Teeth Whitening

Why see a dentist rather than buy a kit

Whitening gels strong enough to make a real difference can irritate gums and cause sensitivity if they're not used properly. Supermarket and online kits are much weaker and often use generic trays that leak gel onto the gums.

More importantly, whitening isn't right for every mouth. Decay, gum disease, worn enamel and exposed roots should be treated first. Some discolouration, like grey staining from certain medications or a tooth that has darkened after an injury, doesn't respond well to standard whitening. We check all of that before you spend money.

Take-home or in-chair?

Take-home whitening uses trays custom-made from impressions or a scan of your teeth. You wear them with a professional gel for a set time each day, usually over one to two weeks. It's gradual, easy to control and tends to give stable results.

In-chair whitening is done in a single appointment of around an hour to an hour and a half. It's useful before a wedding or event. Many people use both: in-chair for a head start and trays to top up later.

What whitening won't do

Fillings, crowns and veneers don't change colour. If you have tooth-coloured fillings on your front teeth, they may look darker after whitening and need replacing to match. We'll point this out at the start so it's not a surprise.

Results also fade over time, faster if you drink a lot of coffee, tea or red wine, or smoke. Occasional top-ups with your trays keep things bright.

How professional whitening works

1. Assessment. We check your teeth and gums, note your current shade and look at any fillings or crowns.
2. Clean first. A professional clean removes surface stain and tartar so the whitening gel works evenly.
3. Your chosen method. We either make custom take-home trays or schedule an in-chair session.
4. Whitening. You follow the take-home schedule, or we apply and monitor the gel in the chair.
5. Review. We check the result and your comfort, and plan any top-ups or matching of front fillings.

Fees, health funds and payment plans

The fee depends on whether you choose take-home, in-chair or both. We'll quote it at your assessment. Whitening is cosmetic, so health funds usually don't cover it, though the check-up and clean beforehand may be covered.

Related: Porcelain veneers · Cosmetic dentistry · Check-ups and cleans

Where we offer this

Available at both Integrity Dental practices. Principal dentist Dr Cal leads the team at Baulkham Hills and Dural.

Frequently asked questions