Teeth Whitening: How It Works, Types, and Side Effects

Mar 22

2 min read

Teeth Whitening: How It Works, Types, and Side Effects

A bright, white smile can boost your confidence and leave a lasting impression. But with so many teeth whitening options available, it’s important to understand how they work, the different types, and any potential side effects.

How Teeth Whitening Works

Teeth whitening treatments use bleaching agents, typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, to break down stains and discolouration on the enamel. These agents penetrate the outer layer of your teeth, lifting deep stains caused by coffee, tea, red wine, smoking, and ageing.

At White and Bright, our professional in-chair teeth whitening treatment ensures safe, effective, and instant results in just one session.

Types of Teeth Whitening Treatments

1. In-Chair Professional Whitening

This is the most effective whitening treatment performed by professionals in a controlled setting. Using medical-grade whitening gels and LED light technology, in-chair whitening provides faster and longer-lasting results compared to at-home treatments.

👉 At White and Bright, we offer:

30-Min Express Whitening - $149 (Great for a quick touch-up)
60-Min Professional Whitening - $249 (Ideal for regular coffee, tea & wine drinkers)
90-Min Ultimate Whitening - $379 (Perfect for deep stains & first-timers)

2. Take-Home Whitening Kits

These kits include custom trays and whitening gel for gradual whitening at home. While effective, results take longer to achieve compared to in-chair treatments.

3. Whitening Strips & Toothpaste

Over-the-counter whitening products provide mild results but may take weeks to show noticeable changes. They are a good maintenance option but not as effective as professional whitening.

Potential Side Effects of Teeth Whitening

While professional teeth whitening is safe and non-invasive, some individuals may experience:

✅ Temporary Tooth Sensitivity – This occurs when the bleaching agents open enamel pores but usually subsides within a day or two. White and Bright uses desensitising gel to minimise discomfort.

✅ Gum Irritation – Whitening gels can irritate the gums if not applied carefully, which is why professional treatment ensures protection.

✅ Uneven Whitening – If you have dental restorations (crowns, veneers, fillings), they won’t whiten like natural teeth.