Frequently Asked Questions

When performed by a registered dental professional, teeth whitening is considered a safe and well-established procedure.

Whitening works by gently breaking down stain molecules within the enamel, allowing the natural tooth shade to appear brighter.

Your gums are protected throughout treatment, and the products used are dental-grade and regulated for professional use.

A pre-treatment assessment ensures the procedure is appropriate for you and can be carried out safely.

Results vary from person to person and depend on your starting shade, the type of staining present and the make up of your enamel.

The goal is to enhance your natural tooth colour in a way that looks brightened and fresh without looking false.

Most adults are suitable for whitening, however I will carry out an oral health assessment to make sure whitening can be done safely for you.

It is recommended that you have had a dental examination and clean within the past six months before undergoing treatment, to ensure you are dentally fit for whitening and any build-up and stains can be removed for best results.

Whitening is not advised during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or if you are under the age of 16 years.

In Australia, higher-concentration whitening products are restricted for use by registered dental professionals (anything above 6% hydrogen peroxide).

Dental-grade whitening allows for a deeper colour change in a shorter treatment time, with longer lasting results. It is delivered with professional assessment, gum protection, and clinical oversight.

Cosmetic whitening services use lower-strength formulations, therefore longer treatment times and more frequent treatments are needed. Oral health assessment and safety of the procedure is not carried out by a registered dental professional.

The whitening treatment itself should be comfortable. However you may experience post whitening sensitivity which is usually mild and manageable and will resolve within 24hrs.

If you have sensitive teeth please book a consultation prior to whitening so I can perform an oral health assessment and tailor treatment based on your needs. I may recommend using a sensitive toothpaste prior to your appointment and consider alternative treatment options, such as carbamide peroxide for gentle whitening. Aftercare advice and appropriate products will also be considered to help minimise post-treatment sensitivity.

Whitening only works on natural tooth enamel and will not change the colour of crowns, veneers, or fillings.

During your assessment, I will evaluate how whitening may affect the overall appearance of your smile. In some cases, gradual home whitening can help monitor shade changes more closely.

If there is a noticeable difference after whitening, existing restorations may need to be reviewed or replaced by your dentist to match your new shade.

Professional whitening is generally recommended no more frequently than every six months, unless otherwise advised.

Results typically last between 6–12 months and up to 2 years, depending on diet and lifestyle habits. Periodic top-up treatments (6-12 months) using carbamide peroxide can help lift superficial stains and maintain brightness, reducing the need for full treatments.

For the first 24 hours, it is recommended to follow a non-staining diet.
Also avoid very hot or very cold foods if you are experiencing temporary sensitivity, and minimise acidic foods and drinks while the enamel is remineralising.

Avoid:

• Coffee, tea, red wine
• Dark sauces (soy, balsamic, tomato-based sauces)
• Coke and coloured beverages
• Acidic food/drink: Lemon water, citrus fruit, vinegar, lemonade
• Highly pigmented foods (berries, beetroot)
  
  

Can consume:

• Clear liquids
• Milk
• Chicken, fish, pork, tuna
• Rice, pasta, potatoes, bread, noodle
• Yoghurt, cheese
• Eggs
• Cauliflower, cabbage, lettuce, cucumber
• Bananas, apples, green grapes

Following these guidelines helps protect your enamel and maintain your results.