Teeth whitening
Professional teeth whitening uses a peroxide gel to lighten natural teeth stained by tea, coffee, tobacco and age. At Suman Dental Care it is provided by Dr. Nimisha Pandya, a dental surgeon (BDS), after a check that your teeth and gums are healthy.
Step by step
Teeth whitening
- Before
- Treatment
- After
1 clinic visit of 60–90 minutes, or a 2–3 week course with take-home trays and a review at the end.
Professional whitening lightens stains from tea, coffee, tobacco and age. A dentist checks first that sensitivity, cavities or gum problems are treated, because whitening gel can irritate teeth and gums that are not healthy. Whitening lightens natural enamel only and does not change crowns or fillings.
- Yellowed or stained natural teeth
- Not for crowns, fillings or veneers: they do not change colour
- Not during pregnancy
- Sensitive teeth need a check first
For the first 48 hours your teeth are more open to staining. Avoid tea, coffee, red wine, coloured sauces, tobacco and dark fruit. A white diet works well: rice, chicken, white fish, pasta, milk.
Sensitivity to cold air and drinks is common for a day or two. A toothpaste for sensitive teeth and lukewarm drinks help. Tell us if it lasts longer than a few days.
See the full whitening aftercare card.
- Sensitivity is the most common effect, with brief sharp twinges. It usually settles in a day or two.
- Gum irritation from the gel, avoided by a protective barrier.
- Uneven colour: fillings, crowns and veneers do not whiten, so they may look darker than the natural teeth afterwards.
- Results vary: brown and yellow stains lighten more than grey stains or stains from some medicines.
- Colour fades over time, faster with smoking, tea and coffee. Many people top up after 1–3 years.
- Not suitable in pregnancy, or for children, or with untreated decay or gum disease.
What affects the cost
We don't publish prices online. After an examination you get a written estimate that lists each item.
- Examination of teeth and gums, with scaling
- Shade check before and after
- Protective barrier for the gums
- The whitening gel, in clinic or in take-home trays
- Written aftercare advice
Questions patients ask
Is teeth whitening safe?
Professional whitening supervised by a dentist is considered safe for healthy teeth and gums. Mild sensitivity is common. It is not advised during pregnancy or for children.
How long do results last?
Often 1–3 years, depending on what you eat and drink and whether you smoke. A top-up can refresh the shade.
Will whitening damage my enamel?
Peroxide whitening does not remove enamel in normal use. It can cause temporary sensitivity.
Will my fillings and crowns whiten?
No. Whitening works on natural enamel only, so existing fillings and crowns keep their colour. Your dentist may suggest replacing them to match.
Are over-the-counter kits as good?
Strength and safety vary, and trays that do not fit can burn the gums. A dentist checks your teeth first and chooses the right strength.
After teeth whitening
What to do after treatment, day by day.
Questions about this treatment?
Send a WhatsApp message or book an examination. The dentist explains the options before anything starts.