The main difference between over-the-counter whitening kits and professionally dispensed products from our dentist is the concentration of the whitening gels used and the way they are applied.

Professionally dispensed gels applied during a visit to our dentist have a higher concentration of active ingredients. They deliver a more reliable and noticeable result in under an hour. Such in-office procedures are an effective, fast, and safe way to get your teeth whitened.

Should you opt for a take-home teeth whitening kit, our dentist will provide a custom mouth tray and prescription-strength gel kit. Simply wear the gel-filled tray at home, for 1 to 2 hours a day. You should see whitening results within 14-21 consecutive days.

A good time to use the take-home teeth whitening kit is at night, after a thorough teeth brushing and before going to bed.

Cleaning your teeth before using the whitening kit helps in preventing bacteria build up, and giving your teeth a chance to rehydrate through the night while you sleep will help in preserving the whitening results.

Furthermore, this reduces the chance of teeth staining as you won’t be eating during this time of the day.

Whitening your teeth too often, whether at the dentist’s office or with whitening kits at home, can be harmful to your teeth. Too much of it can cause bleeding gums and damage enamel, leading to increased tooth sensitivity or even damage to the nerves in the teeth.

Follow the instructions provided by our dentist to avoid the side effects of overuse and transition to a plan to maintain the results of your teeth whitening.

The results for teeth whitening may vary from person to person. If your teeth are more deeply stained, because of antibiotics for example, teeth whitening procedures may not significantly reduce the stains. If you have gum recession and exposed roots, worn out teeth or faulty fillings, you may experience sensitivity. Always check in with us to evaluate what is safer for you.

Teeth whitening is a safe procedure for pregnant or nursing mothers, and is not known to pose any risks to a developing foetus or nursing child.

Teeth whitening for children is not advised as their permanent teeth may not be fully developed.

It is possible to lighten tetracycline stains with teeth whitening procedures, but this should be evaluated on a case-by-case basis, as it depends on the severity of the stains. It may not be possible to remove all the stains.

Singapore’s Ministry of Health regulations do not permit display of “before and after” photos of patients.

You should be able to resume daily activities immediately. Our dentist will advise you to avoid food and drink that could stain your teeth for about a week and refrain from smoking. Should you find it difficult to give up your cup of coffee, consider using a straw or rinsing your teeth with water after consumption.

Teeth whitening procedures are normally painless. Some people may experience a minor dull ache and temporary teeth sensitivity. It is best to avoid very hot or cold drinks for the first 24 hours if there is any tooth sensitivity.

A desensitising gel is provided in the take-home kit and this can be used to address any sensitivity post treatment. Other common but short-lived side effects include irritation of gums, mouth ulcers and sore throat which are caused by the whitening ingredients, and should go away quickly.

If you have any concerns regarding the side effects, speak to your dentist during consultation, or give us a call to discuss it.

Teeth whitening is a safe and straightforward procedure when performed by a dentist. A common side effect experienced is sensitivity. However it varies from patient to patient and usually subsides fast.

The effect of whitening can last from several months up to 3 years. This can vary for each patient depending on their lifestyles, e.g. smoking habits, drinking coffee, tea or red wine that can potentially stain teeth.

We recommend a few steps to follow for you to keep that radiant new smile as long as possible. Maintain excellent oral hygiene (brush and floss after every meal), and steer clear of tobacco, food and drinks that discolour the teeth (coffee, tea, red wine, soft drinks). Using a straw can be a good option if you cannot give up on these foods and drinks.