Teeth naturally darken or stain over time. Professional teeth whitening is a way to lighten the colour of your teeth, carried out under dental supervision after your mouth has been checked.
What is professional teeth whitening?
Whitening uses a peroxide-based agent that is applied to the teeth to break down stains and lighten their shade. Because it is supervised by a dentist, your gums and soft tissues are protected and the treatment can be adapted to your teeth.
Common causes of discolouration
- Tea, coffee, red wine and some other foods and drinks
- Tobacco
- Natural ageing, as the enamel thins and the underlying layer shows through
- Certain medicines, injuries, or conditions affecting how teeth developed
Who may benefit?
People with healthy teeth and gums who would like a lighter shade, particularly where the staining is on the surface. Whitening works best on natural tooth structure.
What to expect
- Examination. Your teeth and gums are checked, and any decay or gum problems are treated first. A scale and polish is often recommended beforehand.
- Shade assessment. Your starting shade is recorded so progress can be judged.
- Protection and application. Your gums are protected and the whitening agent is applied as directed by your dentist.
- Follow-up. Depending on your case, more than one session or a take-home option may be recommended.
Aftercare
Temporary tooth sensitivity is common and normally settles. For the first couple of days it helps to avoid strongly coloured foods and drinks and tobacco. Good brushing and regular cleaning help maintain your shade.
Good to know
Results vary according to your starting shade and the cause of the staining. Whitening is not permanent, and some people choose occasional top-ups. Crowns, veneers and tooth-coloured fillings do not change colour with whitening, so these may need to be matched or replaced. Whitening is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, for children, or when there is untreated decay or gum disease.
Frequently Asked Questions
When it is carried out after an examination and in line with professional guidance, whitening is widely used. Some people experience temporary sensitivity or gum irritation, which your dentist will help you manage.
Professional whitening is designed to lighten stains without removing tooth structure when used as directed. Overuse or unsupervised products can increase sensitivity, which is why an examination first is recommended.
It varies. Habits such as drinking tea, coffee or red wine, or using tobacco, can cause staining to return sooner. Good oral hygiene and occasional top-ups help maintain the result.
No. Restorations do not respond to whitening in the same way as natural teeth, so they can look darker or lighter than the whitened teeth next to them. Your dentist will discuss this with you beforehand.
Whitening is usually postponed or avoided for children, during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and where there is untreated decay, gum disease or severely worn enamel. Your dentist will advise on your situation.
This page is general educational information and is not a substitute for a personal dental examination. Suitability, timelines and outcomes vary from person to person and are confirmed at your consultation with Dr. Shivani Gupta, BDS.