Whitening is one of the most common things people ask us about, and one of the most misunderstood. Done properly, it is safe and works well. The risks come from who does it and with what.
Why it should be dentist-led
Whitening gels strong enough to make a real difference belong in a licensed dental clinic, where a dentist checks your teeth first and supervises the treatment. Salons and online kits either use weaker products that do little, or illegal ones that can burn your gums.
We also check your teeth first. Whitening over untreated decay or gum disease can be painful and harmful, and it won’t change the colour of fillings or crowns, so it helps to know that before you start.
What it feels like
- Most people feel nothing at all.
- Some feel short twinges of sensitivity for a few days.
- A desensitising gel, or wearing the trays every other day, usually solves it.
How long results last
Usually one to three years. Coffee, karak tea and smoking, including shisha, bring stains back faster. Keeping your trays means a top-up costs only the price of the gel.
If you’re curious, book a check-up and ask. We’ll tell you honestly how much change to expect for your teeth.
