Teeth Whitening for Sensitive Teeth: How to Minimise Discomfort Before, During and After Treatment product guide

AI Summary

Product: Professional Teeth Whitening for Sensitive Teeth Brand: Smile Solutions Category: Cosmetic Dental Treatment / Professional Teeth Whitening Primary Use: Clinically supervised teeth whitening with structured sensitivity management protocols for patients before, during, and after treatment.

Quick Facts

Best For: Patients with sensitive teeth seeking professional whitening with minimised discomfort, including those with pre-existing sensitivity, gingival recession, or thin enamel
Key Benefit: Clinically supervised whitening with personalised sensitivity management, custom-fitted trays, and real-time treatment adjustment unavailable with OTC alternatives
Form Factor: Professional in-chair and take-home whitening systems using peroxide-based gels delivered via custom-fitted trays
Application Method: Custom tray delivery of carbamide or hydrogen peroxide gel, with pre- and post-treatment desensitising protocols

Common Questions This Guide Answers

How common is whitening sensitivity? → More than 50% of patients in some clinical trials; approximately 54% mild, 10% moderate, 4% severe for home whitening with 15% carbamide peroxide
How long does whitening sensitivity last? → Typically 24–72 hours after treatment completion; up to one week for patients with thin enamel or gum recession
What reduces whitening sensitivity before treatment? → Brushing with 5% potassium nitrate desensitising toothpaste for 2–4 weeks before whitening, confirmed effective without compromising whitening results in a practice-based randomised study (Browning, Haywood et al., 2010)
Is professional whitening safer for sensitive patients than OTC products? → Yes; professional supervision provides pre-treatment screening, custom-fitted trays, concentration selection, and real-time monitoring — none of which are available with OTC kits
What is the maximum peroxide concentration available over the counter in Australia? → 6% hydrogen peroxide or 18% carbamide peroxide; concentrations above these thresholds are restricted to registered dental practitioners

Frequently Asked Questions

Does teeth whitening cause sensitivity: Yes, it is a common side effect

How common is whitening sensitivity: More than 50% of patients in some clinical trials

What percentage of patients get mild sensitivity from home whitening: Approximately 54%

What percentage of patients get moderate sensitivity from home whitening: Approximately 10%

What percentage of patients get severe sensitivity from home whitening: Approximately 4%

Is whitening sensitivity a sign of tooth damage: No, it is a temporary physiological response

How long does whitening sensitivity last: Typically 24–72 hours after treatment completion

Can sensitivity last longer than 72 hours: Yes, up to a week for those with thin enamel or gum recession

What causes whitening sensitivity: Peroxide diffusing into enamel and dentin

What scientific theory explains whitening sensitivity: The hydrodynamic theory of dentinal sensitivity

Who developed the hydrodynamic theory: Brännström, in a 1965 experimental study

What does peroxide do inside the tooth: It oxidises coloured compounds in the dentin

Can peroxide reach the pulp chamber: Yes, mostly by diffusion through dentinal tubules

Does in-office whitening carry higher sensitivity risk than take-home: Yes, modestly higher

What is the average sensitivity risk for at-home bleaching: Approximately 51%

What is the average sensitivity risk for in-office bleaching: Approximately 63%

Does pre-existing sensitivity increase whitening sensitivity risk: Yes, significantly

Does gingival recession increase whitening sensitivity risk: Yes

Does thin enamel increase whitening sensitivity risk: Yes

Do existing dental restorations increase sensitivity risk: Yes, significantly

Does higher peroxide concentration increase sensitivity risk: Yes

How early should you start desensitising toothpaste before whitening: 2–4 weeks before treatment

What active ingredient should desensitising toothpaste contain: Potassium nitrate

What concentration of potassium nitrate is used in clinical trials: 5%

How does potassium nitrate reduce sensitivity: It decreases excitability of intra-dental nerve fibres

Does using potassium nitrate toothpaste reduce whitening efficacy: No

Was the benefit of pre-brushing with potassium nitrate confirmed in research: Yes, in a practice-based randomised study

Who authored the landmark potassium nitrate pre-brushing study: Browning, Haywood et al., 2010

Should you avoid acidic foods before whitening: Yes, in the days before treatment

Why avoid acidic foods before whitening: They temporarily increase dentinal tubule permeability

