What it is
Teeth whitening lightens the natural colour of your teeth with a bleaching gel. It can be done in the office, at home with custom trays made by your dental team, or both. Whitening only works on natural teeth. It does not change the colour of crowns, fillings, or veneers.
Step 1
Before your visit
- Have a checkup and cleaning first, so any cavities or gum problems are treated and surface stains are removed.
- Let your dentist know if your teeth are already sensitive.
- Ask how much lighter your teeth are likely to get. Results vary from person to person.
- If you have fillings or crowns on your front teeth, ask whether they may need replacing to match afterwards.
Step 2
During the visit
- For in-office whitening, your gums are covered with a protective barrier.
- The whitening gel is applied to your teeth and left on for a set time, sometimes in several rounds.
- For home whitening, impressions are taken and you receive custom trays, gel, and instructions.
- Your dentist checks the result and talks with you about keeping it.
Step 3
After and recovery
- Some sensitivity to cold, or mild gum irritation, is common and usually short-lived.
- For a day or two, go easy on coffee, tea, red wine, and other foods and drinks that stain.
- A toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help if your teeth feel sensitive.
- Results fade slowly over time. Touch-ups can refresh them.
Common questions
Is whitening safe for my teeth?
When supervised by a dentist and used as directed, whitening is considered safe for most people. Overuse can cause sensitivity, so follow the instructions you are given.
How long do the results last?
It varies. Many people keep their results for months or longer, depending on habits like coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking.
Will whitening work on all stains?
Whitening works best on yellowish stains. Grey or deep internal stains may lighten less, and your dentist may suggest other options, such as veneers.