Professional Teeth Whitening: What To Expect In 2025

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure designed to improve the appearance of natural teeth by lightening their colour. Many people consider professional whitening when over-the-counter products don't give the results they expect.

In 2025, in-office teeth whitening continues to be one of the most common dental treatments performed for aesthetic reasons. While the process hasn't changed dramatically, the materials and techniques have become more refined, helping providers carry out the procedure with more consistency and control.

Understanding each part of the whitening process can help clarify what happens during a typical appointment. This includes how the treatment works, what it uses, and how it's different from at-home whitening options.

What is professional in-office teeth whitening?

Professional in-office teeth whitening is a dental treatment performed by a licensed dental provider using regulated products. The process takes place in a clinical setting, where safety protocols and product strength can be carefully managed.

This treatment uses hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide in a higher concentration than what's available in store-bought kits. These ingredients help break down stains on the enamel and dentin layers of the teeth. Because the setting is controlled, dental professionals apply protective barriers to the gums and soft tissues before the whitening gel is used.

In-office teeth bleaching differs from basic whitening in one key way:

• Whitening: Removes stains to return teeth to their natural colour

• Bleaching: Uses stronger solutions that can make teeth appear whiter than their original shade

The process usually includes multiple steps: cleaning the teeth, applying the whitening agent, activating it with a light or laser, and repeating the application if needed. The full appointment typically lasts between 45 and 90 minutes, depending on the system used and the starting shade of the teeth.

How to prepare for dental whitening treatment

Before a teeth whitening appointment at the dentist, the process starts with a consultation. During this visit, the dentist checks the health of your teeth and gums to determine if whitening is suitable.

If there's a buildup of plaque or tartar, a professional cleaning may be recommended before applying the whitening solution. This helps ensure that the whitening gel spreads evenly across the teeth.

Some patients receive specific instructions prior to the appointment:

• Avoid dark-colored foods and drinks

• Use a soft-bristle toothbrush

• Brush a few hours before the session

Certain conditions may prevent someone from getting their teeth whitened:

• Untreated cavities

• Gum disease

• Pregnancy

• Severe tooth sensitivity

Preparation for getting teeth whitened at the dentist often involves three main steps:

• Dental examination: The dentist looks for signs of decay, gum inflammation, or damage that could interfere with the whitening treatment.

• Professional cleaning: A hygienist or dentist removes surface deposits to ensure the whitening agent reaches the enamel properly.

• Shade assessment: The current colour of the teeth is recorded using a shade guide to compare the results after the procedure.

Stages of the teeth whitening process at the dentist

A professional teeth whitening session typically lasts between 60 and 90 minutes. The process follows specific steps designed to apply and activate the whitening solution in a controlled setting.

Feature	In-Office Whitening	Take-Home Professional Kits
Whitening Agent	Higher concentration	Lower concentration
Application	By a dental professional	By a patient at home
Results	Immediate, dramatic	Gradually over 1–2 weeks
Session Time	60–90 minutes	30–60 minutes per day
Supervision	Direct dentist supervision	Remote dentist guidance

1. Application of protective barriers

Before applying the whitening gel, the dentist places protective barriers on the gums and surrounding soft tissues. This step minimises contact between the whitening agent and sensitive areas inside the mouth.

The protective material is usually a gel or rubber-like substance that hardens slightly to form a shield. This is part of the standard professional teeth whitening procedure to reduce the risk of irritation.

2. Application of teeth bleaching gel

Once the barriers are in place, the dentist applies the whitening gel to the surfaces of the teeth. The gel contains either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, both of which are bleaching agents.

These compounds break down stains on the tooth enamel through an oxidation reaction. Because this is part of a dentist's teeth whitening procedure, the concentration of peroxide is higher than in over-the-counter products.

3. Light or laser activation

Some whitening systems include a step where a light or laser is directed at the teeth after the gel is applied. This activation step helps speed up the chemical reaction of the bleaching gel.

Each cycle of light exposure generally lasts 15 to 20 minutes. Not all in-office teeth whitening treatments include this step, as some formulas are designed to work without light activation.

4. Rinse and reapplication

After one cycle, the gel is rinsed off the teeth using water or suction. Depending on the whitening system being used and the desired result, the gel may be reapplied for another cycle.

Each application is timed precisely and monitored for changes in shade and tissue response. The final stage includes a last rinse and an evaluation of the outcome.

Common side effects and ways to address them

Side effects from professional teeth whitening are usually mild and don't last long. These effects are typically linked to how the whitening product interacts with the teeth and soft tissues in the mouth.

Side Effect	Cause	Solution
Gum Irritation	Gel contact with soft tissues	Use protective barriers, rinse mouth
Tooth Sensitivity	Temporary exposure of dentin	Use sensitive toothpaste, avoid temperature extremes
White Spots	Dehydration of enamel	Usually resolves within hours

Gum irritation

Gum irritation may occur if the whitening gel gets onto the gums or other soft tissues. This irritation often feels like a tingling or burning sensation and usually fades within a few hours.

