushing helps, it’s rarely enough to bring back that bright, white smile.
The good news? You don’t need to give up your morning coffee (phew) or your favourite foods. With the right teeth whitening kit, you can safely and effectively refresh your smile—all from the comfort of your home.
Here’s the thing… not all teeth whitening kits are equal. Read on to find out how a home teeth whitening kit works, what’s worth your time (and money), and how to choose the best option for your lifestyle.
So, how do at home teeth whitening kits work?
Think of a teeth whitening kit as a deep clean for your teeth. It goes beyond your toothbrush to break down and lift stains sitting on the surface of the teeth.
Most kits use a whitening gel (typically formulated with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). These active ingredients penetrate the enamel to dissolve discolouration and brighten the surface of the teeth.
Now, here’s the million-dollar question: ‘Do teeth whitening kits work?’
The short answer —yes, they can. But the whitening results depend on a few key things:
- The strength and formulation of the whitening gel
- How well the tray or applicator fits your teeth
- How often you use it
- The type of staining (surface vs. deeper discolouration)
There are a range of different teeth whitening products available: pens, strips, LED devices, and trays—but dentist-approved kits (like the ones we offer here at Illumident) are a step above.
Why? Because they’re customised to your smile and use clinical-strength whitening gel that’s both safe and effective.
What types of teeth whitening kits are out there?
Looking for the best teeth whitening kit in Australia? Here’s a breakdown of the most common types and how they stack up.
Teeth whitening trays
These are one of the most effective ways to whiten your teeth. Whitening gel is applied to trays that fit over your teeth —simple! Dentist-prescribed trays are custom-made to fit snugly (no slipping or missed spots) and come with high-strength gel for maximum results.
Considering store-bought whitening trays? These are usually one-size-fits-all or mouldable, which can mean patchy whitening and discomfort. If you want to achieve your desired results, custom trays are worth the upgrade.
LED teeth whitening kits
Not only do LED kits look high-tech, but they can also help speed up the whitening process. The LED light is designed to activate the whitening gel and boost its effectiveness. But here’s the catch: unless the gel is formulated to react to light, that flashy blue glow is mostly for show.
However, when combined with light-activated ingredients, LED whitening kits may work well. That said, they usually take longer and don’t offer the gum protection or strength that comes with a professional teeth whitening kit.
Teeth whitening pens
Think of these as a quick fix, rather than a full treatment. Whitening pens are compact and handy for on-the-go touch-ups. The downside is that they use low-concentration whitening gel and don’t stay on your teeth long enough for lasting results.
In short: these are great when you find yourself in a pinch (may mask light surface stains)—just don’t expect a major transformation.
Teeth whitening strips
These thin, flexible strips are coated with whitening gel and are worn over the teeth for 20-30 minutes daily. Sure, they may lighten surface stains over time. But they’re not custom-fitted, so you may get uneven coverage or gum irritation if used incorrectly.
Teeth whitening strips are a popular starting point, but if you’re after serious whitening power, dentist-supervised kits are the way to go.
Home kits vs in-chair teeth whitening: What’s the difference?
Let’s compare your options:
Lighten up your smile (and the room)
Choose from in-chair teeth whitening, or a custom take-home kit.
How much does a teeth whitening kit cost in Australia?
Store-bought or online teeth whitening treatments usually start from around $100. Dentist-prescribed take-home kits, complete with custom-fitted trays and higher-strength gel, typically cost between $300 and $600.
At Illumident, we keep our teeth whitening costs simple and transparent. We offer:
- Take-home whitening kits: from $500—Includes custom-fitted trays and dentist-strength whitening gel.
- In-chair whitening treatment: from $650—Delivers fast, noticeable results in just one visit, with full dentist supervision.
Want to keep your smile shining year-round? All of our Teeth Whitening Packages include Whitening For Life—our way of helping you hold onto that glow. Here’s how it works:
When you book your regular dental hygienist appointment every 6 months, you’ll receive a FREE whitening syringe to keep your smile fresh and radiant—on us.
Are home teeth whitening kits safe?
Yes—when it’s done properly.
The safest (and most effective) way to whiten your teeth at home is under the guidance of your dentist. This way, you’ll get:
- A treatment tailored to your smile
- Guidance on how to apply the gel properly
- Tips for avoiding gum irritation and tooth sensitivity
Using a store-bought whitening teeth kit? Just make sure to follow the instructions carefully and stop if you experience discomfort.
How long does teeth whitening last?
This depends on the treatment type and your habits:
- In-chair teeth whitening: Results can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years, especially if you avoid staining foods and drinks.
- Take-home kits: Usually last around 6-12 months with proper care.
- Store-bought kits: These typically offer results for a few months, depending on the product and the use.
Store-bought teeth whitening kits (like strips or pens) are milder and don’t penetrate as deeply into the tooth enamel, so may last up to a few months.
Tips to hold onto that just-whitened glow
Brush and floss daily
Good oral hygiene is key. Clean teeth not only stay whiter—they’re healthier too.
Re-think your drinks
Love coffee, tea, or red wine? Try sipping through a straw and rinsing with water afterwards to reduce staining.
Stop smoking
Tobacco is one of the biggest causes of yellow teeth. Quitting smoking will do wonders for your smile and your overall health.
Use touch-up products
A quick refresher with a whitening pen or tray (especially one from your dentist) can help maintain your results between treatments.
Book regular dental cleans
A professional clean every six months helps remove surface stains and plaque, keeping your smile in top condition.
Ready to put the sparkle back into your smile?
Whether you’re after a subtle refresh or a dramatic glow-up, we’ve got a whitening treatment to suit you. Book your teeth whitening appointment online or give us a call.
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