Teeth whitening
professional teeth whitening · in-office whitening · tooth bleaching
The dentist puts a special gel on your teeth that lightens the enamel by a few shades.
When you want lighter teeth, for example after staining from coffee, tea, or smoking.
⏱ Duration: usually 1 to 1.5 hours
Be sure to tell your doctor
How to prepare
- Cleaning. A professional cleaning is usually done first, often a few days before whitening.
- Treatment. Cavities and sore gums are treated first. Only healthy teeth are whitened.
- Expectations. Ask your dentist how much lighter your own teeth will get. Results differ for everyone.
What to bring
- Lip balm
- Headphones, if you want to listen to music
How it goes
- The dentist checks the current shade of your teeth with a color guide
- A lip retractor is put in to hold your lips back
- Your gums are covered with a protective gel
- Whitening gel is put on your teeth
- Sometimes a lamp is shone on the gel
- The gel is changed a few times, then rinsed off
- The shade before and after is compared
What you'll feel
- The lip retractor makes your lips tired
- Sometimes short, sharp twinges in the teeth
- Afterward, your teeth may be sensitive to cold for 1 to 3 days
Afterwards
- For 1 to 2 days, follow a white diet: no coffee, tea, wine, berries, beets, sauces, or smoking
- You can use toothpaste for sensitive teeth if your dentist advises it
- Results usually last from 6 months to a few years, depending on your habits
Common questions
Is whitening bad for my teeth?
If it is done by a dentist on healthy teeth, usually not. Short-term sensitivity is common and goes away on its own.
Do fillings and crowns get whiter?
No. They stay the same color. Sometimes they are replaced later to match the new shade of your teeth.
What should I avoid eating after whitening?
For 1 to 2 days, avoid coffee, tea, wine, brightly colored berries, and sauces, and do not smoke.