How Can I Whiten My Teeth?

A bright, white smile is confidence-boosting, but everyday life works against it. Coffee, tea, red wine, berries and sauces leave pigments on enamel. Tobacco adds tenacious brown deposits. With age, enamel thins and reveals more of the naturally yellow dentin beneath. Some medicines during tooth development can cause internal discolouration. The good news is that most common stains are external and respond well to proven whitening methods. A quick exam helps determine whether your teeth are discoloured on the surface, deeper within the tooth structure, or both—and that guides the safest, most effective plan. 

At home, whitening toothpastes gently polish away surface stains; they don’t bleach teeth, so expect subtle brightening over time rather than dramatic change. Whitening strips and store-bought gels use low-concentration peroxide to lighten enamel several shades with steady, directed use. Results vary because one-size strips and trays don’t always fit evenly, and overuse can cause sensitivity or gum irritation. Be cautious with DIY hacks like charcoal or aggressive baking soda scrubs; overly abrasive products can thin enamel and make teeth look yellower by exposing dentin. If you’re unsure, ask us before trying anything new. 

Professional whitening offers faster, more predictable results. In-office treatments use high-strength peroxide gels under careful isolation and monitoring to lift stains in a single session. If you have an event coming up, this approach delivers immediate impact. Custom take-home trays are a flexible alternative: we fabricate snug trays and provide professional gel for you to wear on a set schedule at home. Because the trays seal gel to the tooth and away from gums, coverage is even and sensitivity is easier to manage. Many patients combine an in-office “jump start” with take-home trays for maintenance. 

Sensitivity is the most common temporary side effect of whitening. We can tailor the concentration and wear time, use desensitizing agents, and suggest toothpastes that make treatment more comfortable. Whitening only affects natural enamel, so existing fillings, crowns and veneers will not change colour; if shade mismatch is a concern, we can plan replacement after whitening to blend seamlessly. 

For deep intrinsic discolouration, bleaching may have limits. In those cases, cosmetic options like porcelain veneers or bonding can mask internal colour and create a uniform, lasting shade. We’ll walk you through pros, longevity and costs so the solution fits your goals. 

Keeping a white smile is about habits. Maintain excellent home care, schedule regular professional cleanings to remove tartar and surface stains, and be mindful with darker drinks—rinsing with water or using a straw for iced beverages helps. Touch-ups with your custom trays once or twice a year keep results fresh without starting from scratch. 

If you’re ready to brighten safely and effectively, book a whitening consultation.

We’ll evaluate your enamel and sensitivity, map out the best approach for your timeline and budget, and deliver results that look natural in real life, not chalky or overdone.