Teeth Whitening

What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening (or bleaching) is a cosmetic dental treatment that removes stains and discolouration from the teeth. It is a non-invasive and straightforward procedure that can be done in a dental office or at home. Teeth whitening can help you achieve a brighter, more youthful-looking smile and boost your confidence.


Teeth whitening is not permanent. A touch-up may be needed after a year and more often if you smoke or drink coffee, tea, or wine.

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Who is Suitable for Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is suitable for most people who have healthy teeth and gums. However, it is essential to consult with a dental professional to determine if teeth whitening is right for you. If you have any dental problems, such as cavities or gum disease, these issues must be treated before teeth whitening.


Teeth whitening may not be suitable for people with naturally grey or brown teeth, as these types of discolouration may not respond well to teeth whitening treatments. Additionally, if you have sensitive teeth or allergies to the ingredients in teeth whitening products, you may not be a suitable candidate for teeth whitening.

What are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening can provide several benefits, including

  • Enhanced Appearance: Teeth whitening can improve the appearance of your smile and make your teeth look brighter and more youthful.
  • Boosted Confidence: A brighter smile can boost your self-confidence and make you feel better.
  • Affordable: Teeth whitening is an affordable cosmetic dental treatment with significant benefits for a minimal investment.
  • Safe: Teeth whitening is a safe and non-invasive dental treatment that can be done in a dental office or at home.

Methods of Teeth Whitening

There are two primary methods of teeth whitening: in-chair teeth whitening and at-home teeth whitening.

At-Home Teeth Whitening

At-home teeth whitening involves using a custom-fitted tray filled with a bleaching gel and worn over the teeth for a specified time each day. At-home teeth whitening can take several weeks to achieve the desired results, but it is a convenient and affordable option.

In-chair Teeth Whitening

In-chair teeth whitening is a professional teeth whitening treatment that is done in a dental office. This treatment involves using a high-concentration bleaching gel that is applied to the teeth and activated with a special light. In-chair teeth whitening can provide rapid and significant results, with teeth becoming up to eight shades brighter in just one session.

Smartbleach 3LT Teeth Whitening

Smartbleach treatment is superior to other whitening systems; it is a patented tooth whitening system. It is the most advanced tooth-bleaching system on the market.


Smartbleach is a photo-dynamic teeth whitening procedure that lightens teeth with virtually no dehydration or etching of the teeth’s surface. The immediate results won’t bounce back like home-bleaching kits and blue heat-lamp-based teeth whitening systems. The 3LT Smartbleach laser uses green light and alkaline gel to create an intense whitening effect without dehydration or demineralisation of the teeth.


The 3LT Smartbleach laser whitening system can treat stains that other systems can’t. It stabilises smaller stain molecules, stopping them from reforming into larger ones – meaning the results last longer.

  • It is a tooth-bleaching system with more than ten years of research in Australian and European Universities.
  • Smartbleach teeth whitening treats stains that other tooth whitening or teeth bleaching systems cannot budge.
  • The results are generally very natural looking.
  • There is virtually no dehydration of the enamel, so results are less likely to bounce back, unlike other tooth whitening systems on the market.
  • Smartbleach is the most comfortable tooth whitening or tooth bleaching process for most patients due to no pulp heating.


Family Dental Practice’s Smartbleach whitening treatment takes less than an hour, and benefits can last years. Call our friendly staff to discuss your teeth whitening treatment and arrange a consultation.

Before and after results for average, yellow-coloured teeth. Lightened ten shades in one session.

Before and after results for tetracycline stained teeth. Lightened twelve shades over two sessions.

Before and after results for a 50+ years old patient. Lightened eight shades over two sessions.

