Teeth Whitening in Highton, Geelong

Brighten stained, yellowed or dull teeth with dentist-guided teeth whitening that lifts the natural colour of your smile.

At My Dentist Geelong (Highton), we offer in-chair bleaching and take-home whitening kits to patients from Highton, Geelong and surrounding suburbs, after checking whether your teeth and gums are suitable.

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What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?

Close-up of a patient with white teeth.

Professional teeth whitening is a treatment that lightens the colour of your teeth using a peroxide-based gel, usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The gel works on the stains held in the tooth, so your teeth look brighter and more even.

Gels with more than 6% hydrogen peroxide can only be used or supplied by registered dental practitioners, which is why whitening is best done under the guidance of a dentist.

Discoloured teeth can be caused by:

  • Surface stains from tea, coffee, red wine or smoking
  • Thinning enamel with age, which shows the yellower dentine underneath
  • Stains inside the tooth, for example after an injury, certain childhood medicines or root canal treatment

Whitening works best on stains within natural tooth structure. If the stain sits deeper inside the tooth, your dentist may suggest another option, which is why it is important to assess your teeth first.

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Who Is Teeth Whitening Suitable For?

Teeth whitening is suitable for adults with healthy teeth and gums whose teeth have darkened. A dental check-up should always come first.

You may be a good candidate if you have:

  • Teeth that look yellow or dull
  • Staining from coffee, tea, red wine or smoking
  • An upcoming event and a wish for a brighter smile
  • Healthy gums and no untreated cavities

You may need to wait, or consider other options, if you have:

  • Untreated decay or cracked teeth, which whitening can make painful
  • Gum disease, which is best treated first with a check-up and hygiene visit
  • Very sensitive teeth
  • Pregnancy or breastfeeding, which is best to avoid.

In-Chair Bleaching and Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kit

My Dentist Geelong (Highton) offers two dentist-guided options, and your dentist will recommend the one that suits your teeth and goals.

Patient receiving teeth whitening treatment.

In-Chair Bleaching

  • The procedure is done at the clinic, so your dentist can guide the treatment as it happens
  • Uses a strong hydrogen peroxide gel
  • A UV light is often used with the gel to accelerate and amplify the tooth whitening process for enhanced results
  • Your gums and lips are protected while the gel is applied
  • You will leave the appointment with whiter teeth
Patient applying gel on the custom-made tray that was given by the dentist.

Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kit

  • Custom-made trays that fit your teeth, with gel supplied by your dentist
  • Your dentist will explain how much gel to use, how long to wear the trays and for how many weeks
  • Takes longer than in-chair whitening, but this does not make the final result better or worse
  • Can also be used as a top-up to help keep your teeth white after in-chair whitening

If you are unsure which option suits you, consult with your dentist to find out which is the right fit for your teeth.

What Happens During A Whitening Appointment?

Your whitening appointment is planned around the health of your teeth and gums, and begins well before any gel is applied.

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Dentist examining a patient’s teeth and gums before a teeth whitening procedure.

Consultation and assessment

Your dentist will examine your teeth and gums, ask about any sensitivity, and check your existing fillings, crowns or veneers. X-rays may be recommended if needed to look at areas that cannot be seen clearly.

Dentist explaining the treatment to the patient.

Planning your treatment

Your dentist will talk through your treatment and explain whether in-chair or take-home whitening suits you better. They will also explain what results are realistic, as whitening only lightens natural tooth enamel and will not change the colour of crowns, veneers or fillings.

Patient is receiving the in-chair bleaching treatment.

In-chair bleaching

The gel is applied carefully to your teeth while your gums and lips are protected, as strong peroxide gel can irritate soft tissue. Sometimes a light is used with the gel, and you should leave the appointment with whiter teeth.

Patient will receive custom-made trays and clear instructions for the take-home teeth whitening kit.

Take-home trays

For take-home whitening kit, you will receive custom-made trays and clear instructions on how much gel to use, how long to wear the trays and for how many weeks.

Sensitivity to cold is a common side effect of teeth whitening.

Aftercare advice

Your dentist explains how to keep your teeth comfortable and clean after treatment. Sensitivity to cold is a common side effect of whitening, so if it, or any gum irritation, lasts more than a day or two, see your dentist.

Caring for Your Teeth After Whitening

Patient rinsing their mouth with water to take care of their teeth.

Whitening does not stop new stains from forming, but a few simple habits can help you keep your results looking fresh for longer.