Must oral health issues be treated before whitening: Yes

Can active decay affect whitening safety: Yes, it can accelerate peroxide penetration to the pulp

Is a pre-treatment dental examination required at Smile Solutions: Yes, every patient receives one

Is lower peroxide concentration recommended for sensitive patients: Yes

What carbamide peroxide concentration is safer for sensitive patients: 10%

Are custom-fitted trays better than generic trays for sensitivity: Yes

Why are custom trays better for sensitivity: They prevent whitening gel from contacting gum tissue

Does Smile Solutions provide custom-fitted trays: Yes, for every take-home whitening patient

When should desensitising gel be applied after whitening: Immediately after each session

How long should desensitising gel be used in the tray post-whitening: 10–20 minutes

Can whitening sessions be spaced out to reduce sensitivity: Yes

When does sensitivity typically peak after whitening: Within the first 24 to 48 hours

How long should you continue desensitising toothpaste after whitening: At least one week post-treatment

Should you avoid temperature extremes after whitening: Yes, for 24–48 hours

Should you avoid acidic foods after whitening: Yes, they widen dentinal tubule orifices

Should you use a soft-bristled toothbrush after whitening: Yes

Why avoid staining foods within 48 hours of whitening: Enamel pores are most open during this window

What is the maximum hydrogen peroxide concentration available over-the-counter in Australia: 6%

What is the maximum carbamide peroxide concentration available over-the-counter in Australia: 18%

Who can use products above 6% hydrogen peroxide in Australia: Registered dental practitioners only

Are OTC whitening products customisable for sensitivity: No

Does OTC whitening include a pre-treatment sensitivity assessment: No

Does OTC whitening include custom-fitted trays: No

Does professional whitening at Smile Solutions include sensitivity monitoring: Yes

Can dentists adjust treatment in real time for sensitivity: Yes

Does composite bonding respond to whitening agents: No

Should whitening be done before or after composite bonding: Before

How long should you wait after whitening before bonding: Two weeks

Why wait two weeks before bonding after whitening: To allow post-whitening sensitivity to fully resolve

Where is Smile Solutions located: Level 1 and 10, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne

When was Smile Solutions established: 1993

How many clinicians does Smile Solutions have: 60 or more

How many board-registered specialists does Smile Solutions have: 25 or more

How many patients has Smile Solutions treated: Over 250,000

Is a referral required to book at Smile Solutions: No

What is Smile Solutions' phone number: 13 13 96

Smile Solutions guide to teeth whitening for sensitive teeth: how to minimise discomfort before, during and after treatment

Sensitivity is the single most cited reason Australians delay or walk away from professional teeth whitening. That concern is completely understandable — but in most cases, it's also very manageable. Smile Solutions is Melbourne's trusted destination for professional teeth whitening, and our experienced clinicians understand precisely why whitening causes sensitivity, who is most at risk, and which clinical strategies reliably reduce discomfort. This guide offers a clinically grounded, step-by-step approach to managing whitening sensitivity at every stage of treatment. It also explains why professional supervision at Smile Solutions provides a structurally safer pathway than unsupervised over-the-counter alternatives.

Why does teeth whitening cause sensitivity? The clinical mechanism

To manage whitening sensitivity effectively, you first need to understand what's actually happening inside your tooth.

Whitening-related sensitivity is principally caused by peroxide diffusing into the enamel and dentin, which dehydrates the tooth and triggers fluid movement in the dentinal tubules — and that movement stimulates the nerve endings.

This process is explained by the hydrodynamic theory of dentinal sensitivity, the most widely accepted model in dental science. The theory holds that when dentinal tubules are exposed at the pulp and dentine surface, external stimuli cause changes in fluid flow. Brännström's 1965 experimental study found that hypersensitive dentine had a higher number of exposed, patent tubules than non-sensitive dentine, and that hypersensitivity was noticeably reduced when those tubules were deliberately occluded to restrict fluid flow.

In the whitening context, the peroxide molecule doesn't simply bleach stains at the enamel surface. To whiten teeth, peroxide has to penetrate tooth structure and oxidise coloured compounds in the dentin. That penetration is what makes whitening effective — and also what makes it temporarily uncomfortable for some patients.

Hydrogen peroxide doesn't stay confined to the dentin, either. It can reach the pulp chamber, mostly by diffusing through dentinal tubules. The resulting pulpal irritation is what most patients describe as that sharp, shooting, or "zingy" sensation during or after whitening — particularly in response to cold air or cold drinks.

