About the Procedure
Professional teeth whitening uses regulated peroxide-based gels to lighten staining within the enamel. The gel diffuses into the tooth and breaks down stain pigments into water and oxygen. When correctly prescribed, whitening is a safe and effective way to improve the brightness of natural teeth.
At CFP, whitening may be provided either:
- In-chair whitening – higher-concentration hydrogen peroxide applied by a dental professional
- Take-home whitening – customised trays with a professionally prescribed gel (e.g., carbamide peroxide) used over a defined protocol
The underlying cause of discolouration must be diagnosed first. Whitening does not treat decay, gum disease or degraded fillings.
Risks and Side Effects
Professional whitening is predictable, but all whitening carries some expected side effects:
- Tooth Sensitivity – Temporary sensitivity to cold, air or pressure is common during the course of whitening. It typically settles when treatment pauses or is completed. Desensitising agents may be required.
- Gum Irritation – If gel contacts the gums, temporary irritation may occur. This usually resolves quickly and may require adjustment of the protocol.
- Mild Throat or Stomach Irritation (If Gel Is Swallowed) – The gel is not intended to be ingested. Ingesting small amounts can cause temporary nausea. Patients are advised to avoid swallowing excess gel.
- Uneven Whitening – Teeth with developmental defects, internal stains (e.g., trauma-related), or heavily restored teeth may whiten unpredictably. Whitening does not change the colour of crowns, veneers, resin bonding or fillings.
- Variable Results – Whitening potential depends on stain type (intrinsic vs extrinsic), diet, smoking, enamel thickness, and compliance with the protocol. Results cannot be guaranteed.
What Can Go Wrong When Whitening is Done Poorly or Unsupervised
- Chemical Burns to Gums, Lips or Tongue – Incorrect concentrations, poorly fitting trays or over-the-counter gels can cause chemical burns or severe irritation.
- Whitening Agents of Unknown Strength or Quality – Unregulated gels may contain concentrations that are too weak to be effective or too strong to be safe.
- Damage to Teeth With Cracks, Decay or Thin Enamel – Without examination, whitening gel can penetrate cracks or carious lesions, leading to severe sensitivity or pulpal inflammation.
- Misdiagnosis of the Cause of Discolouration – Not all dark teeth can be whitened. Some require treatment for decay, internal bleaching, veneers, or crowns. Incorrect treatment choice can lead to disappointment or further damage.
- Poorly Fitting Generic Trays – Ill-fitting trays can cause gel leakage, uneven whitening and gum injuries.
- Overuse or Misuse of Whitening Gel – Excess frequency or duration can irritate gums, strip enamel surface proteins or increase sensitivity.
Treatment Considerations
- Whitening is suitable only for natural teeth.
- Teeth with root canal treatment, intrinsic developmental stains, or heavy restorations may require alternative approaches.
- Dietary and lifestyle choices (coffee, tea, red wine, smoking) influence long-term results.
- Whitening may be used as part of a staged aesthetic plan when veneers or other restorative procedures are being considered.
Alternative Options
Depending on the type and cause of discolouration, alternatives may include:
- No treatment
- Professional cleaning and stain removal
- Microabrasion or internal (non-vital) bleaching
- Composite bonding
- Porcelain veneers or crowns for cases where colour cannot be improved with whitening alone
Important Information
This page provides general information only. A clinical examination is required to assess the cause of discolouration, determine whether whitening is appropriate, and prescribe the correct protocol for your individual situation. Results vary between individuals.