A brighter smile is one of the most common requests we hear, especially before weddings. Whitening is safe and effective when it’s done properly. It is also the area of dentistry with the most misleading advice online. Here is what actually works.
Why teeth change colour
- Surface stains from tea, coffee, turmeric, paan and tobacco sit on the outside of the enamel. A professional clean removes a lot of this, sometimes all you need.
- Deeper discolouration builds up inside the tooth with age, as enamel thins and the yellower layer beneath shows through. This is what whitening treats.
- Internal stains from some medicines in childhood, excess fluoride, or a tooth that has had trauma or a root canal respond less well to whitening.
What works
Professional in-clinic whitening. A stronger peroxide gel is applied while your gums are protected. You see a noticeable change in a single appointment of about an hour.
Dentist-supervised home whitening. Custom-made trays and a lower-strength gel you wear at home for a couple of weeks. Slower, but very even, and the trays can be reused for top-ups.
Many people combine the two: a clinic session for a head start, then trays to perfect and maintain the result.
What to avoid
- Charcoal powders and toothpastes are abrasive. They can make teeth look brighter briefly by scrubbing off stain, but over time they wear enamel: which makes teeth look more yellow.
- Lemon, vinegar or baking-soda pastes are acidic or abrasive and damage enamel.
- Unregulated online kits may contain unsafe concentrations of bleaching agent, or none at all.
Things to know before you start
- Crowns, veneers and fillings don’t whiten. If you have visible ones at the front, they may need replacing afterwards to match, we’ll point this out before you begin.
- Sensitivity is common for a few days. A sensitivity toothpaste helps, and it settles on its own.
- Results aren’t permanent. Depending on your diet and habits, they last from several months to a couple of years, with occasional top-ups.
- Whitening isn’t recommended during pregnancy or for children.
Planning for a wedding
Start at least four to six weeks before the day. That leaves time for a check-up and clean, whitening, and any fillings that need to be matched to your new shade, without rushing.
Is whitening right for you?
The best first step is a check-up and clean. We check for cavities or gum problems (whitening sensitive, decayed teeth is a bad idea), record your current shade, and tell you honestly how much lighter your teeth are likely to get. If whitening isn’t the right tool for your stains, we’ll explain options like bonding or veneers.