To help reduce discomfort:

• Use a soft toothbrush

• Avoid spicy or acidic foods

• Rinse with cool water

Dentists often apply protective barriers to reduce the chance of gel contact during the procedure, which is why professional treatments can be safer than at-home options.

Temporary tooth sensitivity

Tooth sensitivity after whitening can happen when the peroxide in the gel passes through the enamel and reaches the dentin. The dentin contains small nerve endings that may react to hot or cold temperatures.

Using toothpaste made for sensitive teeth and avoiding food or drinks that are very hot or cold can help reduce this reaction. A dentist may also recommend a desensitising treatment if the sensitivity continues.

Aftercare tips to maintain whitened teeth

The results from a professional teeth whitening treatment can last from 6 months to 2 years. The duration depends on oral hygiene habits, diet, and whether follow-up treatments are scheduled.

The three main ways to maintain whitened teeth include:

1. Avoid stain-causing foods and drinks

Foods and drinks that contain dark pigments can stain teeth, especially in the 48 hours following a whitening treatment. Common examples include:

• Coffee and tea

• Red wine

• Dark berries

• Tomato sauce

• Dark sodas

During the first two days, a "white diet" consisting of light-colored foods such as chicken, rice, and milk can help reduce the chance of new stains. Using a straw for drinks and rinsing the mouth after consuming colourful foods may also help preserve the colour of teeth.

2. Maintain daily oral hygiene

Brushing twice a day with whitening or sensitivity toothpaste and flossing once daily helps limit stain buildup. Whitening formulas often contain mild abrasives that assist in removing surface stains.

Electric toothbrushes and mouthwashes made for whitening maintenance may offer additional support for keeping white teeth. These tools can work together to maintain the results achieved through professional whitening.

3. Schedule maintenance whitening treatments

In-office whitening results fade over time. Touch-up sessions may occur every 6 to 12 months, depending on dietary and lifestyle factors.

Some dentists offer custom trays for at-home use, which can be filled with whitening gel between appointments. These trays are often used to maintain the effects of earlier treatments received at a teeth whitening office.

Future innovations in cosmetic teeth whitening

As of 2025, cosmetic teeth whitening continues to advance through new technologies designed to improve both speed and comfort during treatment. These developments aim to reduce common side effects, such as tooth sensitivity, while maintaining or enhancing whitening results.

One area of innovation involves the use of advanced light systems. These systems use controlled wavelengths to activate whitening gels more efficiently, which may reduce the time required for each session.

Whitening gels are also evolving. New formulations are being developed to achieve results with lower concentrations of peroxide, helping minimise sensitivity while still producing noticeable colour changes. Some gels now contain added ingredients like fluoride or potassium nitrate, which are used to support enamel protection during the whitening process.

Another emerging trend is the use of customised whitening plans. These plans are based on a person's tooth shade, sensitivity level, and whitening goals. Digital imaging and shade-matching tools allow dental professionals to tailor the treatment more precisely than before.

Ready to get teeth whitened and brighten your smile

A professional teeth whitening session is a procedure performed in a clinical setting where products and equipment are used under the supervision of a trained provider. These sessions typically use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gels in higher concentrations than those available for home use.

A teeth whitening session in the dentist's office usually takes around 60 to 90 minutes. The process includes applying a protective barrier to the gums, using a whitening gel on the teeth, and sometimes activating the gel with a light or laser. In many cases, the gel is reapplied multiple times during the same session to reach the desired shade.

The safety and success of the treatment depend on the provider's ability to assess oral health, apply the materials evenly, and monitor the process. This is why professional whitening is typically performed in a dental or clinical environment.

To schedule a teeth whitening session with a qualified provider at Glow By Salina, visit https://www.treatwell.co.uk/place/glow-by-salina/.

FAQs about professional teeth whitening

How long does professional teeth whitening take?

Professional teeth whitening typically takes 60-90 minutes for a complete in-office treatment, with immediate results visible after just one session.

Will professional teeth whitening damage my enamel?

Professional teeth whitening performed by qualified practitioners is safe and doesn't damage healthy enamel when done correctly and not overused.

How much whiter will my teeth get from professional treatment?

Professional teeth whitening can lighten teeth by 5-10 shades in a single treatment, though results vary based on initial tooth colour and causes of discolouration.

How long do professional teeth whitening results last?

Professional teeth whitening results typically last 6 months to 2 years, depending on oral hygiene practices and consumption of staining foods and beverages.

Is professional teeth whitening painful?

Professional teeth whitening isn't painful, though some patients may experience temporary sensitivity during or after treatment that typically resolves within 24-48 hours.

Can I get professional teeth whitening if I have dental work?

Existing dental work, like crowns and fillings, won't whiten with treatment, so your dentist will discuss options to ensure a uniform smile if you have restorations.