Teeth Whitening (In-Chair & Take-Home)
About the Procedure
Professional teeth whitening uses dental-grade peroxide gels to lighten staining within the enamel. Whitening can be provided:
- In-chair whitening: higher-strength gel applied by your dentist in the clinic.
- Take-home whitening: customised trays with professionally prescribed gel used at home over several days or weeks.
Whitening can be effective for many types of surface and internal stains. A dental examination is needed first to determine what will work best for you.
Risks and Side Effects
Whitening is generally safe when supervised but like all dental treatments it can have temporary side effects:
1. Tooth Sensitivity – sensitivity to cold, air, or pressure is common during treatment. It usually settles once whitening pauses or is completed.
2. Gum Irritation – if gel touches the gums, mild temporary irritation may occur. This can usually be managed easily and settles quickly.
3. Mild Throat or Stomach Irritation (If Gel Is Swallowed) – swallowing excess gel can cause temporary nausea. Care should be taken to avoid this.
4. Uneven Whitening – teeth that have internal stains, developmental defects, or existing restorations may whiten at different rates. Whitening does not change the colour of fillings, veneers, crowns, or bonding.
5. Variable Results – diet, age, enamel thickness, stain type, and compliance with instructions can affect results. Whitening outcomes differ between individuals.
Treatment Considerations
- Whitening is suitable only for natural tooth enamel.
- Teeth with root-canal treatment, heavy staining, or multiple restorations may require alternative approaches.
- Good oral hygiene and avoiding staining foods/drinks help maintain results.
- Whitening may be used before other cosmetic treatments so new restorations can match your final tooth colour.
Alternative Options
Depending on the type and cause of discolouration, alternatives may include:
- Professional cleaning and stain removal
- Microabrasion
- Internal (non-vital) bleaching for darkened root-canal-treated teeth
- Composite bonding
- Porcelain veneers or crowns when whitening alone is insufficient
- No treatment
Your dentist will discuss the most suitable option based on your needs.
Important Information
This information is general only. A dental examination is required to determine whether whitening is appropriate, safe, and likely to achieve the results you are seeking.
