Dreaming of a whiter, brighter smile? You’re not alone. Teeth whitening is one of the most
popular cosmetic dental treatments – and for good reason! But before you grab that DIY kit
or book an appointment with a professional, let’s break down the basics.
Whether you’re curious about how it works, wondering which method is best, or just want to
know if it’s safe, we’ve got your smile covered.
Even with good oral hygiene, teeth naturally darken over time. Common causes of
discolouration include:
- Food & Drink – Coffee, tea, red wine, cola, and soy sauce are major culprits.
- Smoking – Nicotine and tar stain teeth yellow or brown.
- Aging – As enamel wears down, the yellowish dentin underneath becomes more visible.
- Medications – Some antibiotics and treatments can cause internal staining.
At-Home Whitening vs. Professional Treatment
Let’s face it, not all whitening methods are created equal for a number of reasons, which
we’ve detailed below:
1. Over-the-Counter Kits
You’ll find everything from whitening strips to LED trays in pharmacies or online. These can
work okay for mild surface stains, but:
- They use a lower concentration of bleaching agents.
- Results take longer (and may not be very noticeable).
- There’s a higher risk of gum irritation or sensitivity if used incorrectly.
2. Whitening Toothpastes
These are more about stain prevention than actual whitening. They contain gentle abrasives
that polish the surface but don’t change your tooth colour much.
3. Professional Teeth Whitening (In-Chair)
Done at the dentist, this is the fastest and most effective option. Your dentist uses a
high-strength gel (often activated by light or heat) for safe, dramatic results — sometimes in
under an hour.
4. Take-Home Kits from the Dentist
These are stronger than store-bought kits and include custom trays made just for your
mouth. You’ll wear them daily for a set period, and results show within 1–2 weeks.
Is It Safe?
Yes, when done correctly. Professional whitening is the safest because it’s supervised by
your dentist. We’ll check for any issues first (like cavities or gum sensitivity) and make sure
your teeth are suitable for whitening.
Some sensitivity is normal, but it usually goes away after treatment. We can also
recommend desensitising products to help.
How Long Does It Last?
That depends on your habits! Results can last anywhere from 6 months to 2 years. To keep
your smile bright:
- Avoid staining foods/drinks right after whitening
- Use a straw when drinking dark beverages or add milk to your black coffee or tea
- Avoid smoking
- Maintain good oral hygiene by brushing teeth twice a day and flossing regularly
- Touch up with take-home trays when needed
Ready to Shine?
Teeth whitening isn’t one-size-fits-all. Whether you want fast results or a gentle gradual
approach, Hadfield Family Dental can help you find the best option for your smile.
Book a consultation today — and get ready to flash your brightest grin yet!
Dr Reem Ali is the Head Dentist at Hadfield Family Dental, having practised for more than two decades as a qualified general dentist. Dr Ali possesses an immense passion for all things dentistry. Over the past 14 years, Dr Ali and her team have served the local Hadfield community by providing comprehensive dental care to patients of all age groups, driven by the steadfast belief that everyone deserves to have a healthy and beautiful smile. Dr Ali has a special interest in the field of Invisalign (clear teeth straighteners) and keeps tabs on advancements made in this area of dentistry.