Whitening

Medically reviewed by Dr Matthew Sng ·

Pricing

Chairside (in-clinic) whitening: $900
Take-home whitening kit: $400

Prices exclude consultation. The dentist will assess whether whitening is suitable for you before treatment.

Prices are indicative and based on normal case complexity. A consultation is required for a definitive quote.

Whitening

Whitening involves the use of approved bleaching agents by a dentist to break up and remove stains that can’t be eliminated through regular brushing, scaling, and polishing.

Chairside Whitening

This whitening treatment is performed under closely monitored conditions in our clinic.
A highly concentrated whitening agent is used on your teeth and activated by light.
The process is relatively quick; in-office professional whitening treatments typically take around one to two hours.

Take-Home Whitening

Take-home whitening gives you the benefits of teeth whitening treatment from the comfort of your home.
A custom-made tray will be fabricated and issued together with a set of whitening gels.
You will have to wear the tray with the gel for one to two hours a day over a longer duration.
Whitening gel refills can also be ordered through our dentists at any of our dental clinics in Singapore.

Why should I see a dentist for teeth whitening?

Due to lifestyle choices and wear and tear over time, teeth may become discoloured and yellowish. Staining and discolouration of teeth can happen to anyone but can be worsened by smoking, poor dental hygiene, and frequent consumption of highly pigmented food and drinks such as coffee, curry, and red wine.

Safety and Regulation

Hydrogen peroxide is the main ingredient in the whitening gel that produces the whitening effect.
Only teeth whitening dentists in Singapore are permitted by the Health Sciences Authority (HSA) to use products containing more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide.

Online products containing high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide are not well regulated and could be harmful to the user. A dentist must prescribe products with a concentration of hydrogen peroxide above 0.1%, and concentrations greater than 6% can only be used under the supervision of a dentist.

Who it's for

People with healthy teeth and gums who want to lighten the natural shade of their teeth. A check first rules out decay or gum problems, and the dentist explains that whitening works on natural teeth but not on fillings, crowns or veneers. Results vary with the cause of discolouration.

Time and visits

In-clinic whitening is done in a single appointment; a take-home kit with custom trays is used over about two weeks.

Recovery and aftercare

No downtime. Short-lived tooth sensitivity and occasional gum tenderness are common during and just after whitening and settle within a few days.

Risks and considerations

Temporary sensitivity is the usual side effect. Whitening does not change the colour of existing dental work, results are not permanent and fade over time, and over-use can affect enamel — so it is done under a dentist's guidance.

FAQ

Whitening: frequently asked questions

Does dental insurance cover the cost of dental whitening?

Dental insurance typically does not cover the cost of cosmetic procedures like dental whitening since it is considered an elective treatment. However, it's advisable to check with your insurance provider to understand their specific coverage policies.

How does dental whitening work?

Dental whitening products contain active ingredients, typically hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which penetrate the tooth enamel and break down the stains. This process helps to lighten the color of the teeth and achieve a brighter smile.

Can dental whitening damage my teeth?

When used correctly, dental whitening should not damage your teeth. However, excessive or improper use of whitening products may cause tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or enamel erosion. It's best to consult with a dentist before starting any whitening treatment.

Can dental veneers be whitened?

Dental veneers are resistant to staining, so they will not respond to traditional teeth whitening treatments. If you're considering whitening your teeth, it's best to do it before getting veneers to ensure a uniform shade.

Can teeth whitening cause tooth sensitivity?

Teeth whitening treatments can sometimes cause temporary tooth sensitivity. However, this sensitivity is usually mild and should subside shortly after the treatment.

Show 18 more questions
How can I reduce staining caused by some food and drinks?

Certain drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, and foods like curry, cherries and blueberries are prone to causing stains on your teeth. To avoid stains, you can: 1. Use a straw to drink 2. Avoid constant eating or sipping beverages throughout the day 3. Brush your teeth after meals

Can I collect my take-home whitening kit on the same day as my consultation?

No, an impression of your teeth is taken and sent to a lab for fabrication. The whitening kit will be ready for collection in approximately 2 weeks.

What does the whitening treatment include?

It is advisable to consult our dentist to assess your condition and determine if you are suitable for the treatment. This ensures the treatment is appropriate for you.

Is dental whitening safe?

Yes, dental whitening is generally considered safe when performed under the supervision of a dental professional using approved products. However, it's essential to follow the instructions provided and avoid overusing whitening products.

Is dental whitening suitable for everyone?

Dental whitening is generally safe for most individuals. However, it may not be suitable for those with extensive dental restorations, such as dental crowns or veneers, as whitening agents do not lighten these materials. Pregnant or breastfeeding women are also advised to avoid whitening treatments.

What can I do to make my teeth whiter?

We offer whitening treatment that will be able to lighten the natural shade of your tooth. If the discolouration of your teeth is more severe, you may consider having veneers done to cover the discoloured teeth.

What are the side effects of whitening?

Common side effects of whitening include temporary tooth sensitivity and mild gum irritation. These usually resolve on their own shortly after treatment.

How does chair-side whitening work and what brand do you use?

We use the Philips (Zoom) Whitening system for chair-side whitening. After an hour of treatment with a high concentration whitening agent, you can see visible effects. A protective resin is applied to your gums to prevent irritation from the gel.

How long do the effects of whitening last?

The effects of professional teeth whitening can last 12 to 18 months, depending on your oral hygiene, diet, and lifestyle habits. Acidic drinks such as coffee, tea, and soft drinks, and smoking, can shorten how long the result lasts.

What is the difference between dental bleaching and dental whitening?

When it comes to the practice of making teeth brighter, the words whitening and bleaching are often used interchangeably.

Are there any alternatives to dental whitening for achieving a whiter smile?

Yes, there are alternatives to dental whitening. Dental veneers or bonding can be used to cover stained teeth permanently. Additionally, practicing good oral hygiene, avoiding stain-causing foods and beverages, and regular dental cleanings can help maintain a brighter smile.

Are over-the-counter whitening products effective?

Over-the-counter whitening products, such as whitening toothpaste, strips, and gels, can help remove surface stains to some extent. However, professional whitening treatments performed by a dentist tend to be more effective as they use stronger concentrations of whitening agents.

How does the take-home whitening kit work?

Home whitening kits have a lower concentration of whitening agent. A custom-made tray is used to hold the whitening gel against your teeth for one to four hours a day for one to two weeks.

How long does a dental whitening procedure take?

An in-clinic (chairside) whitening session usually takes about 60 to 90 minutes. Take-home whitening is carried out over about two weeks, wearing custom trays daily as directed by your dentist.

What is the percentage of hydrogen peroxide in your whitening gel?

Our whitening gel is Opalescence PF 35%, which contains potassium nitrate and fluoride.

Is teeth whitening 100% effective?

The effectiveness of whitening depends on various factors, such as your diet and smoking habits.

Is whitening painful?

Teeth whitening is usually not painful. Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity during or after the procedure, but this typically resolves within a few days.

Will dental whitening make my teeth completely white?

Dental whitening can significantly lighten the colour of your teeth, but it cannot make them completely white. The extent of whitening achievable depends on factors such as the natural shade of your teeth, the type of stains present, and the whitening method used.

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