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Professional whitening uses higher concentrations than anything available over the counter, which is why the results are more pronounced — and why it is assessed and supervised rather than simply dispensed. The examination beforehand is what tells you whether whitening will actually achieve what you want.
Whitening uses a peroxide-based gel to break down pigmented molecules within the tooth structure, rather than scrubbing stain from the surface. Those pigments accumulate over years of coffee, tea, red wine, cola and smoking.
Whitening only works on natural tooth structure. Existing crowns, veneers, bridges and white fillings will not change shade, so whitening the teeth around visible restorations can create a mismatch. It also will not correct discolouration caused by decay, internal staining after trauma, or certain developmental conditions. All of this is checked first.
Whitening suits patients with healthy teeth and gums whose discolouration comes from surface and internal staining rather than structural causes.
Whitening is straightforward, but evenness and comfort depend on the preparation.
Whitening is unsuitable over untreated decay or active gum disease, so we examine first and record your starting shade against a standard guide.
In-chair whitening is completed in one supervised appointment. Take-home whitening uses custom trays over a couple of weeks and gives a more gradual, controllable result. We advise which suits your teeth and sensitivity history.
We recommend a scale and clean beforehand. Removing plaque and calculus lets the gel contact enamel evenly, which is what makes the result uniform.
For take-home, we scan and make trays that hold gel on the teeth and off the gums. For in-chair, the soft tissues are isolated and protected before the gel is applied.
In-chair treatment runs through several supervised applications in one visit. Take-home is worn as directed — we will show you exactly how much gel to use, since excess is the usual cause of sensitivity.
We check the result and discuss maintenance. Desensitising products are available and the regimen can be adjusted if needed.
Whitening is a low-risk cosmetic treatment, but sensitivity is common and results vary between patients.
Possible Risks:
Recovery and Aftercare:
Take-home whitening only — $489
Custom trays and professional take-home whitening gels.
In-chair whitening only — from $699
In-chair whitening using a professional whitening system.
In-chair and take-home package — $998
In-chair whitening plus take-home gels and trays.
Results vary between patients depending on the cause and depth of the staining, and no specific shade outcome can be guaranteed. This price guide is an estimate only and not a final quote. All quotes are valid for 6 months and subject to change after that period.
Item numbers: 118 x 12 for in-chair whitening; 119 x 2 and 927 for take-home whitening. A separate examination fee applies for patients not currently attending the practice, and a scale and clean is recommended before treatment. Results vary between patients and no specific shade outcome is guaranteed. Prices are subject to change without notice.
It varies with the cause and depth of the staining, which is why we record a starting shade rather than promising a number. Yellow-toned discolouration responds better than grey.
We will give you a realistic expectation at the examination rather than after you have paid.
Professionally supervised whitening at appropriate concentrations is not shown to damage enamel. The main risk is temporary sensitivity.
Problems more often arise from unsupervised use of over-the-counter or online products, particularly ill-fitting trays that allow gel onto the gums.
Typically one to three years, depending heavily on diet and smoking. Results fade gradually rather than suddenly.
Take-home patients keep their trays, so topping up periodically is inexpensive.
You can whiten the natural teeth, but the restorations will not change. Where restorations are visible at the front, this can leave a mismatch.
In those cases we would discuss whitening first and then replacing the restorations to match the new shade, which changes the cost and sequence considerably.
Choosing Civic Gentle Dental Care under the Cosmetique Dental™ standard means partnering with a practice built on extensive clinical experience and a deep commitment to patient care.
Our dedicated team provides personalised treatment plans, utilising modern techniques alongside our specialised in-house ceramic laboratory. We focus on delivering optimal aesthetic and functional outcomes for your smile, while ensuring your entire experience is gentle, transparent, and completely professional.
We offer interest-free payment plans to help make your treatment more manageable.
*Subject to finance approval, fees and charged
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For changing shape and proportion as well as colour.

Direct bonding, best shade-matched after whitening.

Recommended before whitening for an even result.
Thinking about whitening?
Book at Civic Gentle Dental Care in Canberra City for an assessment and a realistic picture of what whitening will achieve for you.