Professional teeth whitening, guided by your dentist
Professional teeth whitening uses dentist-supervised whitening gel to lift stains and lighten the natural shade of your teeth. Every Avenue Dental practice offers custom take-home whitening trays, and some practices also offer in-chair whitening.
Your teeth and gums are checked first, because whitening isn’t right for everyone and it doesn’t change crowns, veneers or fillings. This guide covers how each option works, what whitening can and can’t do, and how to make your results last.
Disclaimer: Whitening results vary based on individual factors such as enamel condition and lifestyle habits. Your dentist will discuss expected outcomes and risks during your consultation.
What is professional teeth whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is a dentist-supervised treatment that uses whitening gel to lift stains and lighten the natural shade of your teeth. Unlike whitening strips or toothpaste, professional whitening starts with a check of your teeth and gums, uses gel supplied by your dentist, and is tailored to how your teeth respond. Your dentist also talks you through what result is realistic for your teeth.
At Avenue Dental, you can choose from:
- Custom take-home trays, available at every practice
- In-chair whitening, available at selected practices
Whitening only works on natural teeth, so if you have crowns, veneers or fillings at the front, your dentist will help you plan around them.
Will whitening work for me?
Whitening lightens the natural colour of your teeth. It works well on some kinds of staining and not others, which is why your dentist checks your teeth first.
Whitening can help with
- Staining from coffee, tea, red wine and smoking
- Teeth that have yellowed or darkened with age
- Lightening your natural shade before veneers or crowns are matched
- Freshening up your smile before an event
Whitening won’t change
- Crowns, veneers, bonding or fillings
- Some deeper, internal discolouration
- Chips, gaps or the shape of your teeth
- Teeth with decay or gum concerns, which are treated first
Whitening not the right fit? Compare cosmetic options →
Take-home trays or in-chair whitening?
Both use professional whitening gel under your dentist’s guidance. The difference is where and how quickly it happens.
Custom take-home trays
Trays are made to fit your teeth, and you whiten at home in your own time, gradually over several days or weeks.
- Where
- At home
- Results
- Gradual
- Trays ready
- About 1–2 weeks
- Top-ups
- Reuse your trays
In-chair whitening
Whitening gel is applied and activated by your dental team in one appointment of about an hour.
- Where
- In the practice
- Results
- Sooner
- Appointment
- About an hour
- Upkeep
- Home care advice
Ask your practice which whitening options are available there.
Teeth whitening near you
Custom take-home whitening is available at every Avenue Dental practice across the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Melbourne and Adelaide, with in-chair whitening at selected practices. Choose your area to find your nearest practice.
How take-home whitening works
Your trays are made to fit your teeth, so the gel stays where it should and away from your gums as much as possible.
-
01
Check-up and x-rays
Your dentist checks your teeth and gums and makes sure whitening is suitable before you start.
-
02
Moulds or a scan
Impressions or a scan of your teeth are taken so your trays can be made to fit.
-
03
Trays made in our lab
Our in-house lab team makes your custom trays, which usually takes about 1–2 weeks.
-
04
Whitening at home
Your dentist shows you how much gel to use and how often, and you whiten gradually in your own time.
Our Cosmetic Dentistry Services Include
How long does teeth whitening last?
Months to a year+
Whitening results often last several months to a year or more. How long yours last depends on your habits. Coffee, tea, red wine and smoking can all make results fade faster.
Because your custom trays are yours to keep, you can top up your results at home when you need to, with your dentist’s advice.
Keeping your results
- 1
Rinse after staining drinks
A rinse with water after coffee, tea or red wine helps limit new staining.
- 2
Keep up your hygiene visits
A professional clean removes surface stains that build up between visits.
- 3
Top up when you need to
Your dentist can advise how often to top up using your trays.
- 4
Mention any sensitivity
If your teeth feel sensitive, your dentist can adjust how often you whiten.
Why Choose Avenue Dental for Teeth Whitening?
Brightening your smile should feel straightforward and properly looked after — not like a gamble you’re taking on your own in the bathroom mirror. Our whitening’s designed with both results and comfort in mind, using professional-grade products and an approach built around you, with your dentist guiding the whole thing from start to finish.
Whether you go for in-chair whitening when you want results sooner, or custom take-home trays for a bit more flexibility, your dentist will walk you through how it works, answer whatever you’re wondering, and help you figure out whether whitening’s actually the right move for you in the first place.
Flexible payment plans
At Avenue Dental on the Sunshine Coast, Brisbane, Adelaide and Melbourne, we understand that dental treatment can be difficult to fit into your budget, which is why we offer a range of different dental payment plan options.
Teeth whitening FAQs
Questions people ask us most. Anything else, your dentist can answer at your appointment.
What is professional teeth whitening?
Professional teeth whitening uses dentist-supervised whitening gel to lift stains and lighten the natural shade of your teeth. Your dentist checks your teeth and gums first to make sure whitening is suitable.
What whitening options does Avenue Dental offer?
Every Avenue Dental practice offers custom take-home whitening trays. Some practices also offer in-chair whitening. Ask your practice which options are available there.
How do take-home whitening trays work?
After a check-up, impressions or a scan of your teeth are taken and our in-house lab makes custom trays to fit. Your dentist shows you how much gel to use and how often, and you whiten gradually at home.
How long does it take to get whitening trays?
Custom trays are usually ready in about 1 to 2 weeks, as they’re made to fit your teeth by our in-house lab team.
What is in-chair whitening?
In-chair whitening is done by your dental team in one appointment of about an hour, using whitening gel that’s applied and activated in the practice. It’s available at selected Avenue Dental practices.
How long does teeth whitening last?
Whitening results often last several months to a year or more, depending on your habits. Coffee, tea, red wine and smoking can all make results fade faster. Your trays can be used for top-ups with your dentist’s advice.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
Whitening shouldn’t hurt, but some people notice temporary sensitivity during or after whitening. It usually settles, and your dentist can adjust how often you whiten if needed.
Is professional teeth whitening safe?
Professional whitening is supervised by your dentist, who checks your teeth and gums first and guides you on how to use the gel. Like any treatment, it carries some risks, such as temporary sensitivity, which your dentist will explain.
Can I whiten crowns, veneers or fillings?
No. Whitening only lightens natural teeth. Crowns, veneers, bonding and fillings keep their original shade, so your dentist will talk you through how to plan around them.
Should I whiten my teeth before veneers?
Usually, yes. Whitening is done first so any new veneers, crowns or bonding can be matched to your whitened shade.
Why do my teeth need a check-up before whitening?
Whitening isn’t suitable for everyone. Decay, gum concerns or worn fillings are usually treated first, and your dentist checks whether your type of staining is likely to respond to whitening.
Is dentist whitening different from whitening strips or toothpaste?
Professional whitening uses gel supplied and supervised by your dentist, in trays made to fit your teeth. Your dentist also checks your teeth first and can tailor how you whiten to suit you.
How much does teeth whitening cost?
The cost depends on the whitening option you choose. Your dentist can give you an exact quote at your appointment, and interest-free payment plans are available.
