Teeth whitening lifts years of staining from coffee, tea, red wine and time out of the enamel, using a professional-strength gel that the chemist and supermarket kits cannot match. It is the least invasive cosmetic treatment we offer: nothing is drilled, nothing is removed, and your own teeth are simply lightened.
There are two ways to do it, and people often are not sure which they want. Here is what each is actually like.
First, a quick check
Before any whitening, we check your teeth and gums. Whitening works on natural tooth, not on crowns, veneers or fillings, so if you have those at the front it is worth knowing they will not change colour and may need matching afterwards. We also want any decay or gum problems dealt with first, because whitening a healthy mouth is comfortable and whitening an unhealthy one is not.
This check is also where we set a realistic target. Whitening makes teeth their best natural shade rather than an unnatural brilliant white, and knowing that up front is the difference between a happy result and a disappointed one.
In-chair whitening: what it feels like
In-chair whitening is done here in about an hour. Your gums are carefully protected, the professional gel is applied to the teeth, and it is left to work, sometimes activated with a light. You sit back and relax while it does, and you walk out noticeably whiter the same day.
What you might feel is some short-lived sensitivity, little cold zings, during or just after. It is common, it is temporary, and it settles within a day or two. We can take steps to reduce it, and it is not a reason to avoid whitening.
Take-home whitening: what it feels like
The take-home option uses custom trays made to fit your teeth exactly, plus professional gel you use at home over a couple of weeks, usually for a short time each day or overnight. Because the trays fit precisely, the gel stays on the teeth and off the gums, which is what separates this from a generic boil-and-bite kit.
It is gradual rather than instant, which some people prefer, and the same mild, passing sensitivity can come and go. Many people do a short in-chair session and keep the take-home trays to top up later, which is the most economical way to stay bright.
How long it lasts
That depends mostly on you. Coffee, tea, red wine and smoking stain teeth again over time, so results typically hold for a year or two and longer if you top up occasionally with your trays. It is maintained, not permanent, and that is normal for every whitening system that works.
There is no damage to the enamel from professionally supervised whitening used as directed. The sensitivity some people feel is temporary and is not a sign of harm.
Getting started
Whitening is often the first step people take before deciding whether they want anything more, and sometimes it is all they need. The best start is a quick check to see what shade is realistic for your teeth. We are at 12 Lake Esplanade in central Queenstown, open Monday to Friday, 9am to 5pm, with free parking. Ring 03 441 8248 or enquire through the site.
General information, not a diagnosis. Written and reviewed by Dr Adrian Paul, BDS (Otago), principal dentist at Lakeside Dental Practice, Queenstown. If something is worrying you, see a dentist.
