Teeth Whitening
A brighter smile — done safely.
Years of coffee, tea, red wine and everyday wear can leave teeth looking duller than you remember. Professional whitening can brighten naturally discoloured teeth in a predictable, supervised way — without the guesswork of a supermarket kit.
Why do it professionally
Stronger, safer, and tailored to your mouth
The main downside of store-bought whitening kits is that they're designed for an average mouth — and nobody actually has an average mouth. Generic trays can leak gel onto your gums and cause sensitivity, and the concentrations are too low to shift stubborn staining. Professional whitening starts with a proper exam, custom-fitted trays and a gel strength matched to your sensitivity.
What's involved
Two options — in-chair or take-home
In-chair whitening
One appointment of around an hour in the practice. Your gums are protected, a stronger professional gel is applied, and you leave on the same day. Best for people wanting a quick change before an event.
Take-home whitening
We make custom trays from a scan of your mouth, send you home with a gentler gel, and you wear them for a set time each day over a couple of weeks. Gradual, comfortable and easy to top up later.
How we do it at Austral
Check first, whiten second
We always start with a check-up. Whitening over decay, cracks or gum inflammation can make existing problems worse, and sensitivity is more common when those things are missed. A five-minute exam up front saves discomfort down the track.
If your front teeth have old fillings, crowns or veneers, we'll also let you know honestly what whitening can and can't do — restorations don't change colour, and sometimes the better plan is to whiten first and replace one or two fillings afterwards so everything matches.
FAQs
Questions people usually ask
What is the difference between in-chair and take-home whitening?
In-chair whitening uses a stronger professional gel applied in the practice over about an hour. Take-home whitening uses custom-fitted trays and a gentler gel you wear for a set period each day for a couple of weeks. Both can lighten naturally discoloured teeth. We will help you choose based on your sensitivity, your timeline and your budget.
Will whitening damage my teeth?
Professional whitening used correctly does not damage enamel. Some people experience temporary sensitivity during or just after treatment — this usually settles within a few days. We screen for cracks, decay and gum issues first to make sure whitening is safe for you.
Why shouldn't I just use a supermarket whitening kit?
Over-the-counter kits use lower concentrations and a one-size-fits-all tray, which can leak gel onto your gums. Professional whitening uses trays made to your mouth and is supervised by your dentist, which is why it tends to be more predictable and better tolerated.
Will whitening work on crowns, veneers or fillings?
No. Whitening only works on natural tooth enamel. Crowns, veneers and white fillings don't change colour, which is something to keep in mind if you have existing restorations on your front teeth.
Book your whitening consultation
Come in for a quick exam and we'll recommend the whitening option that suits your mouth.
Call 02 9606 0553