Two ways to whiten
In-chair whitening
A dentist-administered whitening gel (25–40% hydrogen peroxide) is applied to your teeth with the gums fully protected. A UV light activates the gel in three 15–20 minute intervals. Most patients see up to eight shades of improvement in a single sitting — about an hour, start to finish.
Professional take-home
Custom-made trays moulded to your teeth, with professional-grade whitening gel for home use. Results build over 7–14 days. Gentler on sensitive teeth and lets you top up later.
Why do teeth go yellow?
Some staining is on the surface — tea, coffee, red wine, curry, smoking, plaque build-up. Other staining is intrinsic, working into the tooth itself due to age, medications, or trauma. Professional whitening works on both, while supermarket strips and toothpastes mostly only address surface stains.
How long does it last?
Anywhere from a few months to three years, depending on your diet, habits and oral hygiene. A maintenance whitening kit every 6–12 months keeps results looking sharp.
Aftercare
- Brush twice a day and floss daily
- Avoid smoking, especially in the first two weeks
- Limit deeply pigmented foods and drinks for 48 hours
- Use a maintenance kit periodically
Why professional, not DIY?
Over-the-counter whitening can cause uneven results, white spots, and significant sensitivity if the gel touches your gums. Done in a clinic, the gum line is sealed off, the gel concentration is calibrated to your teeth, and any sensitivity is managed immediately.