In-office whitening lightens the natural shade of your teeth using a professional-strength peroxide gel applied under controlled conditions. Because the gums and soft tissues are protected and the gel is monitored throughout, a much higher concentration can be used safely than in any product sold over the counter — which is why results appear in one visit rather than over weeks.
What whitening can and cannot change
Whitening works on the natural tooth. It is most effective on yellow and brown discolouration from age, coffee, tea, red wine and tobacco. Grey discolouration, and staining from tetracycline or fluorosis, respond less predictably.
Crucially, whitening has no effect on crowns, veneers, bridges or fillings. If you have restorations on your front teeth, they will stay their current shade while the natural teeth around them lighten — so your dentist at Parkway Dental will discuss replacing them afterwards to match, and that is a cost worth factoring in before you start.
What to expect
Whitening is done after a cleaning, so the gel contacts the tooth rather than a layer of plaque and stain. Your current shade is recorded. A protective barrier is placed over the gums, the gel is applied for a set period, and the cycle is usually repeated two or three times within the appointment. Most visits take between forty-five and ninety minutes.
Sensitivity and results
Temporary sensitivity to cold is the most common side effect and usually settles within a day or two. Tell us if you already have sensitive teeth — a desensitising agent can be applied and the protocol adjusted.
For the first 48 hours the teeth are more porous and pick up stain readily, so avoid coffee, tea, red wine, cola, tomato sauces and tobacco during that window. Results typically last one to three years depending on diet and habits, and can be maintained with occasional top-up trays. Whitening is not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.