The advantages and disadvantages of whitening.

The biggest advantage is aesthetic: a fresh, even tooth colour makes a huge difference in how your smile looks in photos, at work and in the mirror. Many people notice they subconsciously smile more often and more openly after a course.

Whitening is also fast and minimally invasive. Nothing is filed down, no crowns or veneers are involved, and most people see their final result within one to two weeks. Supervised by a dentist it is predictable and safe.

For many patients the impact on confidence is at least as valuable as the visual result. A smile you are proud of carries into conversations, presentations and social situations.

Temporary cold sensitivity is the most common side effect. It usually starts halfway through the course and disappears within a few days after the final treatment. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth and shorter wear times help significantly.

Whitening is not permanent. Without maintenance the result slowly fades under the influence of coffee, tea, wine and smoking. Count on one to two years of a beautiful result, with a short top-up every six to twelve months to keep it longer.

Crowns, veneers, composite fillings and white fillings do not change colour with the treatment. If they sit in your smile line, we discuss beforehand whether they need to be replaced or adjusted after whitening to achieve an even final result.

Whitening works best on surface and normal age-related discolouration. Staining from tetracycline (an antibiotic) or severe fluorosis responds less predictably and often requires multiple courses or different treatments.

A single darker tooth after a root canal or trauma is whitened with a separate internal technique, not a regular home course. Active cavities, leaking fillings and inflamed gums are also treated first before we start whitening.

Realistic expectations make your result so much more satisfying. During the intake we show on a shade guide which tone is achievable for your teeth, so you know in advance what you will get.