Patient Guide for Professional Tooth Whitening

Q: How long will the sensitivity last?

For most patients, the sensitivity is mild and completely disappears within 24 to 48 hours after the whitening procedure.

Q: How long will my teeth stay white?

The longevity of your results depends on your diet and lifestyle. With good hygiene and periodic at-home touch-ups using a product like Crest Whitestrips, you can maintain your brighter smile for a very long time.

Q: My gums were white right after the treatment. Is that normal?

Yes, that is a common and temporary side effect called gingival blanching. It’s a mild irritation from the whitening gel and usually fades completely within an hour or two after the procedure.

Q: Will my teeth look unnaturally white?

No. Professional tooth whitening is designed to remove years of stains and return your teeth to their natural, bright shade. The result is a healthy and vibrant smile, not an artificial-looking one.

Q: I want a new filling or crown. Can I do it right after whitening?

No. The whitening process temporarily changes the tooth surface, which can weaken the bond of new dental restorations. We require a waiting period of at least two weeks after you have completed any whitening (in-office or at-home) before we place any new fillings, crowns, or veneers. This allows the tooth to fully rehydrate and ensures the strongest possible bond for your new restoration.

Q: Will whitening affect my existing crowns and fillings?

Whitening will not harm your existing dental work, but it will not change its color. If you have crowns or fillings on your front teeth, they will not lighten along with your natural teeth, which can create a noticeable color difference. It’s important to discuss this with us before you decide to whiten.

Caring For Your Enhanced Smile

Managing Tooth Sensitivity

It is very common and normal to experience some tooth sensitivity after a professional whitening treatment. This occurs because the whitening process temporarily dehydrates the teeth. This feeling is temporary and should subside within 24-48 hours.

What You Can Do:

Avoid Extremes: For the next 48 hours, try to avoid very hot or very cold foods and drinks.
Use Sensitivity Toothpaste: Brushing with a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth, like Sensodyne, can provide significant relief.
OTC Pain Relievers: If needed, you can take over-the-counter pain relievers like Ibuprofen or Tylenol as directed.
“Zingers”: You might feel occasional, sharp but brief pains in your teeth. These are known as “zingers” and are a normal part of the post-whitening process. They will go away.
White Spots on Gums: You may notice some white spots on your gums immediately after the procedure (gingival blanching). This is a temporary irritation that is not harmful and will typically resolve within a few hours.

Maintaining Results (Diet & Habits)

For the first 48 hours after whitening, your teeth are extra porous and can easily absorb stains. To protect your new, brighter smile, you must follow the “White Diet.”

Foods and Drinks to AVOID for 48 Hours:

Dark-Colored Drinks: Coffee, tea, red wine, colas, and dark fruit juices.
Dark-Colored Sauces: Soy sauce, marinara sauce, mustard, ketchup, and balsamic vinegar.
Colorful Foods: Berries, beets, dark chocolate, and brightly colored candy.
All Tobacco Products: Smoking or chewing tobacco will quickly stain your newly whitened teeth.

Important Considerations for Your Smile

Whitening Only Affects Natural Teeth:

Please be aware that tooth whitening gel will only whiten natural tooth enamel. It will not change the color of any existing man-made dental work, such as:

Fillings
Crowns (Caps)
Veneers
Bonding

If you have existing restorations on your front teeth, whitening may result in a color mismatch. It’s important to discuss your goals with us beforehand, as you may need to consider replacing your old dental work after whitening to achieve a uniform, beautiful smile.

A Note on Whitening Toothpastes:

Please avoid using any whitening toothpastes. They do not bleach your teeth. Instead, they are highly abrasive and can scrub away your healthy enamel over time, leading to weakness and permanent sensitivity.