HOW IT WORKS
What Is Professional Whitening
Professional teeth whitening uses a carbamide or hydrogen peroxide gel applied via custom-fitted trays to lift staining from the enamel. Results typically achieve 4–8 shades brighter over a 2–3 week treatment period.benefits
Why Take-Home Whitening?
Take-home whitening allows you to control the pace and intensity of treatment. It tends to produce more even, natural-looking results than single-session chair-side whitening, and the trays double as a maintenance system — a top-up kit once a year keeps results lasting.
Expected Results
What Results Can I Realistically Expect?
Results depend on the type of staining and your starting shade. Extrinsic staining (coffee, tea, wine, tobacco) responds well. Intrinsic discolouration from medication or developmental factors may not respond to whitening and may require other treatments. Your dentist will be direct about what’s achievable before you commit.Limitations
What Whitening Doesn’t Change
Whitening gel only affects natural tooth enamel — not crowns, veneers, composite bonding, or fillings. If you have restorations in visible areas, your dentist will flag any potential mismatch before treatment begins.
frequently asked questions
Does teeth whitening cause sensitivity?
Temporary sensitivity during or after whitening is common. It typically resolves within 48 hours. Using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth during the treatment period helps. If sensitivity is severe, your dentist may recommend spacing out the whitening sessions.
How long do whitening results last?
With good oral hygiene and occasional top-ups, results can last 12–18 months. Factors that accelerate re-staining include coffee, red wine, smoking, and dark sauces.
Is whitening safe for my teeth?
Yes, when done with dentist-prescribed products at appropriate concentrations. Over-the-counter whitening products sold in Australia are limited by law to low peroxide concentrations — effective for mild whitening, but significantly less so than professional-grade gel.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have fillings or crowns?
The whitening gel won’t damage your restorations, but it won’t lighten them either. If you have visible fillings, bonding or crowns, discuss this with your dentist first — you may want to whiten first and replace the restorations afterwards to match.
How old do I have to be to whiten my teeth?
We recommend whitening from age 16 upwards, once enamel development is complete. Younger patients are generally advised to wait.