Professional teeth whitening

What is teeth whitening?

Professional teeth whitening uses higher-concentration whitening agents than over-the-counter products, applied under the supervision of a dental professional. That supervision matters: the dentist checks your teeth and gums are healthy first, protects your gums during treatment, and adjusts the approach if you have sensitive teeth. There are two options. In-clinic whitening is done in a single appointment and gives a faster, more noticeable change on the day. Take-home whitening uses trays made to fit your teeth, with professional-grade gel you wear at home, so the change is more gradual and you can fit it around your week. Some people use both. Whitening works on natural tooth enamel. It won't change the colour of crowns, veneers or fillings, which is worth planning for if you have dental work at the front of your mouth. How much lighter your teeth become depends on your natural shade and what caused the discolouration, so we talk about realistic expectations before you start. With good care, results can often last for several months or longer.

When might you need teeth whitening?

• Teeth that have yellowed or dulled over time

  Tea, coffee, red wine, smoking and ageing all gradually darken teeth. Professional whitening can lift this kind of discolouration.

• You want a brighter smile for an event

  In-clinic whitening gives a noticeable change in one appointment. Leave a little time before the event in case of short-term sensitivity.

• You'd prefer to whiten gradually at home

  Custom take-home trays let you whiten at your own pace with professional-grade gel, and they can be reused later for touch-ups.

• A single dark tooth after a root canal

  A tooth that has darkened after root canal treatment may need internal bleaching instead, which is a different procedure. It is quoted after a consultation.

What happens, in short

1. Check your teeth are ready

   The dentist examines your teeth and gums, looks for decay, gum problems or worn areas that need attention first, and records your starting shade.

2. Choose your option

   We talk through in-clinic and take-home whitening, what change is realistic for you, and how to plan around any crowns, veneers or fillings.

3. Whitening

   In-clinic: your gums are protected and the whitening gel is applied and monitored in one appointment. Take-home: we make trays to fit your teeth and show you how to use the gel.

4. Aftercare

   We explain how to manage any sensitivity and how to keep the result, including when a touch-up might help.

What does it cost?

Take-home whitening with custom trays is from $349. In-clinic whitening costs more, and the exact fee is confirmed at your appointment. Teeth and gums need to be healthy first, so a check-up may come before whitening.

You get a written, itemised quote with item numbers before any treatment starts, so you can check it with your health fund. Health funds · Payment options

Is professional whitening safe?

Yes, when it is planned and supervised by a dental professional. The dentist checks your teeth and gums first and protects your gums during treatment.

Short-term sensitivity is the most common side effect and usually settles. If you already have sensitive teeth, tell us, because the approach can be adjusted.

How long do whitening results last?

With good care, results can often last for several months or longer.

Coffee, tea, red wine and smoking bring staining back sooner. Take-home trays make touch-ups simple.

Will whitening change my crowns, veneers or fillings?

No. Whitening works on natural teeth and won't change the colour of existing dental work.

If you have dental work at the front, we'll talk about how it will look next to your whitened teeth before you start.

In-clinic or take-home: which is better?

Neither is better for everyone. In-clinic is faster, in a single appointment. Take-home is more gradual and flexible.

Your dentist will suggest what suits your teeth, your sensitivity and your timeline.

Symptoms that can lead here

• Stained or yellow teeth
• White spots on teeth

More about teeth whitening

• Dental care during pregnancy
• Veneers or whitening?