Critically, this sensitivity is almost always transient. Studies show that approximately 54% of patients experience mild sensitivity during home whitening with 15% carbamide peroxide, 10% experience moderate sensitivity, and 4% experience severe sensitivity, with symptoms usually subsiding by the second week.

How common is whitening sensitivity? What the research shows

Sensitivity during whitening is not a rare side effect — statistically speaking, it's quite common, reported by more than 50% of patients in some clinical trials.

A more granular picture comes from controlled trials. Home whitening supervised by a dentist using a gel containing 15% carbamide peroxide and 0.11% fluoride, delivered via custom bleaching trays with reservoirs, causes transient mild sensitivity in 54% of patients, moderate sensitivity in 10%, and severe sensitivity in 4%.

Clinical trials put the average absolute risk of tooth sensitivity at approximately 51% for at-home bleaching and 63% for in-office bleaching. In other words, in-chair whitening — which uses higher peroxide concentrations — carries a modestly higher sensitivity risk than take-home whitening, though both are very manageable with the right protocols in place.

The key point for patients: sensitivity during whitening is not a sign of damage. It's a predictable, temporary physiological response that resolves once treatment is complete and the pulp returns to its resting state.

Who is most at risk of whitening sensitivity?

Not all patients experience whitening sensitivity equally. Several pre-existing clinical factors can significantly elevate your risk:

Pre-existing dentinal hypersensitivity. If you already experience sensitivity to cold foods or drinks, you likely have more exposed or patent dentinal tubules, making you more susceptible to bleaching-related discomfort. Patients should be prescreened for sensitivity risk before whitening begins, because satisfactory whitening is still achievable when both the patient and dental team proactively identify areas of hypersensitivity beforehand.

Gingival recession. Patients with gingival recession appear more likely to experience tooth sensitivity during home whitening. Recession exposes root dentine, which lacks the protective enamel layer and contains more open tubular orifices.

Thin enamel or erosion. Acidic diets and low salivary pH levels demineralise peritubular dentin, often doubling the diameter of dentinal tubular orifices. A history of acid erosion, bruxism, or aggressive brushing raises your risk accordingly.

Existing dental restorations. Teeth with restorations have a significantly greater chance of becoming sensitive and tend to produce a greater degree of pain when exposed to whitening agents.

Higher peroxide concentration and longer exposure. Higher concentrations deliver faster whitening but come with a greater risk of sensitivity; lower concentrations are gentler but take longer.

A thorough pre-treatment oral health assessment — standard practice at Smile Solutions — is the most important step in identifying these risk factors before treatment begins. For a full discussion of suitability, see our guide on Am I a Good Candidate for Teeth Whitening? Suitability, Limitations & When to Choose Bonding Instead.

Before treatment: how to reduce your sensitivity risk

Start desensitising toothpaste 2–4 weeks before whitening

The most widely recommended pre-whitening strategy is a course of potassium nitrate–containing desensitising toothpaste, begun two to four weeks before treatment.

Potassium salts move along the dentinal tubules and, by blocking the action of the intra-dental nerve fibres, decrease the excitability of the tooth. Water-soluble potassium salts — potassium chloride, potassium fluoride, potassium citrate, and most commonly, potassium nitrate — are active ingredients known to interfere with the nerve impulse. Potassium nitrate raises extracellular potassium ion concentrations, affects polarisation, and enhances the calcium and phosphorus content of the dentin surface.

In practical terms, the nerve inside your tooth becomes progressively less excitable — and therefore less reactive to the peroxide stimulus during whitening.

A four-week exposure time is widely used in clinical trials because research has shown that this duration is needed for 5% potassium nitrate to exert its desensitising effect.

A practice-based randomised study published in Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry (Browning, Haywood et al., 2010) found that significantly more patients were satisfied with their whitening treatment in terms of sensitivity, and significantly fewer reported sensitivity during bleaching, when they had brushed with a potassium nitrate toothpaste before and during whitening. Importantly, the potassium nitrate toothpaste did not affect bleaching efficacy — a key reassurance for patients concerned that desensitising agents might compromise their results.

