Professional whitening lifts stains that have built up inside the enamel over years of tea, coffee, red wine, paan and tobacco. It is done with a controlled-strength gel, with your gums protected, which is what separates it from over-the-counter kits.
Whitening is popular before weddings, interviews and photographs because the change is visible immediately. It is also the least invasive cosmetic treatment available: nothing is cut, drilled or removed from the tooth.
An examination comes first. Whitening a mouth with untreated decay or gum inflammation causes unnecessary sensitivity and gives an uneven result, so those are treated first.
What happens at your appointment
So there are no surprises: this is the sequence teeth whitening follows at Care Plus Dental Clinic.
Check-up and shade record
Your teeth and gums are examined, existing shade is recorded against a shade guide, and any decay or gum problems are treated first.
Cleaning
A scaling and polish removes surface deposits, so the whitening gel works on the enamel itself rather than on plaque.
Gum protection
A protective barrier is placed over the gums and soft tissue before any gel is applied.
Whitening
The gel is applied in timed cycles and activated. You rest through the appointment; the whole sitting is usually under an hour.
Final shade and home top-up
The new shade is recorded against the same guide so you see the difference measured, not just described. Custom home trays can be provided for maintenance.
Aftercare
What you do in the days after treatment affects the result as much as the appointment itself.
- Avoid strongly coloured food and drink for the first 48 hours, when teeth re-stain most easily: coffee, tea, red wine, turmeric, beetroot, cola.
- Avoid tobacco in any form during that window, and ideally beyond it.
- Mild, short-lived sensitivity to cold in the first day or two is common and settles on its own.
- Results last longer with regular cleaning appointments and by drinking tea and coffee through the day rather than sipping constantly.
Teeth Whitening: common questions
Does whitening damage enamel?
Professional whitening carried out under supervision does not damage enamel. The risks come from unsupervised high-strength products and from whitening over untreated decay or gum disease, which is why the examination comes first.
How long do the results last?
Typically several months to a couple of years, depending entirely on diet and habits. Heavy tea, coffee or tobacco use will re-stain teeth faster. Home top-up trays extend the result.
Will it whiten my crowns and fillings?
No. Whitening works on natural enamel only. Existing crowns, veneers and tooth-coloured fillings keep their original shade, so if you have visible restorations these may need replacing afterwards to match. This is discussed before you start.
Is it painful?
No. Some patients get mild cold sensitivity for a day or so afterwards, which settles by itself and can be managed with a desensitising toothpaste.