Teeth Whitening

Dental on Kilmore

Teeth Whitening

Teeth can become dark for varying reasons and not many of us have naturally perfect white teeth. Whitening your teeth can not only give you a bright white smile but also a boost of confidence.


Your teeth may be stained on the outside due to such things as coffee, tea, berries, red wine, soy sauce and smoking. Calculus (tartar), plaque and recession of your gums may also have an impact of the colour of your teeth. Some people can also have internal staining such as from trauma, antibiotic use (such as tetracyclines) or small internal cracks which pick up stains. Old dental treatment can also impact the colour of your teeth.


If you are wanting to discuss whitening your teeth then book an appointment for a free consultation at our Christchurch practice on Kilmore Street.

What are the different types of tooth whitening?

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Whitening toothpaste

Whitening toothpastes vary in the way they whiten teeth. Some are abrasive and designed to remove surface staining. These toothpastes need to be used with caution as they can also remove the enamel surface of the tooth. Loss of enamel can result in darker teeth. Some whitening toothpastes will contain a small amount of peroxide but this tends to be in low concentrations and the contact time with the tooth is short.

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Home bleaching kits

Home bleaching kits can be either purchased over the counter or custom made. Whitening gel is placed in a tray that is placed in the mouth for a specified amount of time. Custom made home whitening allows the best contact with the tooth surface and least wastage of any whitening product. Custom made trays also mean that whitening gel isn’t in contact with the surrounding tissues such as the gums which can result in bleaching of the gum tissue and sensitivity. Research shows that custom made home whitening produces the best results with the least amount of sensitivity.

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In office bleaching

This is where a high strength whitening gel is applied to the teeth while in the dental chair. This can result in greater sensitivity but is good for people who don’t want to play around with whitening gels.

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Non-vital bleaching

This is often used for single teeth which have previously been root filled and has become discoloured. Whitening gel is placed internally and often several appointments may be required.

Teeth Whitening Information

  • How does teeth whitening work?

    Whitening gel contains carbamide peroxide which breaks down to form hydrogen peroxide when at body temperature. When hydrogen peroxide touches the tooth, it is able to break down stains within the teeth and also reverse some of the effects of aging, such as yellowing of teeth. 

  • Can all teeth be whitened?

    Most people are able to whiten their teeth. However, we recommend booking in for a free consultation prior to any treatment.  Tooth whitening won’t change the colour of white (composite) fillings, porcelain veneers or crowns. There is a natural limit as to how much teeth can whiten; we normally suggest using the whites of your eyes as a reference. Whitening is not appropriate for those who are pregnant, breastfeeding or with active decay, defective fillings, cracks or highly sensitive teeth. 

  • Is teeth whitening safe?

    Yes, home whitening is safe. The by-products are oxygen, urea and water which are all able to be metabolised and excreted by the body. These products also do not do any long-term damage to the teeth.

  • Is tooth whitening painful?

    Some people can find whitening to cause sensitivity of their teeth, particularly those who already have sensitive teeth. The stronger the concentration of whitening gel the more likely you are to experience sensitivity. There are some techniques which can help reduce the sensitivity such as using a desensitising gel, decreasing the time whitening trays are worn or decreasing the frequency of application. Reducing the speed of treatment will not reduce the end result. We can discuss these options with you individually. 

  • How many appointments are required?

    With home whitening we typically need an appointment to take impressions of your teeth. This allows us to make your customised whitening trays (which you can keep for future whitening maintenance). You will require a second appointment to collect the trays and whitening gels as well as the instructions for use.

  • How long does whitening last?

    Results vary between all individuals depending on their starting shade, home care and lifestyle. Most people will re-whiten their teeth about once a year or before special occasions. Some people may decide to re-whiten more frequently. So long as you look after your custom-made whitening trays, you only need refill or top-up tubes of whitening gel which can be purchased from our Christchurch City practice.

  • What is the cost of whitening your teeth?

    This can vary depending on what treatment is required. Some people may be able to solely whiten their teeth and others may require a mixture of whitening, composite fillings or crowns and veneers to achieve a wonderful smile. We offer a free tooth whitening consultation so you can see if tooth whitening is right for you and what the associated costs may be.

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Keen to find out more?

   Our experienced dentists Sally Woods and Chris Richmond at Dental on Kilmore can discuss your options regarding teeth whitening with you, give us a call on 03 379 6766 or book an appointment online.