01 · The basics

What whitening actually is.

At its core, all tooth whitening uses hydrogen peroxide, or one of its derivatives, to lighten tooth colour. From that single chemical idea, several variations exist.

Illustration of a tooth with surface stain being lifted away by small rising bubbles, representing a whitening gel releasing oxygen
Whitening is a chemical process. The gel lifts colour from the tooth; nothing is drilled or trimmed.

Over-the-counter strips. Whitening strips bought off the shelf, such as Crest strips.

Professionally prescribed home kits. Custom-made trays, worn at home to a plan set by your dentist.

In-clinic whitening. Performed by the dental team, such as Zoom by Philips, which is the system we use at Align Dental.

02 · The home kit

Whitening on your own schedule.

A home kit begins in the clinic. Scans or moulds of your teeth are taken and used to make custom-fitted whitening trays. Depending on the brand and the concentration of the gel, you then wear the trays either for 30 to 45 minutes a day, or in some cases overnight.

A base program usually runs two to three weeks, depending on how discoloured the teeth were to begin with. One thing worth knowing before you start: the colour reaches a plateau and tops out after a certain point. Whitening lightens teeth to their potential; it does not lighten them indefinitely.

Illustration of a clear custom whitening tray fitted over a row of teeth with a thin layer of whitening gel inside
A custom tray is made from scans of your teeth, then worn to a set plan at home.
Who it suits

You are disciplined enough to wear the trays every day or night for the prescribed time, and you prefer the flexibility of whitening around your own schedule.

PredictableResults, if the program is followed
MildSensitivity, mild to moderate
2 to 3 weeksTypical program length
03 · The in-clinic session

Whitening handled by the dental team.

At Align Dental, in-clinic whitening is done with Zoom by Philips. The appointment takes about an hour and a half, and follows a set sequence.

Illustration of an in-clinic whitening session: a light panel directs rays onto teeth coated with gel while the lips and gums are protected by a barrier
In the clinic, the gums are protected before the gel is applied and activated with a light.

  1. A clean and polish first. The teeth are cleaned and polished before anything else.

  2. The gums are protected. Your teeth and gums are shielded with a special barrier.

  3. Gel, then light. The whitening gel is applied to the teeth and activated with a light.

Who it suits

You would rather the whole process was handled professionally by the dental team, from start to finish, in a single visit.

PredictableResults, good and predictable
~24 hoursSensitivity is moderate, and usually eases within a day
9 to 12 monthsHow long the result tends to last
04 · Common to both

Three things every whitening patient should know.

Whichever route you take, the same three truths apply. The last one is the answer to the question in the title.

Illustration of a droplet of whitening gel breaking down into a water droplet and rising oxygen bubbles beside a healthy bright tooth
Most peroxides break down into water and oxygen, which is why neither professional option harms the teeth.

  1. Results depend on your starting shade. Whitening is a chemical process with no drilling or trimming, so how far it goes depends on the existing discolouration of your teeth.

  2. Neither option is harmful to your teeth. Most peroxides simply break down into water and oxygen.

  3. Good results need upkeep. As with any cosmetic procedure, hygiene and maintenance are what keep a whitened smile bright.

Thinking about whitening your teeth?

An examination can tell you which option suits your teeth, your discolouration and your routine. Consultations are at Align Dental Surgery, Forum The Shopping Mall, Orchard.

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This article is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual clinical advice. If you are considering whitening, please arrange an examination with your dentist first.

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