Alternative Options for Teeth Whitening

If you have sensitive teeth, gum disease, or worn enamel, teeth whitening may not be the best option. Luckily, there are alternative options available that can help you achieve a brighter, more youthful-looking smile. Some of these options include

  • Dental Bonding: Dental bonding is a cosmetic dental treatment that involves the application of a tooth-coloured resin material to the teeth to improve their appearance. This treatment suits people with chipped, cracked, or stained teeth.
  • Veneers: Dental veneers are thin, custom-made shells placed over the front of the teeth to improve their appearance. They can help to cover stains, chips, and gaps in the teeth.
  • Crowns: Dental crowns are tooth-shaped caps placed over the teeth to improve their appearance and protect them from further damage.

What to do Before a Teeth Whitening Treatment?

Before undergoing a teeth whitening treatment, preparing your teeth to ensure you get the best possible results is essential. Here are some things you can do before a teeth whitening treatment:

  • Get a Dental Cleaning: Have your teeth professionally cleaned before undergoing a teeth whitening treatment. This will remove surface stains and ensure the whitening gel can penetrate your teeth more effectively.
  • Avoid Certain Foods and Drinks: Certain foods and drinks can stain your teeth, so avoiding them before your teeth whitening treatment is best. These include coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured fruits.
  • Brush and Floss: Brush and floss your teeth thoroughly before your teeth whitening treatment to remove any plaque and food particles that could interfere with the whitening gel.

What Happens During a Teeth Whitening Treatment?

  • Preparation: Before the teeth whitening procedure, the dentist will examine your teeth and gums to ensure you are a suitable candidate for the treatment. They may also take photographs of your teeth to document the current shade of your teeth.
  • Application of Gel: Once you are deemed suitable for the treatment, the dentist will apply a special gel to your teeth. This gel contains a mix of ingredients that help to break down the stains and discolouration on your teeth.
  • Activation with Laser: Once the gel is applied to your teeth, the dentist will use a laser to activate the gel. The laser emits a gentle, low-intensity light that helps activate the gel's ingredients and enhance the whitening effect.
  • Multiple Cycles: The tooth whitening procedure typically involves several cycles of gel application and laser activation. Each cycle takes about 15-20 minutes to complete.
  • Completion and Evaluation: After completing the final cycle, the dentist will evaluate the treatment results. They may compare the current shade of your teeth to the photographs taken before the treatment to determine the extent of the whitening achieved.

What to Expect After a Teeth Whitening Treatment?

After a teeth whitening treatment, it's normal to experience some sensitivity in your teeth and gums. This is because the whitening gel can temporarily dehydrate the teeth and make them more sensitive. However, this sensitivity should subside within a few days.

Teeth Whitening Aftercare

Your dentist will provide post-procedure instructions to ensure you maintain the results of your tooth whitening treatment which may include:

  • Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks
  • Brush and Floss Daily
  • Use a Whitening Toothpaste
  • Rinse with Mouthwash
  • Schedule Regular Dental Cleanings
  • Touch Up Treatments

Teeth Whitening Prognosis

Teeth whitening is a safe and effective cosmetic dental treatment that can provide significant benefits for patients. In most cases, patients can expect their teeth to become several shades lighter after undergoing a teeth whitening treatment. Factors that can affect teeth whitening results include the severity of the stains and discolouration on the teeth, the type of teeth whitening treatment used, and the patient's oral hygiene habits.

Teeth Whitening Risks

While teeth whitening is generally safe, some risks are associated with the treatment. Some of these risks include

  • Tooth Sensitivity: Some patients may experience tooth sensitivity after a teeth whitening treatment. This sensitivity is usually temporary and should subside within a few days.
  • Gum Irritation: The whitening gel used in teeth whitening treatments can sometimes irritate the gums. This is more likely to occur if the gel comes into contact with the gums during the treatment.
  • Uneven Results: In some cases, the teeth may not whiten evenly after a teeth whitening treatment. This can be caused by factors such as uneven application of the whitening gel or uneven distribution across the teeth.
  • Overuse of Whitening Products: Overuse of teeth whitening products can lead to enamel erosion and tooth sensitivity. It's essential to follow the instructions provided by your dental professional when using teeth whitening products to avoid these risks.
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