Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that lightens the colour of your natural teeth. Over time, teeth can become stained or discoloured by food, drink (e.g. coffee, tea, red wine), smoking, or ageing. Professional whitening uses a safe, regulated whitening gel (containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide) that penetrates the enamel and breaks down stains. We offer in-chair whitening, where the treatment is done in the practice in about an hour, and take-home whitening, where we make custom trays and you apply the gel at home over a few days or weeks. Both options are effective when done under our guidance.
At Brown Street Dental, Dr. Sunny Golwala and our team assess your teeth and gums first to make sure whitening is suitable for you. We check for decay, gum problems, and restorations (fillings and crowns do not whiten). We then recommend in-chair or take-home (or a combination), explain what results to expect, and advise on sensitivity and aftercare. Our goal is a brighter smile that looks natural and is achieved safely.
The Process
-
Assessment
We will:
- Examine your teeth and gums to ensure they are healthy enough for whitening
- Check for cavities, gum disease, or exposed roots that need treatment first
- Discuss your expectations—natural teeth whiten; fillings, crowns, and veneers do not
- Explain in-chair vs take-home and recommend the best option for you
-
In-Chair Whitening
If you choose in-chair whitening:
- Your gums may be protected with a barrier; then the whitening gel is applied to your teeth
- A special light or lamp may be used to activate the gel (depending on the product)
- The gel is left on for a set time and may be reapplied once or twice in the same visit
- Treatment usually takes about 60–90 minutes and you can see results the same day
-
Take-Home Whitening
If you choose take-home whitening:
- We take impressions or a scan of your teeth and have custom trays made
- At a follow-up visit we give you the trays and professional-strength whitening gel with instructions
- You wear the trays for a short time each day (e.g. 30 minutes to a few hours) over several days or weeks
- Results build gradually; we can advise on how long to use the gel for your desired shade
-
Aftercare & Maintenance
We will advise you on:
- Managing temporary sensitivity (e.g. sensitive toothpaste, avoiding very hot or cold drinks)
- Diet for the first 24–48 hours (avoiding strongly coloured foods and drinks to prevent restaining)
- Long-term maintenance—results typically last months to a few years depending on habits; occasional top-up with take-home gel can help
Benefits of Professional Whitening
Why choose dental practice whitening
- ✓Safe, regulated products and application—we protect your gums and check your teeth first
- ✓Noticeably brighter smile—results are often better than over-the-counter kits
- ✓Custom take-home trays fit well and use the gel efficiently for even whitening
- ✓We tailor the strength and timing to reduce sensitivity while still giving good results
- ✓Honest advice—we tell you what will and won’t whiten (e.g. crowns stay the same colour)
- ✓Results can last months to years with good oral hygiene and sensible diet
Frequently Asked Questions
-
Does teeth whitening hurt?During treatment you usually feel little or no pain. Some people experience temporary sensitivity to cold or hot for a few days afterward. We can advise on sensitive toothpaste and how to minimise discomfort. If you are prone to sensitivity, we may suggest a lower strength or take-home whitening so you can control the frequency.
-
How white will my teeth get?Results depend on your starting shade and the type of staining. Natural teeth typically lighten by several shades. We cannot guarantee a specific shade, but we will give you a realistic expectation. Fillings, crowns, and veneers do not change colour with whitening—we will point out any that might need to be replaced to match your new shade if you wish.
-
How long do results last?Whitening is not permanent. Results often last from several months to a few years, depending on your diet (coffee, tea, red wine, smoking can restain), oral hygiene, and whether you use occasional top-up gel. We can provide take-home gel for maintenance when needed.
-
Is whitening safe for my teeth?When carried out by a dentist with approved products, professional whitening is considered safe. We check your teeth and gums first and protect your gums during in-chair treatment. Overuse or unregulated products can damage enamel or irritate gums—that’s why we recommend professional treatment and follow our instructions.
-
Can everyone have teeth whitening?Most adults with healthy teeth and gums can whiten. It is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding women, or for children. We may advise against it or delay it if you have decay, gum disease, or very sensitive teeth until those are addressed. We will confirm at your assessment.
-
In-chair or take-home—which is better?In-chair gives faster, same-day results in one visit. Take-home is done at your own pace and can be gentler for sensitive teeth; results build over days or weeks. Some people do both—in-chair for a quick boost, then take-home gel for maintenance. We will recommend based on your goals and sensitivity.
Interested in a brighter smile? Contact Brown Street Dental to book a whitening assessment.