Teeth whitening is a non-invasive cosmetic dental treatment used to lighten the natural colour of the teeth and reduce certain types of staining and discolouration. At Smile Solutions, whitening is approached as part of your wider oral health and cosmetic plan rather than as a one-size-fits-all procedure.
The starting point is an assessment of your teeth, gums, existing restorations and the type of discolouration present. This helps determine whether whitening is likely to produce the result you want and whether any dental treatment should be completed first.
Whitening only changes natural tooth structure. Existing fillings, crowns, veneers, composite bonding and other restorations do not whiten in the same way as natural enamel. If you are planning restorative cosmetic treatment, whitening is therefore often best completed first so the final restorations can be matched to the new shade.
Teeth affected by trauma, tetracycline or excessive fluoride may respond differently from straightforward surface staining and may require a longer or more tailored approach.
• External staining from coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco and strongly coloured foods and drinks.
• Natural changes associated with age as staining becomes incorporated into the tooth structure.
• Trauma to a tooth, including discolouration following injury or previous dental treatment.
• Medication-related or developmental discolouration, including some tetracycline and fluoride staining.
• Existing restorations that have remained at their original shade while natural teeth have changed.
Professional home whitening uses custom-made trays designed to fit your teeth accurately. The whitening gel is placed inside the trays and worn for the time prescribed by your dentist. The treatment is gradual and can be particularly useful where longer contact time is appropriate.
Chairside whitening is carried out under dental supervision in the practice. The gums and surrounding soft tissues are protected before professional whitening gel is applied in controlled cycles. This approach can produce a visible change within a single appointment and may be combined with custom take-home trays for maintenance.
Where whitening forms part of a wider cosmetic plan, it is generally sensible to establish the desired natural tooth shade before selecting the colour of composite or ceramic restorations.
A brighter smile does not necessarily mean choosing the lightest possible shade. The appropriate shade depends on your existing teeth, facial features, age, the appearance you want to achieve and whether future restorations will be involved.
1. Consultation and assessment — your dentist checks your teeth and gums, discusses your goals and confirms whether whitening is appropriate.
2. Records and tray design — impressions or digital records are used to create accurately fitting custom whitening trays.
3. Tray fitting and instructions — the fit is checked and you are shown how to place the prescribed whitening gel correctly.
4. Whitening at home — the trays are worn according to your individual instructions. Treatment length varies according to the teeth, gel and desired result.
5. Review — your progress and final shade are assessed, and further guidance is provided if additional whitening or maintenance is appropriate.
Temporary sensitivity is one of the most common side effects of whitening. Some patients may also notice temporary gum irritation or white areas caused by dehydration. These effects generally settle after treatment, but your dentist should be contacted if symptoms are persistent or concerning.
• Maintain regular brushing, interdental cleaning and dental examinations.
• Attend professional hygiene appointments as advised.
• Limit staining foods and drinks where practical, particularly during the early period after whitening.
• Avoid smoking and other habits that contribute to staining.
• Use custom trays for top-ups only as directed by your dentist.
Whitening is not permanent. Natural teeth continue to accumulate staining through everyday diet and lifestyle, so maintenance may be needed. Some patients retain their result for years, while others prefer top-ups every few months.
Whitening is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, and may not be suitable where there is active gum disease, tooth decay or certain types of existing dental work. A dental assessment should therefore come before whitening.
No. Whitening changes natural tooth structure, while existing fillings, veneers and crowns remain at their existing shade. If cosmetic restorations are planned, whitening is often best completed first so they can be matched to the new tooth colour.
Treatment time depends on the method. Custom take-home whitening is gradual and is worn according to your dentist’s instructions, while chairside whitening can produce a visible change during a single appointment.
No. Whitening is not permanent. Teeth continue to experience everyday staining, so periodic maintenance may be needed to preserve the shade.
Yes. Temporary sensitivity is a common side effect. Your dentist can advise on the appropriate concentration, wear time and management of sensitivity for your individual case.
Where whitening is part of a cosmetic plan, it is generally preferable to establish the natural tooth shade first so the colour of composite or ceramic restorations can be planned accordingly.
Every smile is different, and understanding what you would like to change is the first step. Complete our short form and tell us a little about your concerns, goals or previous dental experiences. A friendly member of the Smile Solutions team will then contact you to discuss your options, answer your questions and help you decide what feels right for you, with no pressure to book.
