In-Clinic & At-Home Teeth Whitening
Teeth Cleaning & Whitening | In-Clinic & At-Home Whitening
Whether you want to remove tartar and stains or brighten your smile, Aegis Dental provides professional teeth cleaning, in-clinic whitening and at-home whitening. Our dentist will assess your teeth and recommend a suitable oral care and whitening plan.
What Is the Difference Between Cleaning and Whitening?
| Compare | Teeth Cleaning | Teeth Whitening |
|---|---|---|
| Main Goal | Maintain gum and oral health | Brighten tooth color |
| Whitens Teeth? | Removes surface stains only; does not change natural tooth color | Can lighten natural tooth color |
| Suitable For | People maintaining oral health | People with yellow or stained teeth |
| Suggested Frequency | Every 9-12 months | As advised by your dentist |
Main Goal
Teeth Cleaning
Maintain gum and oral health
Teeth Whitening
Brighten tooth color
Whitens Teeth?
Teeth Cleaning
Removes surface stains only; does not change natural tooth color
Teeth Whitening
Can lighten natural tooth color
Suitable For
Teeth Cleaning
People maintaining oral health
Teeth Whitening
People with yellow or stained teeth
Suggested Frequency
Teeth Cleaning
Every 9-12 months
Teeth Whitening
As advised by your dentist
Professional Teeth Cleaning & Polishing
Teeth cleaning and polishing are common preventive dental treatments. Professional instruments remove plaque, tartar and surface stains to support healthy gums and reduce the risk of gum inflammation and periodontal disease.
For people who regularly drink coffee or milk tea, or who smoke, cleaning can also remove some surface staining and leave teeth looking cleaner. Regular cleaning with good daily oral care can also help improve breath and overall oral health.
A dental cleaning and check-up is generally recommended every 9-12 months. If you have gum disease, heavy tartar build-up or a smoking habit, your dentist may suggest more frequent cleaning and follow-up.
Teeth Whitening
In-clinic whitening is a professional teeth whitening treatment for yellowing, tea stains and age-related discoloration. Whitening gel is used with blue-light technology to break down pigments and brighten the teeth for a cleaner, more natural-looking smile.
A key benefit is the relatively fast result, with many patients seeing a color improvement after treatment. It is popular before weddings, graduation, interviews and other important occasions. The treatment is completed in the clinic, with no long hours of tray wear at home.
In-Clinic Whitening Process
Dental Check & Shade Assessment
The dentist examines the tooth and reviews X-rays to assess the pulp infection, root anatomy, number of canals and surrounding bone.
Gum Protection
Before whitening, the dentist checks your teeth and gums to confirm suitability. Your current tooth shade is then recorded with a shade guide for comparison after treatment.
Apply Whitening Gel
A mouth retractor and protective barrier are used to help shield the gums and reduce irritation during whitening.
Blue-Light Activation
Professional whitening gel is applied evenly to the tooth surfaces so the whitening ingredients can work effectively.
Compare Results
After treatment, the whitening gel and gum barrier are removed. The dentist compares your tooth shade before and after treatment so you can review the result.
At-home whitening is another common teeth whitening option. Your dentist provides custom-made whitening trays, professional whitening gel and clear instructions, allowing you to whiten your teeth at home around your own schedule.
The main advantage is flexibility. You can whiten at home as advised without setting aside a long clinic visit. Results appear gradually, so some patients also use at-home whitening to maintain results after in-clinic whitening.
At-Home Whitening Process
Dental Check & Shade Assessment
Your dentist checks your teeth and gums, reviews your current tooth shade and oral health, and discusses your expected result before treatment begins.
Custom Whitening Trays
Impressions or scans are taken to create custom trays that fit comfortably and allow the whitening gel to contact the teeth evenly.
Usage Instructions
Your dentist explains the correct amount of whitening gel, how to place it and how long to wear the trays, and provides the required whitening products.
Whiten at Home
Place the recommended amount of gel in the trays and wear them for around 4-6 hours per day. Treatment usually lasts about one week, depending on your teeth and desired result.
Review the Result
After treatment, you may return for a review if needed. The dentist can check the whitening result and advise whether maintenance or additional treatment is required.
Teeth Whitening: Important Notes
Teeth whitening is common, but it is not suitable for everyone straight away. Your dentist will first check your teeth and gums to confirm whether whitening is appropriate.
If you have tooth decay, gum disease, cracked teeth or significant sensitivity, treatment may be recommended first. Whitening can then be considered once your oral condition is stable.
After whitening, try to limit strongly colored foods and drinks such as coffee, milk tea, strong tea, curry and cola, especially at first. Avoid smoking where possible and maintain good oral hygiene with brushing, flossing and regular dental cleaning.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Learn more about Teeth Whitening and common concerns.
Can I whiten my teeth if they are sensitive?
Some people with sensitive teeth can still have whitening, but suitability depends on the cause and severity. Your dentist will assess your teeth and gums before recommending treatment.
Is the blue light used for whitening harmful?
The blue light is used to activate the whitening gel and is a common part of professional whitening systems. Treatment is carried out under dental supervision.
Does whitening work on crowns, veneers or fillings?
Whitening mainly works on natural teeth. Crowns, veneers and filling materials generally do not change color, so existing restorations should be assessed before treatment.
How long does teeth whitening take?
In-clinic whitening is usually completed in one visit and takes about 1-2 hours. At-home whitening usually takes about one week, depending on the condition of your teeth.
How long do whitening results last?
Results vary with oral hygiene, diet and smoking habits. Good oral care, regular cleaning and limiting dark-colored foods and drinks can help the result last longer.