Teeth Whitening
Over time, even the healthiest smiles can lose some of their brightness. The natural ageing process, as well as everyday habits like enjoying coffee, tea, or red wine, can gradually dull your enamel. Thankfully, professional teeth whitening at The Paddington Dental Surgery can provide a simple way to restore your smile’s radiance.
Our cosmetic dentists and skilled team offer both in-office and at-home whitening treatments, giving you the flexibility to brighten your teeth in the way that best suits your lifestyle. Using sought-after whitening systems, we can safely lift stains and reveal a noticeably whiter and brighter smile.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment that can brighten teeth by several shades and enhance your smile aesthetic. Whether performed at the dentist or at home, our whitening treatments involve potent bleaching agents, which are utilised to lighten stains and discolouration. A generally very easy process, professional teeth whitening can give you a significantly brighter, more confident smile – especially when performed by our skilled team.
Who Is a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening can be a great option for those looking to tackle discolouration. Teeth are naturally porous, so they can absorb staining agents from the things we eat and drink. While everyone starts with a different level of natural whiteness, daily habits can have a big impact on how bright your teeth stay over time. For instance, if you’ve noticed stains from coffee, tea, soda, or even healthy foods like berries and beets, professional teeth whitening might be a good solution. Smoking or using tobacco products is another common cause of yellowing. In addition, certain medications can lead to darkened or dulled teeth.
Otherwise, it’s important for those interested in teeth whitening to have relatively healthy teeth and gums.1 During your consultation, we’ll perform a thorough exam to make sure this option is right for you and help you achieve the glowing smile you crave.
Professional Teeth Whitening at The Paddington Dental Surgery
At The Paddington Dental Surgery, every whitening journey begins with precision, safety, and artistry. Before any whitening procedure, we perform a deep professional clean using EMS Airflow technology. This advanced system uses air, water, and fine powder to gently remove plaque, biofilm, and surface stains — creating the ideal foundation for predictable, even whitening results.
We then offer four tailored whitening options, each designed to suit different goals and timelines:
1. At-Home Whitening
Our most flexible option. Custom-made trays are created for each patient, paired with a professional-grade whitening gel for safe, controlled use at home. Results develop gradually over one to two weeks, allowing patients to brighten their smile at their own pace. Many choose this as a stand-alone treatment, with periodic top-ups to maintain their results.
2. In-Chair Whitening
For immediate results, our in-surgery whitening uses a high-strength whitening gel activated under professional supervision. It delivers noticeable improvement in just one appointment, with careful protection of your gums and soft tissues for complete comfort and safety.
3. Combination Whitening
A dual-phase approach combining at-home and in-chair whitening. Patients begin with home whitening to gently lift stains and prepare the enamel, followed by an in-chair session for enhanced brightness and depth. This method achieves longer-lasting results with minimal sensitivity.
4. KöR® Deep Bleaching
The most advanced system in modern whitening. KöR combines extended at-home whitening with two in-surgery conditioning and activation sessions to achieve remarkable, stable results — even for teeth affected by dark or resistant stains. KöR’s proprietary formulation restores the enamel’s ability to absorb oxygen, brightening teeth from within for a naturally luminous finish.
Natural vs. Professional Teeth Whitening
We understand that you have many options for teeth whitening, and we want you to make the best decision for your goals, needs, and budget. Over-the-counter and natural teeth whitening methods may work for some, but you should be very careful which approach you use.
- Charcoal teeth whitening is not recommended. Charcoal, even finely ground, is too abrasive for teeth and can lead to wear, damage, and sensitivity.
- Coconut oil pulling likely won’t cause damage, but as yet there is no scientific evidence this technique can whiten teeth, so employ caution.
- Teeth whitening strips and pastes can brighten teeth a shade or two, but they are much weaker than professional treatments.
- Some toothpastes are also more abrasive than we like to see, so please ask us about what method you would like to use. We can help you identify the best products for your oral health.