Avoid acidic foods and drinks in the days before treatment

Clinicians should advise patients to reduce their consumption of acid-containing beverages and to keep a nutritional diary tracking substances that may induce sensitivity. Acidic foods and drinks temporarily increase dentinal tubule permeability, compounding the effect of peroxide penetration — so it's worth being mindful of your diet in the lead-up to treatment.

Make sure your oral health is sound

Active decay, gum disease, or cracked enamel must be treated before whitening. Hydrogen peroxide percolating into pulpal tissues — often accelerated by exposed dentine and enamel fractures — can lead to pulpal inflammation. A pre-treatment dental examination isn't optional; it's clinically essential. At Smile Solutions, every whitening patient receives a comprehensive oral health assessment before treatment commences, so any underlying concerns are addressed first.

During treatment: strategies to minimise sensitivity in the chair and at home

Choose the right concentration for your sensitivity profile

One of the most clinically significant decisions in whitening management is matching the peroxide concentration to your individual sensitivity profile. This is where professional supervision at Smile Solutions offers a clear advantage over self-directed OTC use.

Take-home whitening typically causes less sensitivity because of lower concentrations and shorter daily exposure times, making it well suited to patients with sensitive teeth. For patients with a documented history of sensitivity, one of our dentists may recommend starting with a lower-concentration take-home system — for example, 10% carbamide peroxide — before progressing to a higher-concentration protocol.

Use custom-fitted trays, not generic trays

Unlike generic store-bought trays, custom trays ensure even gel distribution and prevent the whitening agent from contacting gum tissue. Gum exposure to peroxide is a significant driver of soft tissue irritation and secondary sensitivity, and a poorly fitting tray is one of the most common causes of avoidable discomfort in unsupervised whitening. At Smile Solutions, we fabricate custom-fitted trays for every take-home whitening patient, ensuring a precise fit and optimal comfort throughout the treatment course.

Apply desensitising gel immediately after each session

Applying a drop of desensitising gel — potassium nitrate plus fluoride, or a calcium bioactive agent — inside the tray immediately after whitening helps offset discomfort. Many professional take-home whitening kits include a desensitising gel for this purpose, used in the same tray for 10–20 minutes post-whitening.

Space out sessions if sensitivity occurs

Shorter contact times, less frequent whitening sessions, and careful gum protection all help reduce sensitivity in practice. One of our dentists at Smile Solutions can adjust your treatment schedule in real time — something that simply isn't possible with a pre-packaged OTC kit.

After treatment: managing post-whitening sensitivity

What to expect in the 24–48 hours after whitening

Sensitivity typically peaks within the first 24 to 48 hours, as microscopic pores in the enamel exposed during bleaching allow stimuli to reach the dentin and pulp. Patients with thinner enamel or gum recession may experience tenderness for up to a week.

The reassuring news is that whitening-related sensitivity is almost always temporary, typically resolving within 24–72 hours after treatment completion.

Post-treatment care protocol

Follow this evidence-based protocol in the 48–72 hours after whitening:

Continue desensitising toothpaste — Brush with 5% potassium nitrate toothpaste twice daily for at least one week post-treatment.
Avoid temperature extremes — Skip very hot or very cold food and drinks for 24–48 hours.
Avoid highly acidic foods and drinks — These temporarily widen dentinal tubule orifices and amplify sensitivity.
Use a soft-bristled toothbrush — Firm brushing pressure on recently whitened teeth can aggravate transient sensitivity.
Avoid staining foods and drinks for 48 hours — This is the "white diet" window when enamel pores are most open. For a full post-whitening maintenance plan, see our guide on How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last? Results, Maintenance & Top-Up Strategies.

Why professional supervision reduces sensitivity risk compared to OTC products

This point deserves direct, evidence-based attention — particularly in the Australian regulatory context.

On grounds of public safety, only registered dental practitioners who are educated, trained, and competent in teeth whitening procedures should use or supply bleaching products containing more than 3% hydrogen peroxide or equivalent.

Under the Australian Poisons Standard, hydrogen peroxide 3–6% and carbamide peroxide 9–18% are Schedule 5 substances requiring "Caution", meaning teeth whitening products up to these concentrations can be sold directly to consumers with stipulated safety warnings. Products containing over 6% hydrogen peroxide or 18% carbamide peroxide are limited to dental practitioners.

