After Teeth Whitening Care Tips

The results of teeth whitening are variable and individuals respond differently. Teeth are variable in color and this variability within an individual tooth will remain when the teeth have been whitened.

At first, whiteing results are 110% due to dehydration of the teeth. The result will settle by 10% in teh following days-week as the teeth rehydrate. You can improve the result by avoiding tea/coffee/smoking during the first week.

White marks in teeth will often appear to be more pronounced immediately after whitening. Whilst this usually reduces over time, it often persists.

Fillings, crowns and bridges will not change color, so they may require changing after whitening, at the patient’s expense, to match the new shade of the teeth.

Sensitivity can occur during and following the whitening process. This is usually limited to the period when the whitening gel is being used and will settle soon after whitening is stopped. This response is variable, though measures are taken to limit this as much as possible. There is potential that a tooth may be irreversibly damaged, however this is unlikely and often due to existing decay, recession or cracks. To decrease sensitivity we recomend brushing with sensitive toothpastes before and following whitening and to take paracetamol or ibuprofen as necessary.

Teeth will fade back towards their original color over time and may require repeated whitening from time to time. We recommend using custom dentist-made trays with professional whitening gels periodically every 6 months and before events, usually conincided immediately after your professional dental cleans. Brisbane Smiels has a range of whitening gels reserved for patients only.

Sometimes the gums can go white during whitening; this is reversible but may cause discomfort temporarily.