Teeth Whitening
Achieve a brighter, whiter smile with safe and professional whitening treatments.
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that helps improve stained or discoloured teeth. It is a safe treatment designed to enhance your smile by making your teeth whiter and brighter.
What is Teeth Whitening?
It is a cosmetic treatment that lightens tooth colour using a professional whitening solution. It is one of the most commonly requested cosmetic treatments in dentistry and, when performed professionally, is safe and effective.
While a professional cleaning can remove surface staining from tea, coffee, red wine, and tobacco, it cannot change the underlying colour of the teeth. Whitening works differently—it uses a bleaching agent to break down deeper stains and lighten the tooth shade.
At Prahran Family Dental, we offer three whitening options depending on your situation and goals.
Teeth Whitening Options
Choose the most suitable whitening option based on your needs and desired results.
Take-Home Whitening
Using impressions of your teeth, custom trays are created and paired with a professional whitening gel. These are worn at home daily for a set duration over two or more weeks. This option gives you control over the pace and final shade, and the trays can be reused for top-up treatments down the track.
In-Chair Whitening (SDI Pola)
A single appointment of approximately one hour. The treatment involves applying a high-concentration SDI Pola whitening gel to accelerate the whitening process. A noticeable improvement can be achieved in one visit, making this the fastest option for patients with an event or deadline in mind.
Internal Teeth Whitening
For teeth previously treated with root canal treatment that have darkened on the inside, standard whitening applied to the outer surface is ineffective. Internal whitening involves placing whitening material inside the tooth over a series of visits to gradually restore its colour, after which the access point is sealed with a filling. This is a targeted solution for a specific situation.
How can you prevent?
Staining and discolouration can be caused by a range of factors, including:
- Regular consumption of tea, coffee, red wine, or soft drinks
Tobacco use
- Age-related changes to tooth enamel
- Certain medications taken during tooth development
- Trauma or previous root canal treatment is causing internal darkening
The type and cause of discolouration affect which whitening option is most appropriate, which is why a consultation beforehand is worthwhile.
Maintaining Your Results
Whitening results are not permanent and teeth will gradually restain over time, particularly with continued exposure to staining foods and drinks. To extend your results:
- Brush twice daily and floss regularly
- Rinse your mouth after consuming staining drinks
- Limit tobacco use
- Attend regular professional cleans
- Use take-home trays for periodic top-up treatments
Why Choose Prahran Family Dental for Teeth Whitening
A whitening plan matched to your teeth
Discolouration has many causes, from everyday staining to teeth that have darkened after root canal treatment. Dr Jun will assess the cause first, then recommend whitening that suits your situation rather than a one-size-fits-all approach.
Take-home and in-chair options
We offer custom take-home trays for gradual whitening at your own pace, as well as in-chair whitening using the SDI Pola system for a faster result. Dr Jun will help you weigh up which option fits your timeline and comfort.
Sensitivity managed with care
Some patients notice temporary sensitivity during whitening. We use measured concentrations, spacing and desensitising products where needed to keep you comfortable, and Dr Jun will adjust the plan if your teeth react.
Honest advice about what whitening can and cannot do
Whitening lifts stains from natural tooth enamel, but it does not change the colour of existing fillings, crowns or veneers. We will tell you upfront what result is realistic for your smile before you start.
Easy claiming and a familiar team
We are a local Prahran practice with HICAPS on the spot, so any eligible health fund rebate is claimed at the time of your visit. You will see the same friendly team from your assessment through to your follow-up.
Whitening offer on now
Ready for a brighter smile? We are running a special on teeth whitening at the moment. Tap the offer below to book your appointment and our team will take care of the rest.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long do teeth whitening results last?
Results vary from person to person and depend on your diet and habits, such as coffee, tea, red wine and smoking. Many patients enjoy their result for several months to a couple of years, and occasional top-ups with take-home trays help maintain the brightness.
Does whitening work on crowns, veneers or fillings?
No. Whitening only lightens natural tooth enamel and will not change the colour of crowns, veneers or fillings. If you have restorations on visible teeth, Dr Jun will discuss how to achieve an even, balanced result.
Will whitening make my teeth sensitive?
Some people experience mild, temporary sensitivity during or after whitening, which usually settles within a day or two. We can adjust the concentration, use desensitising products and space out treatment to keep you comfortable.
Can a tooth that has gone dark after a root canal be whitened?
Yes, a single tooth that has darkened following root canal treatment can often be lightened from the inside using internal whitening. Dr Jun will assess the tooth and advise whether this approach is suitable for you.
Is take-home whitening or in-chair whitening better for me?
Both can give a lovely result. Take-home trays whiten gradually at home over a couple of weeks, while in-chair whitening delivers a faster change in a single visit. Dr Jun will assess and advise which option suits your teeth and timeline.