Tooth Whitening
A bright, white smile is one of the simplest ways to boost your confidence, and it's one of the most requested procedures in modern dentistry. Over time, teeth naturally darken and pick up stains from everyday life, but professional whitening can safely reverse much of that discolouration.
Q: Why do teeth become discoloured?
Teeth can darken for a number of reasons:
• Staining foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine and curries
• Smoking or tobacco use
• Ageing, which thins the enamel and reveals more of the yellow dentin underneath
• Certain medications taken during childhood, such as tetracycline
• Trauma to a tooth, which can darken it from the inside
• Simply not keeping up with regular brushing, flossing and professional cleans
Q: How does professional whitening work?
Whitening gels use a peroxide-based bleaching agent to break down stains within the enamel and dentin. In-chair whitening is done under controlled conditions in the practice, often with a higher-strength gel for faster results, while take-home whitening uses custom-fitted trays and a lower-strength gel that you apply yourself over one to two weeks. Both approaches are safe and effective when supervised by your dentist – the right option for you depends on your teeth, your timeline and your budget.
Q: Is whitening safe for everyone?
Whitening is safe for most healthy adult teeth, but it isn't right for every situation. It won't work on crowns, veneers or fillings, as these materials don't respond to bleaching gel the way natural enamel does. It's also not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for children under 16. A short consultation beforehand lets us check that your teeth and gums are healthy and rule out any untreated decay, which should always be dealt with before whitening.
Q: Will my teeth be sensitive afterwards?
Mild, temporary sensitivity to hot or cold is common for a day or two after whitening and usually settles on its own. Using a sensitivity toothpaste in the days before and after treatment can help. If sensitivity is severe or doesn't settle, let us know so we can adjust your treatment.
Q: How long will results last?
Results vary from person to person, but most patients enjoy a noticeably brighter smile for between six months and two years. Avoiding heavily staining foods and drinks, not smoking, and keeping up good oral hygiene will help your results last longer. An occasional top-up treatment can keep your smile looking its best.