Teeth whitening
A bleaching treatment that lightens the natural colour of teeth, done in the clinic or at home.
Key points
- Whitening lightens natural enamel only. Crowns, veneers and fillings keep their colour.
- In-clinic whitening takes about an hour. Take-home trays take one to two weeks.
- Short-term sensitivity is common.
Top clinics for teeth whitening
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Whitening lightens natural enamel. It doesn't change the colour of crowns, veneers or fillings, so if you plan both, whiten first and match the new work to the result.
In clinic or at home
In-clinic whitening uses a stronger gel and takes about an hour. Take-home kits use custom trays and a weaker gel over one or two weeks. Many clinics combine both.
Teeth often feel sensitive for a day or two afterwards. Ask the dentist to check for cavities or gum problems first, because whitening on top of them hurts.
Questions to ask the clinic
- Which whitening system do you use?
- Is a clean and check-up included?
- Do you provide trays for touch-ups at home?
Frequently asked questions
Is whitening safe?
When a dentist checks your teeth first and supervises the treatment, it's generally considered safe. Tell them if your teeth are already sensitive.
Sources
- American Dental Association (MouthHealthy). Teeth whitening.
- NHS. Teeth whitening.
This article is general information, not medical advice. A dentist who has examined you is the right person to recommend treatment.