Teeth Whitening
Over time, even healthy smiles can naturally change in brightness. Factors such as ageing and everyday dietary habits, including coffee, tea, and red wine, may contribute to discolouration of the teeth.
At The Paddington Dental Surgery, professional teeth whitening is offered as part of our cosmetic dental services. Treatments are available in both in-chair and take-home formats, allowing us to tailor the approach to your individual preferences and lifestyle.
Using established whitening systems, our team provides treatments designed to lighten tooth colour beyond surface staining, helping to achieve a brighter overall result under professional care.
Teeth whitening is a very popular treatment, and we offer a considered range of options to suit individual needs. This includes in-chair systems such as Zoom® and KöR Tooth Whitening, as well as customised take-home whitening treatments provided under professional guidance.
Please view our smile gallery for examples of results achieved through professional teeth whitening provided by our cosmetic dentists.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a dental procedure that lightens your natural tooth colour by addressing surface stains and deeper discolouration. Persistent stains from coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco use can accumulate over time, leaving teeth looking darker or uneven in colour.
At The Paddington Dental Surgery, we have been providing dental care for over 25 years. Our dentists have trained around the world in advanced cosmetic dentistry procedures, bringing extensive experience and expertise to every treatment. We offer both in-chair and take-home whitening options, delivered in a supportive, caring, and comfortable environment.
This non-invasive treatment can help improve tooth shade. Results vary between individuals, and our team will explain what outcomes are realistic for you. Depending on your lifestyle and oral hygiene habits, results may last anywhere from six months to two years.
Treatment suitability, risks and benefits can only be determined in consultation with a registered dentist. For further details on risks and procedures, please visit here. If you would like to explore your individual suitability and options, you are welcome to book a consultation.
Who Is a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening may be an option for patients looking to improve the appearance of tooth discolouration. Teeth are naturally porous and can become stained over time through everyday dietary and lifestyle factors.
Common contributors to discolouration include coffee, tea, soft drinks, and certain foods such as berries and beetroot. Tobacco use and some medications may also affect the colour of teeth.
Suitable candidates for teeth whitening generally have healthy teeth and gums. During your consultation, we will assess your oral health and discuss whether whitening is appropriate for your individual circumstances.
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 gentle 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.
