If you’re looking to get your teeth whitened by professionals, you have plenty of options at private dental clinics and aesthetic clinics. In this article, we’ll break down the types of in-clinic teeth whitening treatments available, the pros and cons and their cost ranges.
A) Types of In-Clinic Teeth Whitening Treatments
When you visit a clinic for teeth whitening, the procedure generally falls into one of three categories: LED (light-activated) whitening, laser whitening, or chairside chemical bleaching (in-office whitening without any special light). All three methods use professional-grade bleaching agents to lift stains, but they differ in how the whitening process is accelerated. Below, we explain each type, along with typical costs, benefits, and drawbacks.
1. LED or Light-Activated Whitening
LED whitening is one of the most common in-clinic or in-office treatments. The dentist applies a peroxide-based whitening gel to your teeth, then uses an LED lamp (often a blue light) to activate the gel and speed up the stain-removal reaction. In the past UV lights were used, but modern systems use LEDs which do not overheat the teeth – making them safer and more comfortable.
A well-known example is Philips Zoom whitening, which many Singapore clinics offer. Zoom uses a blue LED light along with a concentrated gel to whiten teeth quickly in a single visit.
Typical Cost
In Singapore’s private dental clinics, a single LED whitening session usually costs around S$800 to S$1,300. (Prices can vary by clinic and whether extras like polishing or take-home kits are included.)
Pros
LED whitening is fast and effective, often lightening teeth by several shades in about an hour. It doesn’t transmit heat like a laser, so it’s gentler on the teeth. Many patients find it comfortable. Sessions typically involve 15–20 minute cycles under the light, and it’s safe for tooth enamel when done by a professional. Another plus is that LED systems are widely available, so almost any cosmetic dental clinic offers this treatment.
Cons
You might experience mild tooth sensitivity or gum irritation after treatment (a common side effect of any peroxide-based whitening). While LED-activated whitening works great, it may be a tad slower or require multiple cycles to tackle very heavy stains (since the light is intense but relatively cool). Some people with severe discoloration might need a repeat visit or additional at-home whitening to reach their desired shade. Also, compared to DIY kits, it’s pricier but that’s the trade-off for immediate results.
Friendly Tip. Not all LED whitening is identical. Dental clinics use high concentrations of peroxide (15–40% per guidelines) with LED for big results. Meanwhile, some aesthetic salons offer LED whitening with peroxide-free or low-peroxide gels, which are gentler. These salon treatments tend to be much cheaper (often under $200 per session) but you may need a few sessions to match the one-shot power of a dentist’s LED treatment.
2. Laser Whitening
Laser teeth whitening is the superstar of speed. It uses a laser beam to super-charge the whitening process. In a laser whitening session, the dentist protects your gums, applies a concentrated bleaching gel (similar peroxide gels, possibly 35–40%), and then focuses a dental laser on each tooth to activate the gel. The laser’s energy breaks down stain molecules very quickly, often whitening teeth in one short session.
Typical Cost
Laser whitening tends to be at the higher end of the price range. In private clinics, it typically costs around S$500 up to S$1,300 per session, with many paying somewhere in the ~$1,000 range for a full treatment. It’s a bit more expensive than standard LED whitening at most practices. The exact price depends on the clinic and the laser system they use.
Pros
The biggest advantage is speed and effectiveness. Laser whitening can yield dramatic results in just one visit – patients often see a noticeable difference after a single 60-minute session. It’s excellent for tackling heavy, stubborn stains (for example, long-term smokers or tetracycline stains) that might not respond as well to milder treatments. Many people also report the results last a long time, potentially 2 to 3 years with good oral care.
Cons
Laser whitening’s intensity means you’ll pay a premium, and there’s a bit higher risk of sensitivity immediately after. It’s common to have some tooth discomfort or zings for a day or two post-treatment. Your dentist will likely recommend sensitive toothpaste or gel to help. Those with very sensitive teeth might opt for LED or chemical whitening instead, as lasers emit some heat (Zoom LED, by comparison, doesn’t heat the tooth as much)
Another consideration is availability: not every dental clinic has a laser whitening device, so you may need to seek out one that advertises this specific method. In terms of final outcome, studies show laser vs. non-laser methods achieve similar whitening levels in the end. The laser just does it faster. If you’re okay with a slightly longer session or multiple visits, an LED or chairside process can get you to a similar bright result.
