Treatments / Cosmetic & smile design
Teeth Whitening
Professional whitening lightens the natural tooth. It works on staining within the enamel, and it does not change the colour of crowns, veneers or fillings, which is why the sequence matters if other work is planned.
Who this is for
- Staining from tea, coffee or tobacco
- General yellowing with age
- Before an event, planned with enough time
What actually happens
- A check that the teeth and gums are healthy first, because whitening an untreated cavity hurts
- Shade recorded before treatment
- In-office whitening, with sensitivity managed as it goes
What whitening can and cannot change
Whitening works best on yellowish discolouration from age, tea and coffee. Dark surface stain from tobacco and paan often comes off with a professional cleaning, which is usually done first, and whitening is judged on what is left. Grey or bluish staining, which can come from some medicines taken while the teeth were still forming, and white or brown marks from too much fluoride in childhood, respond less predictably and may suit another option better.
A single tooth that has turned darker than the rest, often after an old injury or a root canal, usually does not catch up when the other teeth are whitened. It is looked at on its own, because it needs a different approach.
Whitening does not change the colour of crowns, veneers or fillings. If other work on your front teeth is planned, whitening usually comes first, so the new work can be matched to the lighter shade.
Sensitivity, and who should wait
Teeth often feel sensitive to cold during whitening and for a day or two after, and the gums can feel a little sore. This usually settles on its own. Using a toothpaste for sensitive teeth for a couple of weeks beforehand can help.
Whitening is not started on teeth with untreated cavities, cracks or inflamed gums, which is why the check comes first. Receding gums with exposed roots, teeth that are already very sensitive, or a past reaction to whitening gel are also talked through before deciding. It is usually put off during pregnancy and while breastfeeding, and it is generally not done for children whose adult teeth are still coming in.
Be wary of charcoal powders and gritty whitening pastes, which can wear the surface of the teeth over time, and of home remedies with lemon juice, which is acidic and softens enamel.
How long the result lasts
The shade fades gradually, and faster if you drink a lot of tea or coffee, smoke or chew tobacco or paan. Brushing twice a day, rinsing with water after tea or coffee and regular cleaning at the clinic all help it last. Some people have a top-up later on, and you can ask about that at your review.
If whitening alone will not give you the change you want, how a smile design consultation works explains how the other options are weighed together.
Whitening is done by Dr. Bhargav Kuchu, our oral and maxillofacial surgeon, or by an endodontist who attends the clinic.
Whitening is done in the clinic. If you are coming over from Gachibowli, here is where to find us.
Questions people ask
Does teeth whitening damage enamel?
Professional whitening, done after a check-up and as directed, is generally considered safe for enamel. Sensitivity during treatment is common and usually passes. Abrasive powders and acidic home remedies are more likely to harm the teeth.
How many shades whiter will my teeth get?
It varies from person to person and depends on your starting shade and the kind of staining. Your shade is recorded before treatment, so the change can be measured rather than guessed.
Can I whiten my teeth if I have crowns or veneers?
You can whiten your natural teeth, but crowns and veneers stay the colour they are. If they are on your front teeth they may no longer match afterwards, so plan for that before you start.
What should I avoid after whitening?
For the first day or two, go easy on strongly coloured food and drink such as tea, coffee, turmeric-heavy curries and red sauces. Tobacco and paan stain teeth again quickly, and are better stopped altogether.
