How clinic teeth whitening works and what to watch for afterwards.
How does teeth whitening work?
In clinic whitening, a special gel applied to the teeth is activated with light or laser and lightens the staining on the tooth surface. Because it is done under your dentist's control, the gums and tooth tissue are protected.
Before you start
Tartar should be cleaned before whitening, and any decay or gum problems treated. Existing fillings and crowns are not affected by whitening, so colour matching is planned with your dentist.
Aftercare
- Avoid staining drinks such as tea, coffee and red wine for the first few days.
- Smoking speeds up re-staining.
- Temporary sensitivity can occur; talk to your dentist if it does.
- Regular brushing and periodic check-ups help keep the result.
The result
How much lighter your teeth get depends on your tooth structure and starting colour. The likely result and expectations are discussed with you at the examination.
The information on this page is for general purposes only. The treatment that suits you is decided by your doctor after the examination.
