Teeth Whitening

It varies from person to person. How long results last depends on the type of staining, and on things like coffee, tea, red wine, smoking and your oral hygiene routine. Results fade gradually over time. If you’ve whitened at home, you can keep your trays and top up with more gel when your dentist recommends it. We’ll talk you through what to expect for your teeth, and how to help look after your results.

Some patients do experience sensitivity during or after whitening treatments. We recommend sensitive toothpaste to help with the discomfort and this can be purchased at our studio. Any sensitivity usually dissipates within 12-24 hours. If sensitivity persists beyond this, we encourage patients to contact us.

Some in-chair systems use a light to activate the gel; others are chemically activated. We use a chemically activated system. The reason is that light activation generates heat, which dehydrates the teeth — that makes the immediate result look more dramatic, but some of that appearance fades as the teeth rehydrate. In our experience patients also report less sensitivity without the light. Both approaches are in widespread use. Ask your dentist which they use and why.

Before we apply the whitening gel, we place a protective barrier over your gums to help keep the gel on your teeth and away from the soft tissues in your mouth. Your clinician will check in with you throughout. Some people still notice gum irritation or sensitivity, which usually settles, so let us know how you’re feeling at any point.

Professional whitening gels use either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which breaks down into hydrogen peroxide slowly. Your dentist will recommend which gel suits you and whether you whiten during the day or overnight. Take-home gel is used in trays we make in-house to fit your teeth, and we’ll show you exactly how much to use, so only a small amount sits against your teeth. As with any treatment, following your dentist’s instructions matters, so please ask us if anything is unclear.

This is a very common worry, and it’s a good question to ask. When professional whitening is used as your dentist directs, the evidence doesn’t show that it harms healthy enamel. The most common side effect is temporary sensitivity, and some people notice gum irritation. Whitening isn’t suitable for everyone, which is why we check your teeth and gums first, and treat anything that needs attention before you start.

Teeth whitening only works on natural enamel and not on any restorative material. If you have fillings or veneers and you’d like to whiten your teeth, then it is possible that you may need to update the restorations to a whiter colour to match the new whiter colour of your teeth.

No. Whitening is not recommended for those who are pregnant or breastfeeding.

Less often than people expect. Most people maintain their result with a short top-up once or twice a year. More frequent use increases sensitivity and gum irritation without adding much colour change, because there is a limit to how much a tooth will lighten. Talk to us before increasing how often you whiten and bring your trays to your regular appointments so we can check the fit and look at your gums.