Whitening uses a gel that breaks down the stain molecules built up in tooth enamel from food, drink and age. It is for healthy teeth that are darker than you would like, when a cleaning alone has not brought the colour back.
When you might need this
- Coffee, tea, red wine or smoking have left your teeth yellow or brown.
- Your teeth have darkened with age and a cleaning did not lift the colour.
- You have a wedding or event coming up and want a lighter shade before it.
- Your teeth and gums are healthy, with no untreated cavities or cracks.
- You are getting a new crown or veneer and want your natural teeth lighter first.
What happens
Check and clean first
Dr. Malik checks for cavities, cracks and gum problems, and we clean off plaque and tartar. Whitening gel works on clean enamel, not on a layer of buildup.
In-chair or trays
In-chair whitening uses a stronger gel applied in the office, usually in one visit. Take-home trays use a milder gel you wear for a set time each day over one to two weeks.
Shade and honest limits
We record your starting shade and point out which teeth will lighten. Crowns, veneers and fillings do not change colour, and grey or medication stains lighten less than yellow ones.
The whitening itself
In the office we cover your gums, apply the gel and repeat it in short rounds. With trays, we take impressions, fit custom trays and show you exactly how much gel to use.
Aftercare
Sensitivity is common for a day or two, and a sensitivity toothpaste helps. Avoid dark drinks for the first 48 hours; we check the result at your next visit.
Cost and insurance
Whitening is cosmetic, so most dental plans do not cover it, though they usually cover the check-up and cleaning that comes first. In-chair whitening is usually one visit; take-home trays take one short visit for impressions and a second to collect them. We bill your insurance directly. You see the estimate in writing before anything starts. No insurance? We tell you the cost up front.
Questions people ask
Does teeth whitening hurt?
Some people feel brief, sharp zings in their teeth during or after whitening, and gums can sting if gel touches them. It usually settles within a day or two. If you are sensitive, we lower the gel strength or shorten the sessions.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Usually one to three years, depending on how much coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco you take in. A short top-up with your take-home trays brings the shade back.
Does whitening damage enamel?
Whitening at the strengths a dentist uses has not been shown to wear away enamel. Overusing strong products without a check-up can irritate gums and inflame the nerve, which is why we look at your teeth first.
Will whitening work on crowns or veneers?
No. Porcelain and composite do not change colour, so whitening the teeth around them makes the mismatch show. If you plan on new crowns or veneers, whiten first and we match the new work to the lighter shade.
Related services
Book a visit
Book a check-up and cleaning first; Dr. Malik tells you whether whitening will work on your teeth before you commit to it.