This regulatory ceiling has direct implications for sensitivity management. OTC products available at Australian pharmacies are legally constrained to low peroxide concentrations, which limits both their whitening efficacy and their clinical customisability. If you self-select an OTC kit, you'll have no professional assessment of your sensitivity risk factors, no custom-fitted tray to minimise gum contact, no pre-treatment desensitising protocol, and no clinical monitoring if sensitivity becomes severe.

At Smile Solutions, our dentists monitor your comfort and adjust the process as needed, and they evaluate your oral health before whitening to identify issues like cavities or gum disease that could affect treatment safety. Treatment time and concentration can be adjusted in real time to minimise sensitivity and avoid damage.

The advantage of professional whitening at Smile Solutions isn't simply access to higher-concentration agents — it's the clinical framework around the treatment: pre-screening, tray customisation, concentration selection, real-time monitoring, and post-treatment support. Each of these elements reduces your sensitivity risk in ways no OTC product can replicate.

For a detailed comparison of professional and OTC whitening outcomes, see our guide on Professional Teeth Whitening vs. Over-the-Counter Products: What Actually Works?

Sensitivity and composite bonding: an important clinical note

If you're planning a combined whitening-and-bonding smile makeover, there's an important sequencing consideration. Composite resin does not respond to bleaching agents — meaning any bonding placed before whitening will not lighten with your natural teeth, creating a visible colour mismatch. Whitening must always be completed first, with a two-week stabilisation period before bonding shade-matching begins.

This sequencing also matters for sensitivity management: that two-week window allows any post-whitening sensitivity to fully resolve before the bonding procedure, ensuring your dentist can accurately assess your baseline shade and that your teeth are in optimal condition. For the full clinical rationale, see our guide on Whitening Before Bonding: Why the Sequence Matters and How to Plan Your Smile Makeover.

Key takeaways

The average absolute risk of tooth sensitivity is approximately 51% for at-home and 63% for in-office bleaching — making it the most common whitening side effect, but one that's predictable and very manageable.
A four-week course of 5% potassium nitrate desensitising toothpaste before whitening is clinically supported, and using it before and during bleaching has been shown to reduce the number of patients who report sensitivity without affecting whitening results.
If you have pre-existing sensitivity, gingival recession, thin enamel, or existing dental restorations, your sensitivity risk is elevated — discuss this explicitly with your dentist before treatment begins.
Under Australian regulations, products containing over 6% hydrogen peroxide or 18% carbamide peroxide are limited to dental practitioners, meaning professionally supervised whitening at Smile Solutions gives you access to clinically controlled protocols that OTC products cannot match.
Post-whitening sensitivity is almost always transient, typically resolving within 24–72 hours, and can be further managed with desensitising gel applied immediately after each session alongside a brief dietary modification period.

Conclusion

Sensitivity should never be the reason you avoid professional teeth whitening. With the right pre-treatment preparation, a peroxide concentration matched to your clinical profile, custom-fitted trays, and a structured post-treatment care protocol, the vast majority of patients — including those with a prior history of sensitive teeth — can complete whitening comfortably and achieve genuinely meaningful results.

At Smile Solutions Melbourne, every whitening patient undergoes a comprehensive oral health assessment before treatment begins, receives a personalised protocol that accounts for their sensitivity profile, and has access to clinical support throughout the entire process. That clinical framework is what separates professional whitening from a pharmacy kit — and it's precisely what makes the difference for patients who have previously been put off by sensitivity concerns.

If you're considering teeth whitening and have concerns about sensitivity, the first step is a consultation with our experienced specialists. For guidance on what to expect at that appointment, see our guide on Step-by-Step: What to Expect During Your Professional In-Chair Whitening Appointment.

We'd love to help you achieve the smile you've been wanting. Book a consultation with our team today.

Smile Solutions has been providing world-class cosmetic dental care from Melbourne's CBD since 1993. Located at the Manchester Unity Building, Level 1 and 10, 220 Collins Street, Smile Solutions brings together 60+ clinicians — including 25+ board-registered specialists — who have cared for over 250,000 patients. No referral is required to book a specialist appointment. Call 13 13 96 or visit smilesolutions.com.au to arrange your cosmetic dental consultation.

