Everything You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening

Advances in whitening have made brightening your smile more accessible than ever, and it’s something we’re glad to help patients explore. As with any treatment, though, it helps to go in with clear, realistic expectations. If you’re considering teeth whitening, here are a few things worth knowing first.

The aim here is an honest overview rather than a sales pitch, so you can decide whether it’s right for you.

Professional vs over-the-counter

Whitening products you buy in supermarkets can certainly help brighten your smile, though they generally work gradually and to a more modest degree. Professional whitening, by contrast, tends to produce results more quickly and predictably, since it uses higher-strength products applied under professional guidance.

Which suits you depends on your goals, your timeframe and your teeth, all of which are worth talking through.

A note on sensitivity

It’s common to experience some tooth sensitivity after a whitening session. For most people this is temporary and settles fairly quickly, though it varies from person to person. If you’re prone to sensitivity, it’s worth mentioning beforehand so we can take that into account.

Whitening doesn't work on everything

One important point: whitening lightens natural teeth, but it doesn’t change the colour of dental restorations. If you have crowns, veneers or bridges, they won’t lighten along with your natural teeth, which is something to factor into your expectations and planning.

What to expect from in-chair whitening

An in-chair whitening visit typically takes around an hour. How much brightening is achievable depends on the cause of your discolouration and your natural starting shade, so results vary from person to person rather than following a fixed outcome.

How long results last also varies, from several months to longer, depending on your habits and whether you do occasional touch-ups. Take-home kits are one way to help maintain results between visits, and we’re happy to talk through whether they’d suit you.

Have questions?

If you’d like to understand what whitening could realistically achieve for your smile, the best step is a proper conversation. Get in touch with TMJ Therapy Centre to book a visit or ask your questions, and we’ll give you honest, tailored guidance.