Treatments · Teeth Whitening
Teeth Whitening
Whitening lightens the colour molecules within the tooth using peroxide-based gels applied under dental supervision. It does not abrade the tooth surface and, when properly indicated, does not damage enamel.
Whitening lightens the tooth's own colour by several shades with a peroxide gel under dental supervision; in-office whitening gives a result in one session (60–90 min), home whitening with custom trays takes 1–2 weeks. Fillings and crowns do not whiten. The effect lasts 1–3 years depending on habits; it is not done in pregnancy or with untreated decay.
Why do teeth discolour?
Tea, coffee, smoking and coloured foods stain the surface; with age enamel thins and the dentine beneath darkens. A single root-treated tooth that darkens is a different situation and is whitened from the inside. Deep discolouration from certain medicines (tetracycline) responds only partly to whitening.
Methods
In-office: the gums are protected with a barrier, a high-concentration gel is applied to the teeth and activated with light in 2–3 cycles of 15 minutes. A visible result in one session.
Home whitening: thin custom trays are made from an impression; a low-concentration gel is worn in the trays for a few hours a day or overnight. In 1–2 weeks it gives a result similar to in-office whitening, with less sensitivity and the shade under your control.
Combined: started in the clinic and completed at home with trays — one of the approaches with the most lasting result.
Step by step
- Examination: the cause of discolouration is identified; decay and gum problems are treated first and the starting shade recorded.
- Cleaning and polishing: surface stains are removed — sometimes this alone makes a clear difference.
- In-office: gum barrier, 25–40 % hydrogen peroxide gel, 2–3 applications of 15–20 minutes; 60–90 minutes in total.
- Home: custom clear trays; 10–16 % carbamide peroxide gel for 4–6 hours at night or 1–2 hours by day, for 7–14 days.
- Review: shade check after 2 weeks; fillings or crowns in the front may be renewed to match the new shade.
Afterwards and how long it lasts
For the first 48 hours follow a "white diet" — no tea, coffee, red wine, dark sauces or smoking, as the enamel readily takes up stain during this time. Temporary sensitivity settles in 1–3 days; a sensitivity toothpaste and short breaks help. The result lasts 1–3 years depending on habits; short top-ups with the home trays are possible.
Alternatives
For internal discolouration that does not respond to whitening (tetracycline, fluorosis), veneers or crowns; for surface stains only, cleaning and polishing is enough.
- Not done during pregnancy and breastfeeding.
- Not recommended under age 16.
- Untreated decay, exposed dentine and gum disease cause pain; they are treated first.
- Fillings and crowns in the front do not whiten, so a colour mismatch may occur.
FAQ
Teeth Whitening
How many shades lighter?
It varies by person and type of discolouration; in-office whitening usually lightens by several shades in one session. Yellowish tones respond better than greyish ones. The result cannot be guaranteed; expectations are discussed at the examination.
Will my teeth be sensitive?
Cold sensitivity during and for 1–2 days after the treatment is common and temporary. It is reduced with a desensitising toothpaste and shorter cycles, and is milder with home whitening.
Does it damage enamel?
Whitening done under supervision at the right concentration and duration has not been shown to cause lasting enamel damage. Uncontrolled, high-dose, frequent use can roughen enamel.
How often can it be repeated?
A top-up every 1–3 years is usually enough. More frequent use is not recommended because it increases the risk of sensitivity.
Do over-the-counter products work?
Whitening toothpastes remove surface stains but do not lighten the tooth's colour. Strips are low-dose and risk contact with the gums; use without dental supervision is not recommended.
Appointment
Examination appointment for Teeth Whitening
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