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Does Teeth Whitening Work? plus 22 Most Asked Questions about Teeth Whitening: Answered by a Registered Dental Hygienist.

Writer's picture: Marnie St GeorgeMarnie St George

Updated: Sep 25, 2024



Dental Hygienist answering teeth whitening questions
Marnie St George with teeth colour shade guide

1. Does teeth whitening work? This is one of the most asked teeth whitening questions

This is one of the most asked teeth whitening questions on google searches for people searching information about teeth whitening. Short answer is, it sure does! Some teeth whiten better than others depending on their original shade. Teeth that are a yellower shade whiten better than teeth that have grey tones. People who are bad clenches or grinders often have sclerotic tubules (blocked) so bleaching may not be that effective as the gel can’t penetrate through the tubules to the dentin. Teeth that are already quite white will have less shade movement as they are already at the whiter end of the spectrum. Teeth whitening will not whiten fillings, crowns, bridges, implants, dentures, or amalgam staining. Sometimes these may need to be replaced to match your new white smile. Your dentist/hygienist will advise you on this. Specialist treatment is required for people with tetracycline staining. The best teeth whitening in Auckland can address these specific needs effectively.


2. Does teeth whitening hurt?

No, for most people it doesn’t. It depends on the products used and the treatment times and plan chosen. If you choose Professional Pap+, no, it doesn’t hurt. I have treated 100+ clients and have had no clients with sensitivity issues with their teeth from treatment; I have only had a few clients whose gums were slightly sensitive from the warmth of the LED light. To rectify this, I moved the light further away from them. Pap+ causes no gum burns. Or if using traditional hydrogen peroxide, choosing a brand that has a shorter treatment time and with added minerals like nano hydroxyapatite in the gel helps reduce chances of sensitivity. Sensitivity can generally be managed quite well by using lower % HP and shorter treatment times and lowest light settings. People with sensitive teeth can become more sensitive. Also, young people may get some sensitivity. The best teeth whitening is having a treatment plan that addresses your individual needs. This is what makes Polish and White different than most. I can pivot and change your treatment along the way as I have many options and knowledge to ensure it is as sensitivity-free as possible.


3. Will I get a movie star white smile?

No. The super white movie star smiles are often because their teeth are covered with man-made materials like veneers or crowns, or they are using a filter in their social media posts to manipulate the colour. Red lipstick can make the teeth appear whiter, and in before-and-after photos, gums are hidden to prevent comparisons to the before shot. Teeth are not paper white. Teeth look lovely and healthy in a more natural shade. A top dentist in the UK said a good balance is that teeth should be the same colour as the whites of your eyes.


4. How long will teeth whitening last?

Teeth do darken again – how quickly depends on the individual. If you smoke, drink red wine, tea, and coffee, they will darken more quickly. You may want to do a top-up whitening in 6 months to a year. You can also do a top-up for special occasions to have a beautiful white smile or regular maintenance every 2-3 months with our maintenance treatment. I find the more regular whitening initially helps train the teeth to stay whiter.


5. Why do you have to stick to a White Diet 24-48 hours after whitening treatment?

Because whitening opens the tubules in your teeth, allowing coloured food to enter and stain your teeth. This includes anything that can stain a white tee shirt, such as turmeric, beetroot, red wine, chewable vitamin C tablets, coloured mouth rinse, and flossing if you have bleeding gums. A white diet for 24 hours allows time for a new protein layer to form and protect the teeth.


6. Best teeth whitening: Which is better – in-chair whitening (professional whitening) or custom-made trays with gel carried out at home?

This often comes down to personality types. With custom-made whitening trays, you can whiten your teeth for longer and have more control, but if you are not a structured person and don’t carry out the daily routine of using your trays for 7-14 days, then this is a wasted cost for you. More often than not, my patients start with good intentions but soon give up, and these trays now sit in their bathroom gathering dust. In-chair teeth whitening gets it done in one or two sessions where the hygienist or dentist takes care of all the mess, and there is no dribbling like a salivating dog. Also, your gums are protected, so no gum irritations or burns. Teeth whitening at Polish and White allows for a more customised treatment.


7. Can I just use teeth whitening products from the chemist? (Over-the-counter products OTC)

Sure you can – but the results are not as good or as safe. Dentist-grade whitening from a reputable supplier and brand are tried and tested. Products containing Hydrogen Peroxide (HP), Carbamide Peroxide (CP), and Pap+. As products from the chemist or supermarket can’t be stored in a fridge, they often have a low pH to enable them to have a long shelf life. This means that they can be damaging to the enamel. Always question what the pH of a product is before you use it on your enamel. Anything lower than 5.5 can demineralise your enamel. For safe, effective teeth whitening, professional products are recommended.


