Coffee, tea, wine and simply the years dull enamel over time. Professional whitening lightens the natural shade of your teeth with a stronger product than what's sold at the pharmacy — and, more importantly, with someone keeping an eye on it.
At Studio Dentaire, the dentist first checks that your teeth and gums are healthy, then suggests the approach that suits you: in the clinic, with custom trays at home, or both, depending on your situation.
When to consider whitening
- Teeth yellowed or dulled by coffee, tea, wine or tobacco
- A shade that has darkened with age
- An upcoming event: wedding, interview, photos
- Before veneers or a front crown, to match the shade
- Pharmacy products that didn't deliver
What to expect
- Step 1
Assessment
The dentist examines your teeth and gums. A cavity, an irritated gum or visible restorations at the front change the plan: we deal with what needs dealing with first, and tell you honestly what to expect.
- Step 2
Choosing the approach
In the clinic, the product is applied in a single session with your gums protected. At home, you wear custom-made trays with a prescribed gel, a few hours a day or overnight, for one to two weeks. Depending on your situation, the two can also be combined.
- Step 3
The whitening
We record your starting shade so we can compare. The in-clinic session usually takes about an hour; at home, you follow the instructions at your own pace, and call us if anything worries you.
- Step 4
Afterwards
For the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid what stains: coffee, tea, red wine, tomato sauce. Temporary sensitivity is common and settles on its own; we'll explain how to reduce it.
What it changes
- A lighter shade, often visible after the first session
- A product dosed and applied properly, with your gums protected
- Custom trays you keep for touch-ups later
- A natural result, adjusted with you, not an artificial white
Frequently asked questions
No, and we'd rather tell you upfront. Crowns, veneers and fillings don't change colour. Grey stains, or those caused by certain medications, respond less well. Results vary from one person to the next: the dentist will tell you what's realistic in your case.
It depends a lot on your habits: coffee, tea, red wine, tobacco. Generally, we're talking several months to a few years, with occasional touch-ups at home to maintain the shade.
Properly supervised, professional whitening doesn't damage enamel. Any sensitivity you feel is temporary. That's exactly why the assessment matters: we don't whiten a decayed tooth or an irritated gum.
It's common, especially to cold, and usually goes away within a day or two. Toothpaste for sensitive teeth before and after, and shorter sessions at home, help a lot. If your teeth are already sensitive, tell us: we adapt.