Teeth Whitening in Thailand: Cost, Methods & How Long It Lasts

Want a brighter smile? Professional teeth whitening in Thailand costs $150-$400—a fraction of Western prices. In-office treatments like Zoom WhiteSpeed can brighten your teeth up to 8 shades in just one hour, with results lasting 1-3 years.

What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that removes stains and discoloration from teeth. Professional whitening uses stronger bleaching agents than over-the-counter products, delivering faster and more dramatic results.

According to Healthline, professional in-office whitening can provide results lasting 1-3 years with proper maintenance—significantly longer than at-home products.

Types of Tooth Stains

Understanding your stain type helps determine the best whitening approach:

• Extrinsic (external) stains: Caused by food, drinks (coffee, tea, wine), and smoking. These surface stains respond well to most whitening treatments.
• Intrinsic (internal) stains: Caused by aging, trauma, medications (like tetracycline), or infection. These deeper stains are harder to remove but can be treated with professional whitening.

Whitening Methods Compared

Zoom WhiteSpeed (In-Office)

Zoom is one of the most effective professional whitening systems available. It uses a special LED light to accelerate the bleaching process. Thai clinics have treated over 10,000 patients with Zoom whitening.

• Up to 8 shades whiter in one 45-60 minute session
• Uses hydrogen peroxide gel activated by LED light
• Results can last 1-3 years with proper care
• Philips Zoom is the USA-patented brand used in premium clinics

LED/Laser Whitening

Similar to Zoom but may use different light technologies. Effective for most patients, with results visible immediately after treatment.

Custom Take-Home Trays

Your dentist creates custom-fitted bleaching trays that you fill with whitening gel at home. The gel is stronger than over-the-counter products, and the custom fit ensures even coverage.

• Wear trays for several hours daily or overnight
• Treatment takes 1-2 weeks
• Great for maintaining in-office results
• Can be used for touch-ups at home

Teeth Whitening Costs: Thailand vs. USA

The In-Office Whitening Procedure

Professional teeth whitening is quick and straightforward:

1. Preparation (10 min)
   Your dentist examines your teeth, cleans them, and protects your gums with a barrier gel or rubber dam.
2. Whitening Gel Application (5 min)
   A hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel is applied to your teeth.
3. Light Activation (15-20 min per cycle)
   LED or laser light activates the gel, accelerating the bleaching process. This is repeated 2-3 times.
4. Rinse & Evaluate (5 min)
   The gel is removed, and results are evaluated. Most patients see 4-8 shades of improvement.

Total time: 45-60 minutes for the entire procedure.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

Results vary based on the method and your habits:

• In-office whitening: 1-3 years with good oral hygiene
• Take-home trays: 1 year or longer with touch-ups
• Whitening strips: 3-6 months
• Whitening toothpaste: 3-4 months (requires continuous use)

Factors that affect longevity:

• Diet (coffee, tea, red wine, berries stain teeth)
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Oral hygiene habits
• Natural tooth color and porosity

How to Maintain Your White Smile

Diet Tips

• Limit staining foods and drinks (coffee, tea, red wine, cola, berries)
• Use a straw for dark beverages
• Rinse your mouth with water after consuming staining foods
• Eat crunchy fruits and vegetables that naturally clean teeth

Oral Hygiene Tips

• Brush twice daily with whitening toothpaste
• Floss daily
• Get professional cleanings every 6 months
• Use touch-up treatments as needed (take-home trays)

Lifestyle Tips

• Quit smoking—tobacco causes significant staining
• Avoid excessive alcohol (dries mouth, increases staining)

Side Effects & Safety

Professional teeth whitening is safe when performed by a qualified dentist. Common temporary side effects include:

• Tooth sensitivity: Usually lasts 24-48 hours. Using sensitivity toothpaste before and after treatment can help.
• Gum irritation: Minor irritation if gel contacts gums. Resolves within a day.

Who should avoid whitening:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Children under 16
• People with severe tooth decay or gum disease (treat these first)
• Those with extremely sensitive teeth

Frequently Asked Questions

Does teeth whitening damage enamel?

Professional whitening, when done correctly, does not damage enamel. The bleaching agents work on stains without affecting tooth structure. However, overuse of whitening products can cause sensitivity.

Can I whiten crowns or veneers?

No. Whitening only works on natural teeth. Crowns, veneers, and fillings won't change color. If you're planning both whitening and restorations, whiten first so your dentist can match the restoration color to your whitened teeth.

How white can my teeth get?

Results depend on your starting shade and the type of staining. Most patients achieve 4-8 shades whiter. Your dentist can show you a shade guide to set realistic expectations.

Is in-office whitening better than at-home?

In-office whitening provides faster, more dramatic results (1 hour vs 1-2 weeks). The combination of both—in-office treatment followed by take-home trays for maintenance—provides the best long-term results.

How soon can I eat after whitening?

Avoid staining foods and drinks for 24-48 hours after treatment. Stick to white or light-colored foods during this time (chicken, rice, pasta, white fish).

Get Your Teeth Whitened in Phuket

Professional teeth whitening in Thailand offers excellent value—the same Zoom and LED treatments used worldwide at 50-70% less cost. Combine your whitening with a Phuket vacation and return home with a brighter smile.

Key points to remember:

• In-office whitening costs $150-$400 in Thailand vs $500-$1,000 in the USA
• Zoom WhiteSpeed can whiten teeth up to 8 shades in one hour
• Results last 1-3 years with proper maintenance
• Take-home trays are great for touch-ups
• Avoid staining foods for 48 hours after treatment