How does professional whitening work?
A whitening gel is applied in the clinic under controlled conditions, protecting the gums. The home kit then keeps the result. Whitening changes natural enamel only, not crowns or fillings.
What is composite bonding?
A tooth-coloured resin shaped directly on the tooth to close small gaps, lengthen short edges or repair chips. Nothing is drilled away, and it is finished in one visit.
Why combine them?
Whitening first sets the shade, so the bonding can be matched to your new, lighter teeth.
How white can teeth become?
It depends on your natural shade and the cause of the colour. Yellowish teeth usually lighten well; grey or banded staining responds less. The doctor shows you a realistic shade range at the first visit. We aim for a white that suits your skin and eyes rather than the lightest tab on the guide, so the result looks like your own teeth.
How long does whitening last?
Commonly one to three years, depending on coffee, tea, red wine and smoking. The home kit lets you refresh the shade from time to time. Whitening does not damage enamel when used as instructed, but overusing it can increase sensitivity.
Who should not have whitening?
Whitening is postponed during pregnancy and breastfeeding, and until decay or gum disease has been treated. It does not change the colour of crowns, veneers or fillings, so if you have these at the front, the doctor explains how the shades will match. Very sensitive teeth may need a gentler plan.
What can bonding fix?
Small chips, short or uneven edges, small gaps between front teeth, and minor differences in shape. Bonding can also cover small marks on the surface. It is less suited to changing the colour of many teeth at once, closing large gaps or covering heavily filled teeth; veneers or crowns usually do that better. Our guide on veneers or bonding compares the two.
What are the possible risks and side effects?
Both treatments are gentle. Possible issues include:
- Temporary sensitivity to cold during and after whitening, usually gone within a few days
- Mild gum irritation if whitening gel touches the gums
- Uneven results on teeth with fillings or deep staining
- Bonding can chip at the edge or pick up stains over time, especially with coffee, tea or smoking
- Bonding needs polishing and occasional repair to keep its shine
None of these is permanent, and small bonding repairs can be done by any dentist.
How long does bonding last?
Commonly around five to seven years before it needs polishing, repair or replacement. Biting nails or hard objects shortens that, and a night guard helps if you grind. Because little or no enamel is removed, you can move to veneers later if you wish.
What affects the price?
The number of teeth bonded, whether whitening is done in the clinic, at home or both, and any cleaning or small fillings needed first. Your written quote names each tooth and step; starting prices are on the prices page.
How do you look after the result?
Brush twice a day with a non-abrasive fluoride toothpaste, clean between the teeth, and rinse with water after coffee, tea or red wine. Use the home kit as the doctor advised to refresh the shade. A professional polish at your regular check-up keeps the bonding smooth and bright.
Who works on your smile?
One doctor examines your teeth, carries out the whitening and shapes the bonding by hand, tooth by tooth. On a short stay of three nights and two visits, you have time to see the result in daylight and ask for small changes before you fly home.
What happens on each visit?
On the first visit, the doctor examines your teeth and gums, cleans them if needed, records your starting shade and carries out the in-clinic whitening. You receive your home kit with trays made from a scan of your teeth, and instructions for the next nights.
On the second visit, once the shade has settled, the doctor bonds the teeth that need it, shaping the resin by hand and matching it to your new colour. The bonding is polished, your bite is checked, and you see the result in daylight before you leave.
In the clinic or at home?
Both have a place. In-clinic whitening uses a stronger gel under control, with the gums protected, and gives a visible change in one session. Home whitening uses a milder gel in custom trays over several nights and is gentler on sensitive teeth. Combining them usually gives the most even and stable shade, and the trays let you refresh it later.
Can whitening be combined with veneers or crowns?
Yes, and it often should come first. Porcelain does not change colour with whitening, so the natural teeth are whitened to the shade you want, and the veneers or crowns are then matched to them. Your written plan shows the order of the steps.
Does whitening hurt?
Not usually. Some people feel short, sharp twinges of sensitivity during or after whitening, which fade within a day or two. A desensitising gel and a short break between sessions help if you feel it.