Teeth Whitening
Professional teeth whitening lightens the natural colour of your teeth with a peroxide gel applied under a dentist's supervision, while your gums are protected. At our Al Qusais, Dubai clinic, our dentist checks your teeth and gums first, and whitening is then done as a course of at least three in-clinic sessions, each usually under an hour.
Who is teeth whitening for?
Adults with healthy teeth and gums whose natural teeth have yellowed or stained, for example from coffee, tea, smoking or age. Before you start, bear in mind:
- It is not done during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Decay or gum disease is treated first.
- Crowns, veneers and fillings do not change colour, so visible front-tooth restorations may need replacing afterwards to match.
- Deep internal stains, such as from tetracycline or severe fluorosis, often respond poorly; porcelain veneers may be an option.
Whitening is also a common last step after Invisalign or braces.
What happens at a whitening session?
- Check-up. The dentist examines your teeth and gums and records your starting shade. A scaling and polishing visit beforehand removes tartar and surface stain so the gel works evenly.
- Protection. A lip retractor holds your lips and cheeks back, and a barrier is placed over the gums.
- Gel cycles. The gel is applied to the visible teeth, left for a set time, refreshed in cycles, then rinsed off.
- Aftercare. The dentist explains what to avoid for the next 48 hours.
In-clinic or take-home whitening?
Both use stronger gel than over-the-counter products and are supervised by the dentist. They can also be combined: sessions in the clinic first, then trays to continue at home.
| In-clinic | Take-home trays | |
|---|---|---|
| Where | In the dental chair | At home, with trays made to fit your teeth |
| Gel | Higher strength, applied by the dentist | Lower, controlled strength |
| Time | Sessions usually under an hour | Daily use for about 2–3 weeks |
| Top-ups later | Another session | The same trays are reused |
How long does teeth whitening last?
Usually 12–24 months, and how much lighter your teeth become varies from person to person. Coffee, tea, smoking and irregular cleaning bring stains back sooner. For the first 48 hours, avoid strongly coloured food and drink such as coffee, tea, cola and curry.
Sensitivity for 24–48 hours after a session is common and usually settles on its own; tell the dentist if it does not.
How much does teeth whitening cost in Dubai?
Whitening at our clinic starts from AED 599 for a course of at least three sessions; see all prices.
Risks and what to expect
What to expect
Whitening is done as a course of sessions in the clinic, with or without home trays. How much lighter teeth become varies from person to person, and the result fades over time with coffee, tea and smoking. Whitening does not change the colour of crowns, veneers or fillings.
Possible side effects and risks
- Tooth sensitivity during and for a day or two after treatment
- Temporary gum irritation if the gel touches the gums
- Uneven shade, especially next to existing fillings or crowns
- Some stains (for example from certain medicines) respond poorly to whitening
Results vary from person to person and are not guaranteed. At your consultation your clinician will explain the risks that apply to you, and the alternatives, before you decide.
Teeth Whitening — Frequently Asked Questions
Usually 12–24 months. Coffee, tea, smoking and irregular cleaning bring stains back sooner, while brushing twice a day and regular scaling and polishing help the shade last longer. An occasional top-up session can refresh it.
When it follows a dental check and is supervised by a dentist, professional whitening is a well-established treatment. The most common side effect is tooth sensitivity, which usually settles within a day or two. Using strong whitening gel without a dental check is not advised.
It should not be painful. Some people feel sensitivity or short twinges during a session and for 24–48 hours afterwards; the dentist can apply a desensitising agent or shorten the gel time if needed.
It varies from person to person. It depends on your starting shade and the type of staining: surface and age-related yellowing usually respond well, while grey or internal stains respond less. The dentist shows you a shade guide at the consultation so your expectations are realistic.
No. Whitening changes only natural enamel and dentine, not porcelain, ceramic or composite. If you have visible restorations on your front teeth, the dentist may suggest whitening first and then replacing them to match the new shade.
From AED 599 for a supervised course of at least three in-clinic sessions. The dentist examines your teeth, gums and any fillings or crowns before you start, and your first consultation is free.
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Interested in Teeth Whitening?
Meet the clinician, get a clear plan with the price, and decide in your own time. We are in Al Qusais, Dubai, open every day from 10 am to 10 pm.
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