Teeth Whitening: What Works, What Is a Waste of Money
Charcoal powder, whitening toothpaste, LED kits, professional laser — we rank every option by what it actually delivers.
Whitening is the most searched dental treatment and the most misunderstood. Let us separate what changes tooth colour from what only claims to.
Charcoal powder — avoid
Charcoal is abrasive. It removes surface stain by physically sanding the enamel, and once enough enamel is gone the yellow dentin underneath shows through more. Teeth end up darker in the long run.
Whitening toothpaste — marginal
Removes fresh surface stains from coffee and tea. It cannot change the underlying colour of the tooth. Useful for maintenance, useless for an actual shade change.
Over-the-counter LED kits — inconsistent
The peroxide concentration is legally capped, so results are mild. The bigger issue is the generic tray, which leaks gel onto the gums and causes chemical burns. We treat several of these every month.
Custom take-home trays — very good
A tray moulded to your teeth plus professional-strength gel, worn nightly for two weeks. Gradual, controlled and the most economical route to a real shade change.
In-clinic laser whitening — best and fastest
One 60-minute session under gum protection with an activated high-concentration gel. Several shades in a single visit, with sensitivity managed by desensitising agents applied before and after.
One thing to know first
Whitening does not change the colour of crowns, veneers or fillings. If you have visible restorations, whiten first, then match the new restorations to your new shade — never the other way round.
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