What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a safe, non‑invasive cosmetic treatment that lightens the shade of your teeth and reduces stains caused by food, drinks, smoking, and ageing. At Sinolle Dental Centre we offer both professional in‑office whitening for fast, dramatic results and custom take‑home kits for gradual, convenient brightening.
Before any whitening procedure we perform a thorough dental examination to confirm suitability — whitening is most effective on natural tooth enamel and is not recommended for some restorations (crowns, veneers) which do not change colour.
Benefits
- Noticeable whitening after a single in‑office session for many patients.
- Improved confidence and a brighter smile that complements other dental treatments.
- Customised options: fast in‑office care or gradual results with take‑home trays.
- Performed under professional supervision for safety and comfort.
What to Expect Procedure Steps
- Consultation & Exam: We check teeth, restorations and oral health to confirm you're a suitable candidate.
- Preparation: Teeth are cleaned and isolated. Protective barriers are placed to shield gums and soft tissue.
- Whitening: A whitening gel containing peroxide is applied. For in‑office treatment we may use a light or laser to accelerate the process; multiple short applications are typical.
- Review & Aftercare: We review the results, advise on sensitivity management and provide post‑whitening care instructions. If you choose take‑home trays, we supply custom trays and instructions.
Who is a good candidate?
Most adults with generally healthy teeth and gums are candidates. Whitening is not effective on existing crowns, veneers, or large composite restorations those may be replaced or matched after whitening. We recommend avoiding whitening if you're pregnant or breastfeeding, and we discuss sensitivity risk with patients who have very thin enamel or pre‑existing sensitivity.
Aftercare & Tips to Maintain Results
- Avoid staining foods/drinks (coffee, tea, red wine, turmeric) for 48–72 hours after treatment.
- Use a soft toothbrush and desensitising toothpaste if you experience mild sensitivity.
- Consider touch‑up take‑home trays every 6–12 months depending on lifestyle.
- Keep up with regular dental hygiene visits to prolong results.
Common side effects
Temporary tooth sensitivity and mild gum irritation are the most common side effects. These typically resolve within a few days. We use professionally formulated products and protective barriers to minimise risks.
Frequently asked questions
- How long do results last?
- Results vary many patients enjoy brighter teeth for 6–12 months. Lifestyle factors affect longevity.
- Will my fillings change colour?
- Restorative materials do not whiten. Discuss replacements or shade matching after whitening if needed.
- Is whitening safe?
- When performed under professional supervision, whitening is safe. We assess risks and recommend the correct approach for you.