How Does the Whitening
Process Work?
Step by Step from Consultation to Results

Professional whitening gel contains hydrogen peroxide at 25 to 40% concentration. When applied to the enamel, the hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and oxygen radicals. These oxygen molecules penetrate the enamel and break apart the chemical bonds in stain compounds that have accumulated inside the tooth structure over years. The stain molecules scatter light differently once broken, making the tooth appear whiter. The LED activation light accelerates this chemical reaction.

Each 15 to 20 minute gel cycle releases a burst of oxygen radicals that break down stains. After a cycle, the gel becomes depleted and less effective. Fresh gel in a second and third cycle continues breaking down deeper stain layers that the first cycle started on. Three cycles in one 90-minute appointment achieve dramatically more whitening than a single application.

Most patients at Picasso Dental achieve 6 to 8 shade improvements in a single 90-minute appointment. The actual result depends on the original colour of your enamel, the depth of staining, and how your particular teeth respond to the gel. Yellow-toned stains from coffee, tea, and aging respond best. Grey-toned stains from tetracycline antibiotics or fluorosis respond less dramatically.

When performed by a trained dentist on healthy teeth, professional whitening does not damage enamel. Studies show that properly applied hydrogen peroxide gel does not alter enamel structure or increase sensitivity long-term. The dentist checks for existing cavities, cracks, and gum disease before treatment because these conditions can cause problems with any whitening agent. Patients with healthy teeth and gums are excellent whitening candidates.

For the first 48 hours after whitening, avoid coffee, tea, red wine, dark-coloured berries, tomato-based sauces, and tobacco. Your enamel pores are more open during this period, making teeth more susceptible to re-staining. This is called the white diet period. After 48 hours you can return to a normal diet. A fluoride treatment is applied immediately after whitening to reduce sensitivity and help re-mineralise the enamel surface.

Results from professional whitening typically last one to three years with good care. Results fade gradually as stains re-accumulate from food, drink, and natural aging. Periodic touch-up whitening using custom take-home trays every 6 to 12 months maintains the result. Patients who avoid heavy coffee, tea, and red wine and maintain good oral hygiene retain their results significantly longer.

No. Whitening gel only works on natural tooth enamel. Existing crowns, veneers, bonding, and fillings will not change colour with whitening treatment. This can create a mismatch if you have visible restorations on front teeth. The sequence for patients who want both whitening and cosmetic restorations is usually to whiten first, wait two weeks for the colour to stabilise, then match the restorations to the new, whiter shade.

Yes. At Picasso Dental, every whitening case begins with an examination to check for cavities, gum disease, and cracks in the teeth. These conditions are treated before whitening proceeds. During the consultation, the dentist records your baseline shade, discusses your whitening goals and sensitivity level, and advises whether any adjustments to the standard protocol are needed for your specific situation.