What whitening can change
- Yellowing from tea, coffee and karak
- Stains from smoking or shisha
- Dullness that comes with age
What it cannot change
Crowns, veneers and fillings keep their colour. If you have any at the front of your mouth, they may stand out once your teeth get lighter.
Grey staining from some medicines or an injury may respond poorly. Your dentist will tell you what to expect.
Check your teeth first
Your dentist looks for decay and gum problems before whitening. Gel on an open cavity hurts, so we treat those first.
Many people have a scale and polish beforehand. Clean teeth take the gel more evenly.
Sensitivity
Some people feel short, sharp twinges for a day or two. Tell your dentist if you already have sensitive teeth.
A toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help. Avoid very cold drinks for the first day.
Keeping the colour
For the first 48 hours, stay away from strong colours:
- Karak, coffee and cola
- Curry and tomato sauce
- Shisha and cigarettes
Afterwards, rinse with water after dark drinks. Keep up your regular cleaning visits.
In the chair or at home
Dentists offer two main types. In-clinic whitening uses a stronger gel applied by your dentist in one visit.
Home whitening uses custom trays and a milder gel over several days. Ask which options we offer and which suits your teeth.
Whiten before new dental work
Fillings and crowns do not change colour. If you are planning new ones at the front, whiten first.
Your dentist can then match the new work to your lighter shade.
Home remedies to avoid
- Charcoal powders, which can wear enamel
- Lemon juice or vinegar, which are acidic
- Rubbing baking soda on your teeth for long periods
Worn enamel can make teeth look more yellow.
How long the result lasts
It varies from person to person. Smoking, shisha, tea and coffee bring stains back sooner.
Regular cleaning visits help you keep your shade. You can read more in our guide on what to expect at your appointment.
Who should wait
- Children and young teens whose teeth are still developing
- Anyone with untreated decay or gum disease
- People who are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Anyone with very sensitive teeth, until the cause is found
Your dentist will tell you whether whitening suits you now or later.
Whitening and braces
Wait until your braces come off. Brackets cover part of each tooth, so the colour under them would not match.
Ask your dentist about whitening once your treatment ends and your retainer is fitted.
White spots and uneven colour
Some teeth have white spots or bands from childhood. Whitening can make them more noticeable for a few days.
Your dentist will look for them before you start and explain what to expect.