Teeth whitening is one of the most requested cosmetic dental treatments, and one of the easiest to get wrong with an over-the-counter kit. At Mint 32 Dentistry, we offer professional teeth whitening supervised by our dental team. That means stronger results, fewer risks, and a process that accounts for your specific teeth, gum health, and existing restorations before we start.
Understanding why teeth stain helps set realistic expectations for what whitening can and cannot fix.
Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured foods are the most common culprits. These stains build up on the outer enamel surface over time and respond well to professional whitening.
Both smoking and chewing tobacco cause significant yellowing and brownish staining that penetrates the enamel. Professional whitening can lighten these stains, though heavily stained teeth from long-term tobacco use may need multiple treatments.
As enamel thins with age, the darker inner layer of the tooth (dentine) becomes more visible. This type of discolouration is more resistant to whitening than surface staining.
Certain medications — particularly tetracycline antibiotics taken during childhood — cause internal staining that is bonded into the tooth structure itself. External whitening does not reach this type of stain. Veneers or bonding are the better option in these cases.
We only offer the whitening systems available at our clinic. Your dentist will recommend the most appropriate option based on your starting shade and sensitivity history.
Custom-fitted whitening trays are made from impressions of your teeth and provided with a professional-strength whitening gel. You apply the gel at home for a specified amount of time each day over one to two weeks. The custom trays ensure the gel stays on the teeth and off the gum tissue, making this significantly more effective and comfortable than store-bought strips.
We do not start whitening treatment without a proper assessment. Skipping this step is where home kits fall short.
We check for active decay, cracked teeth, and other issues that would make whitening uncomfortable or counterproductive. These need to be addressed first.
Whitening gel only works on natural tooth enamel. It does not change the colour of existing fillings, crowns, or veneers. If you have visible restorations on front teeth, we discuss how whitening may affect the overall result before you commit.
Inflamed or bleeding gums increase sensitivity during whitening. We assess gum health and treat any active inflammation before proceeding.
Patients with pre-existing sensitivity need a different approach to whitening: lower concentration gel, shorter application times, or a sensitivity-reducing pretreatment. We factor this in before handing over the trays.
The active ingredient in whitening products is the same: peroxide. The difference is in the concentration, the delivery method, and the supervision.
| Factor | Professional Whitening | Store-Bought Kits |
|---|---|---|
| Peroxide concentration | Professionally controlled | Lower, OTC limit |
| Custom-fitted trays | Yes | No — one size fits all |
| Gum protection | Properly fitted trays minimize exposure | Poor — strips contact gums |
| Pre-treatment assessment | Yes | No |
| Results | Noticeably stronger | Variable and often uneven |
| Sensitivity management | Supervised and adjusted | No guidance |
Sensitivity during and after whitening is common and almost always temporary. It typically resolves within 24 to 48 hours after each whitening session.
To minimize sensitivity:
If sensitivity is persistent or severe, contact us. We can adjust the protocol.
Results from professional whitening typically last six to twelve months before a touch-up is worthwhile. The timeline depends on your diet, lifestyle, and how consistently you maintain good oral hygiene.
Coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco accelerate re-staining. Rinsing your mouth with water after consuming staining foods and drinks helps slow this process.
Whitening is not the right solution for every type of discolouration. It may produce limited results for:
In these cases, veneers or bonding may achieve the result you are looking for more effectively.
We assess your teeth first, then recommend the right whitening approach for your specific situation.
Yes. Dentist-supervised whitening is safe when applied correctly and to teeth that have been assessed beforehand. The risks associated with home kits, gum irritation, uneven results, and sensitivity from over-application are managed through the professional process.
Temporary sensitivity is common, especially in the first 24 to 48 hours after a whitening session. It usually resolves quickly. Patients with pre-existing sensitivity receive an adjusted protocol to minimize this.
Most patients see results last six to twelve months. Lifestyle factors, especially coffee, tea, and tobacco, affect how quickly teeth re-stain. Touch-up treatments are straightforward when needed.
No. Whitening gel only works on natural tooth enamel. Existing crowns, fillings, and veneers will not change colour. We discuss this with you before starting if you have visible restorations on front teeth.
Yes. We recommend a professional cleaning before or as part of your whitening preparation. A clean tooth surface responds more evenly to whitening gel.