Patient Results
Teeth Whitening vs. Porcelain Veneers
When it comes to achieving a bright, radiant smile, both teeth whitening and porcelain veneers are popular options; however, they serve different purposes and are suited for different needs. While teeth whitening treatments use bleaching agents to enhance the shade of the smile, porcelain veneers are custom-made restorations that cover the front surface of teeth. Veneers can address discolouration as well as a plethora of other aesthetic concerns, from gaps to chips to misalignment. A consultation with one of our dentists in Sydney can help you decide which option aligns best with your goals and budget.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
The cost of teeth whitening varies depending on the type of treatment and your individual goals. At our Sydney practice, we offer in-chair whitening, customised take-home whitening kits, or a combination of treatments for enhanced results.
If you’re considering whitening, we’ll guide you through the options and create a personalised plan that suits your needs and preferences. Everyone deserves to love their smile — and we’re here to help you achieve a brighter, more confident look.
Additional Frequently Asked Questions
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Take?
The length of the teeth whitening process will depend on a few factors, namely the whitening strategy being used and the extent of discolouration. Quality in-office treatments can produce dramatic results after just a single visit, while the effects of at-home whitening trays tend to appear more gradually. For optimal results, be sure to follow your personalised instructions.
How Many Teeth Whitening Sessions Will I Need?
Your ideal number of teeth whitening sessions can be influenced by the techniques being applied and your desired level of whitening. If your teeth have mild to moderate staining or yellowing, you may need fewer sessions to achieve the desired results; however, if your teeth have more severe discoloration or deep stains, it may take more sessions to whiten them effectively.
What Causes Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening?
Tooth sensitivity, or dentin hypersensitivity, is a common side effect from many teeth whitening methods. It is caused by bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide reaching the tooth nerve through small channels in the dentin. Certain factors may increase your chance of sensitivity, such as how often you undergo whitening, the strength of the whitening formula, and the unique qualities of your tooth structure. Rest assured that our team prioritises your pain-free dentistry techniques, and we’ll go out of our way to mitigate any of the discomfort that sometimes accompanies teeth whitening.
Will My Teeth Whitening Results Look Natural?
Our dentists use celebrated teeth whitening treatments like Zoom!® and KöR® because these products are known to consistently create natural-looking effects. Additionally, when administering these techniques, our dentists will consider the natural shade of your teeth in order to produce results that flatter your smile’s organic beauty.
Can I Whiten My Crowns or Veneers?
Patients with porcelain dental veneers or crowns often wonder if their restorations will be affected by the bleaching agents in teeth whitening. Unfortunately, crowns and veneers are designed to maintain their custom-designed appearance and, as a result, are resistant to stains and also whitening. If you would like a brighter smile and want any restorations to match, as well, you can ask your dentist about replacing your crown or veneers with a lighter-coloured version.
Which Teeth Whitening Treatment is Right For Me?
The right teeth whitening treatment for you will depend on your preferences and overall oral health. For instance, if you have sensitive teeth or specific dental concerns, one treatment may be more ideal for your needs than another. Rest assured that we will examine your dental health, discuss your goals, and formulate a plan to brighten your smile during your initial appointment.
What Should I Eat After Teeth Whitening?
In the first couple days after your teeth whitening treatment, your teeth will be more susceptible to stains, due to your enamel becoming more porous from the bleaching process. As a result, you may want to avoid foods and drinks that are dark in colour, such as tea, wine, berries, and tomato sauce. After this initial period, you can resume your normal diet, but keep in mind that staining foods can make your whitening results wear off faster. To prolong your results, you may still want to limit these items.
How Long Should I Wear My At-Home Whitening Trays?
Zoom! DayWhite whitening trays should be worn for about 30 to 60 minutes every day for one to two weeks. Depending on your level of sensitivity, degree of tooth staining, and desired level of whiteness, this time frame may be adjusted. Your dentist can provide you with more personalised instructions on how long to wear your at-home whitening trays.
Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Consultation
Your brightest smile could be closer than you think. Reach out to The Paddington Dental Surgery to explore our professional whitening options and begin your transformation.