  • Brush and floss every day to stop plaque and surface stains from building up.
  • Rinse your mouth with water after tea, coffee, red wine or foods that can stain, such as berries and spices.
  • Avoid smoking, which can stain your teeth again over time.
  • Keep up with regular check-ups and hygiene visits, so surface stains can be removed and your teeth and gums can be monitored.
  • Ask your dentist before using whitening toothpastes or other whitening products, as some can make teeth sensitive.

If you choose in-chair bleaching, your dentist may also suggest take-home top-ups to help keep your teeth white. Results vary from person to person, so we will advise what suits you.

Health Funds for Teeth Whitening

If you have private health insurance with dental extras, you may be able to claim part of the cost of your teeth whitening, depending on your level of cover and annual limits.

Cosmetic treatments can be treated differently from general dental care, so it is best to check with your health fund before your appointment.

At My Dentist Geelong (Highton), our team can help you understand the payment options available at the clinic. Please bring your private health insurance card to your appointment so we can assist with your claim where applicable.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is professional teeth whitening?

Professional teeth whitening is a treatment that lightens the colour of your teeth using a peroxide-based gel, usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide.

Gels with more than 6% hydrogen peroxide can only be used or supplied by registered dental practitioners, so whitening is best done under the guidance of a dentist.

What causes discoloured teeth?

Discolouration can come from surface stains caused by tea, coffee, red wine or smoking, from enamel thinning with age which shows the yellower dentine underneath, or from stains inside the tooth after an injury, certain childhood medicines or root canal treatment.

Is teeth whitening suitable for everyone?

Whitening is suitable for adults with healthy teeth and gums whose teeth have darkened. It may need to wait if you have untreated decay, cracked teeth, gum disease or very sensitive teeth, and it is best avoided during pregnancy or breastfeeding. A dental check-up should always come first.

What is the difference between in-chair bleaching and a take-home whitening kit?

In-chair bleaching is done at the clinic using a strong hydrogen peroxide gel, and you will leave the appointment with whiter teeth.

A take-home whitening kit uses custom-made trays and gel from your dentist, which you use at home. It takes longer, but this does not make the final result better or worse.

What happens during a teeth whitening appointment?

Your dentist examines your teeth and gums, checks for any existing fillings, crowns or veneers, and explains which option suits you and what results are realistic.

For in-chair bleaching, the gel is applied while your gums and lips are protected. For a take-home kit, you receive your trays and clear instructions. Your dentist will explain how to look after your teeth.

How does a take-home teeth whitening kit work?

Your dentist provides custom-made trays that fit your teeth, along with the whitening gel. You will be shown how much gel to use, how long to wear the trays and for how many weeks. A take-home kit can also be used as a top-up to help keep your teeth white after in-chair bleaching.

Will whitening change the colour of my crowns, veneers or fillings?

No. Whitening only lightens natural tooth enamel, so it will not change the colour of crowns, veneers or fillings. Your dentist will check your existing dental work during your assessment and explain what to expect.

Will teeth whitening make my teeth sensitive?

Sensitivity to cold is a common side effect of whitening. Let your dentist know before treatment if your teeth are already sensitive. If sensitivity, or any gum irritation, lasts more than a day or two, see your dentist.

How can I keep my teeth white after whitening?

Brush and floss every day, rinse your mouth with water after tea, coffee, red wine or foods that can stain, and avoid smoking.

Regular check-ups and hygiene visits help remove surface stains, and your dentist may suggest take-home top-ups. Results vary from person to person.

What payment options are available at My Dentist Geelong (Highton)?

My Dentist Geelong (Highton) offers a variety of payment options, including DentiCare payment plans, private health insurance rebates through HICAPS, the Child Dental Benefits Schedule (CDBS), and Department of Veterans’ Affairs dental benefits. Availability may depend on your treatment type and eligibility, so please check with the clinic when booking your appointment.

Can I get a same-day appointment for teeth whitening?

Yes, we provide same-day appointments for urgent concerns, subject to availability. If you require urgent emergency dental care, our team will assess your condition and provide care to help relieve pain and stabilise your oral health.

Ready to Smile with Confidence?

Conveniently located within Barrabool Hills Plaza in Highton, Geelong, My Dentist Geelong (Highton) welcomes patients from Highton, Belmont, Wandana Heights, Newtown, Waurn Ponds, Ceres, Fyansford and Manifold Heights, as well as the wider Geelong community.

With easy access just off the M1 Princes Highway / Great Ocean Road and ample free parking within the shopping centre, visiting our clinic is simple and stress-free. Whether you need preventive, cosmetic, restorative or emergency dental care, our team is here to help.

Experience stress-free dental visits at My Dentist Geelong (Highton), conveniently located in Barrabool Hills Plaza with ample parking.