Teeth whitening

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that helps to lighten teeth by removing stains and discolouration. All teeth whitening products contain peroxide, either as carbamide peroxide (CP) or hydrogen peroxide (HP).

Treatment for teeth whitening generally begins with a consultation with your dentist. It's important for your dentist to complete a thorough check-up to determine which kind of treatment is the best for your individual needs and wants.

For in-chair whitening, your dentist will first place either a rubber shield or gel on your gums. This protects your gums and other soft tissues from the effects of bleaching. They will then apply the whitening product to your teeth. Typically the active agent in whitening products is either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The active ingredients are broken down and as oxygen gets into the enamel on your teeth, stains are removed, leaving you with a brighter smile.

You can also receive take-home products from your dentist in addition to (or separately from) in-practice products. For this treatment, your dentist will take an impression of your mouth to create custom-fitted trays. These trays are made specially to place the whitening product directly against your teeth while minimising contact with your gums. Depending on your dentists' instructions and specifications, this form of whitening treatment can usually be done in 3-4 weeks.