8. Are teeth whitening strips safe? Are teeth whitening strips bad for your teeth?

Only use strips that have a safe pH, which must be higher than 5.5. A pH lower than 5.5 can damage your teeth. Always question the pH. The closer to a neutral pH, the gentler they are on your teeth. The biggest problem with strips is if they are applied incorrectly and sit on the gum line, which can put the product on your gums and cause irritation or burns. I personally find they only sit on the face of the tooth, not the edges/interdental areas, resulting in an uneven bleaching effect. Also, as they are a cheaper price point, people often misuse them by using them too often or leaving them on their teeth too long. You should follow the manufacturer’s guidelines. Some even get addicted to overusing them. It’s easy for younger children to access them and use them at too young an age. This is why it is very important to get a registered dental professional to oversee your whitening. One of the most common comments about whitening strips is that “I gave up because they hurt my gums after a while.”


9. What age can you have your teeth whitened? And why is there an age limit?

Most manufacturers stipulate 18 years and over. Teeth whitening is not appropriate for children who have baby teeth. They must wait for the eruption of adult permanent teeth, which usually occurs between the ages of 12 and 13. However, that is still not the appropriate age. Following the eruption of the last permanent teeth and the establishment of full adult teeth, another two years are required for enamel calcification. As a result, professional teeth whitening before the ages of 15-16 can cause tooth damage. So, based on this calculation, the minimum age is around 16 years old. However, most dentists or manufacturers still do not recommend that under 18s have their teeth whitened because it may cause some side effects and can negatively impact the child’s ideal tooth growth. So please make sure your young children are not using whitening strips. Also, remember that baby teeth are always whiter than adult teeth.


10. If I have sensitive teeth can I get my teeth whitened? What is the best teeth whitening for me?

Sure you can with the right product and special treatment plan designed especially for you at Polish and White Auckland. Using Professional Pap+, which I have used on 100+ patients now, causes no sensitivity for the teeth. With only a few clients having sensitive gums from the light being too hot, that was easily rectified by moving the light further away from the gums. If the traditional path of hydrogen peroxide is chosen, then gums and recession are protected with a resin barrier even when using a low HP. Combine that with shorter times the product is kept on the tooth, with more treatments within 7 days apart, and using a lower setting on the light system. And with both systems, nano hydroxyapatite is used to replace lost minerals to help repair and reduce sensitivity.


11. How long does the sensitivity last with traditional HP?

Tooth whitening sensitivity normally lasts 24-48 hours after receiving the treatment. For most patients, the sensitivity subsides completely within two days. If you are experiencing extreme sensitivity, pain, or discomfort during the period, or if it persists after this period – contact the dentist/hygienist ASAP.


12. Can teeth whitening cause permanent sensitivity?

Many people who don’t choose Professional Pap+ or a traditional HP with nano hydroxyapatite will experience some sensitivity throughout the treatment process. This doesn’t, however, mean it will be permanent. Determining whether teeth whitening can result in lifelong sensitivity is more complicated. Studies have revealed a minimal risk of long-term irritation from teeth whitening. Nevertheless, there have been a few isolated instances when people had long-lasting or permanent sensitivity after undergoing intense and invasive teeth-whitening procedures. It’s important to note that several factors play a role in determining the potential for permanent sensitivity:


  • Pre-existing Dental Conditions: People with disorders like receding gums, fractured teeth, or sensitivity concerns are likelier to experience long-lasting sensitivity after teeth whitening.

  • Overuse or Misuse: The risk of sensitivity can occur with incorrect or excessive use of teeth-whitening solutions.

  • Consultation and Professional Supervision: A professional teeth whitening procedure under a dentist’s/hygienist’s supervision can reduce the possibility of issues.

  • Post-Treatment Care: Sensitivity can be reduced with proper post-treatment care, which includes desensitising toothpaste and avoiding triggers like excessively acidic or extremely hot/cold meals.


13. Teeth Whitening NZ price: How much does teeth whitening cost?

As we know in life, you pay more for knowledge, expertise, and a higher standard of care. Also for equipment like dental sterilisation, dental suction, and dental prophy hand pieces. When comparing prices, be mindful that you are comparing apples with apples. Whitening technicians can only provide gels that are up to 12% Hydrogen Peroxide (HP) in strength. Hygienists and Dentists can provide 12% and higher, generally 35% HP. These higher strengths are purchased through reputable, reliable dental suppliers that have researched and done clinical trials on their products. They are more expensive than the low HP, which are often non-branded and purchased directly from an overseas manufacturer. A dentist or hygienist will also have sterilization protocols and machines, and all these extra standards do cost more in order to provide you with the best care possible. For the best teeth whitening service near me, consider these factors.


