Home Teeth Whitening Frequently Asked Questions

What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a bleaching process that lightens discolourations of enamel and dentin by using either a hydrogen peroxide formula or carbamide peroxide formula which creates an oxidation reaction.

What causes tooth discolouration?

There are many causes of tooth discolouration. The most common include aging, consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, colas, red wine and tobacco. Nerve damage, trauma, old restorations can also cause discolouration and during tooth formation consumption of tetracycline or excessive fluoride may also discolour the teeth.

Is there anyone who can not whiten their teeth?

Whitening is contraindicated for pregnant or lactating mums, those with uncontrolled diabetes, children under the age of 16, those who experience severe sensitivity and those who have allergies to any of the ingredients listed in our "terms and conditions" page.  

How does it work?

The whitening gel is placed into your custom fitted tray, once inserted over your teeth the active ingredient in the gel starts to break down. Oxygen enters into the enamel and dentin which in turn breaks down the stain inside the tooth. The structure of the tooth is not changed, only the tooth colour is made lighter.

What about my teeth that have caps, crowns, fillings or veneers?

Whitening will NOT whiten your crowns, caps, fillings or veneers. Bleach will only whiten enamel. However, if there are any external food or drink stains on these restorations they will come off. The actual colour of the filling, cap, veneer or crown will not be altered. Any restorations on your front teeth may need to be replaced after the whitening process is finished.

What is the difference between hydrogen peroxide formulas and carbamide peroxide formulas?

Hydrogen peroxide breaks down a lot quicker than carbamide peroxide formulas. Hydrogen peroxide has a very short life and is a lot stronger than carbamide peroxide. Hydrogen Peroxide formulas are only worn for 30 - 60 minutes once or twice a day for 7 - 10 days. Whitesmile online sell a 9.5% hydrogen peroxide formula which is called Day White.This is equivalent to a 31% carbamide peroxide formulation.

Carbamide peroxide is long acting and therefore Carbamide peroxide formulas are designed to be worn overnight for 7 -10 nights. Our overnight formulas are called Nite White and All White. All White 22% carbamide peroxide is actually only worn for one hour a day because it is a stronger formulation and it is absorbed a lot quicker into the enamel.

Which product should i choose?

It all depends on your lifestyle. If you prefer to wear trays overnight you have the option of Nite White 16%. If you can not wear trays overnight or would prefer using a product for just 30 minutes once or twice a day then Day White 9.5% or All White 22% would be your product of choice. They all should be worn for 7 - 10 days or nights. The carbamide peroxide formulas generally whiten your teeth a little quicker because they are worn for longer periods of time.

Is whitening safe?

Yes! Research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth with custom trays using a carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide formula is safe for teeth and gums. It is important to follow the directions of use supplied for each product.

How long does it take?

For maximum results we recommend you wear your gels and trays consecutively for 7-10 days or nights- depending on what product you have chosen.

How long do the results last?

Once you have whitened your teeth your teeth will always be lighter than they once were. However, as we continue to eat staining food, drinks and substances our teeth will start to stain again. To keep them white all the time we do recommend maintaining your white teeth every three to six months by either using your gels and trays once or twice - using our "zoom whitening pen" as often as required or use an everyday maintenance product such as the "supersmile whitening toothpaste"

Are there any side effects?

Some people may experience temporary sensitivity during their treatment. If your teeth do become sensitive try using the gels and trays every second day. Sensitivity will disappear within 1-3 days after completing the treatment. Gum irritation can also occur, especially if you overfill your whitening trays. You will notice that your gum will become white. If this occurs it will disappear in a short space of time after you remove your trays. You can also place vitamin e oil on the affected area. Make sure that your trays fit correctly and you do not overload them.