3. Chairside Bleaching (Chemical Whitening Without Light)
This refers to the traditional in-office whitening done by the dentist without any special light. Don’t let the lack of gadgets fool you, this method can be just as effective. The dentist applies a high-concentration peroxide gel (often 30-40% hydrogen peroxide or a strong carbamide peroxide) on your teeth and simply lets it work for several minutes, repeating the application a few times.
Some products used for this are chemically activated (they might mix two gel components that trigger the whitening reaction). Others might use a simple heat source or nothing at all beyond the chemical action.
Typical Cost
Since it’s performed in the dental chair by a professional, the cost of chairside bleaching in Singapore is comparable to other in-clinic treatments, roughly S$500 to S$1,500 per session on average. It largely overlaps with the LED whitening price range, because often clinics bundle it as part of their whitening service. For instance, a dental clinic might charge around $1,000 for a one-time chairside bleach procedure, sometimes including a polishing or take-home top-ups.
Pros
Chairside chemical whitening is a one-stop session like the above methods – you can get a significant color improvement in about 60–90 minutes of chair time. It doesn’t involve intense lights or lasers, which means no extra heat on your teeth (a plus if you’re wary of sensitivity). Dentists often incorporate desensitizing steps with this method. For eaxmple, using a fluoride or amorphous calcium phosphate gel after whitening in order to reduce post-treatment sensitivity.
They also carefully isolate your gums with a barrier, since the gel itself is strong. One could argue that without relying on a light, the results are more purely due to the chemical effect and indeed, many experts say professional bleaching gels work effectively on their own. Some brand names include Opalescence Boost and Pola Office which are light-free systems.
Cons
You’re still using powerful bleach on your teeth, so the usual side effects (temporary sensitivity, gum irritation) can occur just as with LED or laser. The process may involve a few cycles of applying gel and rinsing, so you’ll be sitting in the chair for up to 1 to 2 hours – not a big deal, but slightly longer than a quick LED-accelerated session which might squeeze into under an hour. Also, the “wow” factor is similar to LED but not as marketable as a high-tech laser; some patients psychologically feel it’s less high-tech since there’s no fancy light, but in reality the outcome difference is negligible. One possible con: if your stains are very deep, the dentist might recommend a second session or additional take-home kit to reach optimal results (which is also true for other methods in tough cases).
B) Which Method To Choose?
It often comes down to your sensitivity level, budget, and how fast you want results. Laser is the priciest but fastest; LED/Zoom is very effective and widely used (a great middle-ground); and pure chairside bleaching is time-tested and avoids extra heat. Dentists in Singapore will typically use one of these approaches or even a combination (e.g. an LED light with a strong gel, which is common). All can give you a significantly whiter smile. If in doubt, consult your dentist – they’ll recommend the method best suited to your tooth condition and whitening goals.
C) Costs of Teeth Whitening in Singapore
Private Dental Clinics.
Professional in-clinic whitening isn’t cheap, but prices can range quite a bit. As mentioned, private dental clinics usually charge between $500 and $1,500 for a single in-office whitening session. On average, many dentist clinics land around the $800–$1,200 mark for a full treatment (often inclusive of a follow-up or take-home trays).
If a clinic uses a brand-name system like Philips Zoom, expect roughly ~$850 to $1,000 for the session. Laser treatments might edge toward the higher end of that range.
Aesthetic Clinics / Beauty Salons
On the other hand, aesthetic clinics and beauty salons in Singapore offer cosmetic LED whitening at much lower prices per session. These typically range from about S$70 to $200 per session for LED whitening in a salon setting.
The trade-off is that the whitening gel is often non-peroxide (to comply with regulations for non-dentists). It can still lighten your teeth, but usually multiple sessions are needed for a big change. Many salons advertise first-time trial rates around $100 or less to attract customers.
So if budget is a big concern and your staining is mild, you could consider the aesthetic clinics and beauty salons route, just keep expectations realistic. For the fastest and most pronounced whitening, a one-and-done at the dentist is the way to go (and the cost reflects that).
Promotions & Packages
Many service providers has some deal going.
- Dental clinics sometimes bundle whitening with cleaning or throw in a free consultation. For example, some offer a package of an in-office whitening plus a custom take-home kit at a special price.
- Aesthetic clinics heavily discount first sessions (as noted, many slash the price for first-timers). They also sell session packages (e.g. 3, 5, or even unlimited monthly sessions). If you know you’ll need more than one session, buying a package upfront can save money in the long run. Also, look out for special tie-ins. Some beauty clinics give additional perks like free LED facials or product add-ons with a whitening purchase.
