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Treatment
Teeth Whitening
Professional whitening lightens the natural shade of the teeth, carried out after checking whether it is suitable for you.
Treatment Overview
What teeth whitening involves
Teeth pick up staining over time from food, drink, tobacco and simply ageing. Professional whitening uses a controlled agent to lighten the natural shade of the tooth.
Whitening is carried out only after a dental examination. Decay, gum inflammation or a leaking filling need to be addressed first, and whitening is not appropriate while they are present.
Whitening acts on natural tooth structure. It does not change the colour of crowns, veneers, fillings or bridges, which is an important consideration if you have restorations in visible positions.
Results vary between individuals, depending on the starting shade and the type of staining. No particular shade can be promised in advance.
Who May Need It
Common reasons to consider this treatment
These are general indications, not a diagnosis. Only an examination can establish what is appropriate in your case.
- Teeth that have gradually darkened or yellowed over the years.
- Surface staining associated with tea, coffee, red wine or tobacco.
- A wish to lighten the natural shade before an event or occasion.
- General dissatisfaction with the colour of otherwise healthy teeth.
Assessment
How Dr. Anshul evaluates your case
- A dental examination first, to confirm the teeth and gums are healthy enough for whitening.
- The cause of the discolouration is identified — surface staining and internal discolouration respond differently.
- Existing crowns, veneers and fillings in visible positions are noted, since these will not change colour.
- The current shade is recorded so that any change can be compared objectively afterwards.
- What whitening can and cannot achieve in your case is explained before you decide.
Treatment Process
Step by step
A general sequence. Your own plan is confirmed after assessment.
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Examination
A check of the teeth and gums to confirm whitening is appropriate, and to identify anything needing treatment first.
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Shade record
The existing shade is recorded as a reference point.
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Cleaning
Professional cleaning to remove surface deposits, so the whitening agent works on the tooth itself.
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Whitening
Whitening is carried out in the clinic, or supplied as custom trays for supervised use at home, depending on what suits your case.
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Review
The result is reviewed and compared with the recorded starting shade.
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Maintenance advice
Guidance on limiting staining and on how the result is likely to change over time.
Benefits
What this treatment can achieve
- Lightens the natural shade of the teeth under professional supervision.
- Carried out only after the teeth and gums have been checked.
- Custom-fitted trays, where used, apply the agent more evenly than generic products.
- The starting shade is recorded, so any change can be judged objectively.
- Sensitivity is monitored and managed during treatment.
Treatment Timeline
What to expect, generally
- In-clinic whitening is generally completed within one or more appointments.
- Supervised home whitening with custom trays is normally used over a period of days to a few weeks, as directed.
- Results appear gradually rather than all at once.
- The effect is not permanent. Teeth pick up staining again over time, and the rate depends on diet and habits.
- How long results tend to last, and whether top-ups are appropriate, is discussed at your review.
Aftercare
Looking after your teeth afterwards
General guidance. You will be given instructions specific to your treatment.
- Limit strongly staining food and drink — tea, coffee, red wine, coloured sauces — in the period immediately after whitening.
- Avoid tobacco, which stains teeth quickly.
- Some sensitivity during or after whitening is common and usually temporary; report it if it persists.
- Use any desensitising product exactly as advised.
- Maintain regular brushing and cleaning between the teeth.
- Attend routine check-ups so the teeth and gums continue to be monitored.
Questions
Teeth Whitening — common questions
No. Whitening acts on natural tooth structure and does not change the colour of crowns, veneers, fillings or bridges. If you have restorations in visible positions, this is discussed before treatment, as they may then differ in shade.
This varies between individuals depending on the starting shade and the type of staining, so no specific shade can be promised in advance. Your starting shade is recorded so that the change can be compared objectively.
Some sensitivity during or shortly after whitening is common and is usually temporary. It is monitored during treatment, and desensitising measures can be advised.
The effect is not permanent. Teeth gradually pick up staining again, and how quickly depends on diet and habits such as smoking. Maintenance is discussed at your review.
The information on this page is general dental information, not individual advice or a diagnosis. What is appropriate in your case can only be established by an examination. See the Dental Information Disclaimer.
Illustrative image — a stand-in portrait, not a photograph of Dr. Anshul
Your Dentist
Dr. Anshul
BDS — University of Delhi
Dentora is a solo practice. Dr. Anshul is your primary dentist for the assessment, the treatment plan, the treatment itself and the follow-up, and remains your point of contact if specialist input is coordinated.
10 years of clinical experience · English & Hindi
Appointments
Considering teeth whitening?
Send an appointment request and Dr. Anshul will examine, explain the findings and set out the options before anything is planned.
Monday – Saturday, 10:00 AM – 7:00 PM · Sunday — Closed