14. Professional teeth whitening: Who should whiten your teeth?

In New Zealand, all dental practitioners are to be licensed and registered every year with the New Zealand Dental Council. Every year we are strictly audited to make sure we are competent and fit to practice, and to make sure we are following the correct procedures and this includes sterilization of equipment. One of these standards is to make sure our advertising is not false, misleading, or enhanced to make any result or outcome look better than what is realistically expected. You should always ask the teeth whitening provider if they are registered with the NZ Dental Council and hold an Annual Practicing Certificate. Providers that hold a New Zealand Teeth Whitening Association certificate most often aren’t a Hygienist or Dentist. To be a member of this association, you do not need to be a registered and licensed dental professional. To obtain this certificate, it only takes 6-7 hours. More often than not, these members are from the beauty, hairdressing, or cosmetic industries.


15. Do I get my anterior (front) composite fillings repaired or new ones placed before or after whitening? Which order?

You should get the teeth whitening done first, then the composite fillings placed no sooner than 2 weeks after whitening. This way, the whitened tooth color has had time to settle, ensuring the correct composite shade is matched to your natural teeth. This also means proper adhesion of the new composite resin material to the tooth.


16. Who can’t have teeth whitening?

Whitening is not suitable if you are on light-sensitive medication (like some acne meds), under 18, pregnant, or breastfeeding.


17. Can the blue LED whitening lights used for teeth whitening cause cancer?

No, but safety precautions should be worn. Protective eyewear with appropriate coloured lenses to protect the eyes from the LED light and a protective face covering. For further information, read this article and note that the lights used are LED not UV


18. Can I get teeth whitening after lip, nasal, or cheek filler?

You need to wait 2 weeks or more after filler because unless your dental appointment is an emergency, try not to schedule any dental work for at least 2 weeks following your lip filler appointment. There are a couple of reasons for this:


  • Dental procedures done in the vicinity of dermal fillers may result in complications of the dermal fillers, such as infections which may mimic a dental infection.

  • Lip retraction/pressure on your lips/nasal area or cheeks can move your filler and exacerbate any existing swelling. Make sure to inform your dental team of any recent lip, cheek, or nasal filler treatment when making the appointment.


19. Can teeth whitening damage my teeth and gums?

Not if it is performed by professionals using dental-certified products following the manufacturer’s instructions. Using a gingival barrier to protect the gums for higher % HP and using a gel that has a pH above 5.5 that is combined with nano hydroxyapatite (rod-shaped). Some studies show that the micro-hardness of the tooth surface could be altered by the HP gel. This is why I have sourced a whitening gel that is combined with nano hydroxyapatite that puts the minerals back into the tooth surface. It is superior to just hydroxyapatite as the nano is very minute and can fill the tubules, protecting from sensitivity and repairing the tooth from within. This, combined with a daily nano hydroxyapatite toothpaste, really is a more gentle and healthy treatment option.


20. What teeth whitening products actually work?

Good quality dental-grade products from reputable dental suppliers made of hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, or Pap+ with a pH over 5.5. They just need enough time on the teeth to work, and sometimes different individuals may need more than one treatment. The clients also need to meet the requirements discussed in the previous questions. As everyone is individual, everyone’s outcomes are different.


21. What teeth whitening do dentists use?

Dentists and hygienists use hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, and Pap+ supplied from reputable dental suppliers and manufacturers. They can use a higher % of hydrogen peroxide than whitening technicians. They perform the best teeth whitening practices as advised by the manufacturer of the product and continuing education. These treatments can be personalized for the individual.


22. What is in-chair teeth whitening?

In-chair teeth whitening is performed by a dentist/hygienist at a dental practice with instant results, often in one session. It is recommended that you receive in-chair teeth whitening after a check-up and clean. For the best results in professional teeth whitening Auckland, this method is highly recommended.


23. What is take-home teeth whitening?

This is a safe, professional, and affordable option that involves using a whitening kit with customised teeth trays and gel to gradually whiten your teeth over 7-12 days from the comfort of your own home. During the process, you wear a tray pre-filled with whitening gel over your teeth for a period of time, or while sleeping.


For the best teeth whitening advice visit Polish and White located in Orakei Bay Village Auckland, they offer a range of safe, effective teeth whitening options that cater to different needs and preferences


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