Check teeth and gums first
A dental check can identify decay, cracks, gum inflammation, calculus, recession, or sensitivity concerns that should be managed before whitening is considered.
Tooth Whitening
Thinking about whitening? Start by checking why the colour has changed
Whitening can brighten natural teeth for suitable patients, but not every type of discolouration responds in the same way. Existing fillings, crowns and veneers also do not whiten like natural tooth structure.
Book a whitening consultation if tooth colour is your main concern. If you have toothache, gum problems or new sensitivity, book a dental assessment first.
Tooth Whitening appointment details
Useful for
Patients asking about tooth colour, staining, whitening suitability, sensitivity, shade matching, or whitening before bonding, veneers, or crowns
Costs
Assessment, whitening pathway, sensitivity needs, review visits, and health fund rules can affect fees; itemised costs are discussed first
RISKS & LIMITATIONS
Possible risks, limitations, expected maintenance requirements, and the potential need for additional care are discussed where relevant before treatment begins.
Start Here
What can whitening realistically change?
We check your teeth and gums, the type of staining, sensitivity and any visible dental work before discussing whitening. That helps set realistic expectations around shade, sensitivity and whether other treatment should happen first.
Start here if
- 01Your teeth look more stained or yellow than they used to and you want to understand why.
- 02You are considering whitening but worry about sensitivity or uneven results.
- 03You have crowns, veneers, fillings, or bonding and want to know how shade matching works.
- 04You want to compare whitening with veneers, bonding, or a staged cosmetic plan before deciding.
Whitening Planning
What whitening can and cannot change
Whitening is not the right answer for every colour concern. The assessment helps separate stains that may respond from shade mismatch, older restorations, enamel changes, or dental concerns that need another plan.
Assessment
What your dentist checks
Your dentist checks teeth, gums, staining, sensitivity, existing restorations, shade, records needs, limitations, and costs before whitening is planned.
Teeth and sensitivity
Teeth are checked for decay, cracks, wear, enamel changes, exposed dentine, and sensitivity triggers before whitening is discussed.
Gums and oral health
Gum inflammation, recession, calculus, plaque, and soft-tissue concerns may need care before whitening is planned.
Existing dental work
Crowns, veneers, fillings, bonding, bridges, and implant crowns are reviewed because they do not whiten like natural tooth structure.
Shade records and costs
Shade discussion, photographs, records, timing, maintenance, and itemised costs can be reviewed before deciding whether to proceed.
Your Appointment
What happens at your appointment
Your dentist will assess suitability, explain the available whitening approach, discuss sensitivity and maintenance, and make sure you understand how existing restorations may affect the final shade.
Name what looks different to you
Your dentist asks what colour change you are considering, what staining you have noticed, whether you have sensitivity, and whether other cosmetic treatment is being planned.
Check suitability and limits
Teeth, gums, existing restorations, staining type, shade, and sensitivity risk are checked. Radiographs or hygiene care may be discussed where clinically indicated.
Explain options and costs
Your dentist explains whitening options to discuss, likely limitations, sensitivity management, shade matching, maintenance, and itemised costs before treatment begins.
Maintenance
Maintaining tooth colour after whitening
Whitening maintenance depends on the whitening pathway, diet, smoking, oral hygiene, plaque and staining patterns, sensitivity, and whether restorations need future shade matching.
- Regular check-ups and cleans may help manage plaque, calculus, and surface staining.
- Existing crowns, veneers, fillings, and bonding may need separate review if their shade no longer matches.
- Ask what to do if sensitivity occurs or if you are planning bonding, veneers, or crowns after whitening.
Related Care
When colour is only part of the concern
Tooth whitening often connects with cosmetic planning, veneers, bonding, check-ups, smile makeovers, and fee discussions.
Fees, Health Funds, Payment Options
Helpful
FAQs
Before you decide to whiten your teeth
Answers to common questions about whitening suitability, dental checks, sensitivity, restorations, shade matching, costs, maintenance, and cosmetic planning.
Yes, a dental check is usually the sensible first step. Your dentist can review teeth, gums, sensitivity, decay, cracks, staining, and existing restorations before discussing whether whitening is suitable.
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