In-chair teeth whitening is carried out at the dental practice, usually in a single appointment. It can suit people who would like to lighten their teeth over a shorter time frame than take-home options.
Before treatment
Your dentist checks your teeth and gums. Decay, gum disease and cracked teeth should be treated first. Crowns, veneers and fillings will not change colour, which may affect your plan.
During the appointment
- Your gums and lips are protected with a barrier.
- A whitening gel is applied to the front of the teeth for a set time.
- Some systems use a light as part of the process.
- The gel may be applied in several cycles.
The appointment usually takes about one to two hours.
Side effects
Tooth sensitivity and gum irritation are common and usually settle within a few days. Your dentist can recommend products to help.
After whitening
How much lighter your teeth become varies from person to person. Coffee, tea, red wine and smoking will re-stain teeth over time, and take-home trays may be suggested for touch-ups.
Read more about teeth whitening at North Ryde Dentistry.
Related reading
This article is general information only and does not replace advice from your own dentist. Whether a treatment is suitable for you can only be decided after an examination. All dental treatment carries risks, and results vary from person to person.