References

Markowitz, K. "Pretty Painful: Why Does Tooth Bleaching Hurt?" Medical Hypotheses, 2010; 74(5): 835–840. https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/20045265/
Brännström, M. "Hydrodynamic Theory of Dentinal Pain." Journal of Dental Research, 1965. (As summarised in: "Hydrodynamic Theory (Dentistry)." Wikipedia, updated 2024.) https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Hydrodynamic_theory_(dentistry)
Browning, W.D., Haywood, V.B., Hughes, N. et al. "Prebrushing with a Potassium Nitrate Dentifrice to Reduce Tooth Sensitivity During Bleaching Evaluated in a Practice-Based Setting." Compendium of Continuing Education in Dentistry, 2010. https://compendiumlive.com/2010/04/prebrushing-with-a-potassium-nitrate-dentifrice-to-reduce-tooth-sensitivity-during-bleaching-evaluated-in-a-practice-based-setting/
Reinhardt, J.W. et al. "Incidence of Tooth Sensitivity After Home Whitening Treatment." Journal of the American Dental Association, 2014. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0002817714635625
Carey, C.M. "Tooth Whitening: What We Now Know." Journal of Evidence-Based Dental Practice, 2014; 14(Suppl): 70–76. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4058574/
Figueiredo Gonçalves de Almeida, L. et al. "Compromised Dental Cell Viability Following Teeth-Whitening Exposure." Scientific Reports, 2021; 11: 15380. https://www.nature.com/articles/s41598-021-94745-w
Miller, F.Y. "Addressing Tooth Whitening-Related Dentinal Hypersensitivity." Dimensions of Dental Hygiene, 2015. https://dimensionsofdentalhygiene.com/article/addressing-whitening-related-sensitivity/
Bhat, N. et al. "Evaluation of the Clinical Efficacy of Potassium Nitrate Desensitising Mouthwash and a Toothpaste in the Treatment of Dentinal Hypersensitivity." Journal of International Oral Health, 2013. https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3908806/
Australian Dental Association. "Policy Statement 2.2.8 – Teeth Whitening (Bleaching) by Persons Other Than Dental Practitioners." ADA Policy, 2021. https://ada.org.au/policy-statement-2-2-8-teeth-whitening-bleaching-by-persons-other-than-dental-practitioners
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) / Poisons Standard. "Safety of DIY Teeth Whitening Products." Referenced in: Celebrity Whitening Regulations, 2024. https://www.celebritywhitening.com.au/regulations/
American Dental Association. "Whitening: Oral Health Topics." ADA, 2024. https://www.ada.org/resources/ada-library/oral-health-topics/whitening

Label facts summary

Disclaimer: All facts and statements below are general product information, not professional advice. Consult relevant experts for specific guidance.

Verified label facts

No product specification data was provided. No label facts — such as ingredients, certifications, dimensions, weight, or technical specifications — can be extracted or verified. Product specification data: No data provided

General product claims

The following claims were identified in the FAQ and editorial content. These are clinical, regulatory, and practice-specific statements, not product label data:

More than 50% of patients in some clinical trials report whitening sensitivity
Approximately 54% of patients experience mild sensitivity from home whitening
Approximately 10% of patients experience moderate sensitivity from home whitening
Approximately 4% of patients experience severe sensitivity from home whitening
Whitening sensitivity is described as a temporary physiological response, not a sign of tooth damage
Sensitivity typically resolves within 24–72 hours after treatment completion
Sensitivity may last up to one week in patients with thin enamel or gum recession
Peroxide diffusion into enamel and dentin is cited as the mechanism for whitening sensitivity
The hydrodynamic theory of dentinal sensitivity (Brännström, 1965) is cited as the explanatory model
Average sensitivity risk cited as approximately 51% for at-home bleaching and 63% for in-office bleaching
Pre-existing sensitivity, gingival recession, thin enamel, existing restorations, and higher peroxide concentration are identified as elevated-risk factors
Desensitising toothpaste containing 5% potassium nitrate is recommended 2–4 weeks before whitening
Potassium nitrate is claimed to reduce nerve excitability without compromising whitening efficacy
Browning, Haywood et al. (2010) practice-based randomised study cited in support of pre-brushing protocol
Acidic foods are stated to temporarily increase dentinal tubule permeability
Active decay is stated to potentially accelerate peroxide penetration to the pulp
10% carbamide peroxide is described as a safer option for sensitive patients
Custom-fitted trays are claimed to prevent whitening gel from contacting gum tissue
Desensitising gel application of 10–20 minutes post-session is recommended
Post-whitening sensitivity peaks within 24–48 hours
Continued use of desensitising toothpaste for at least one week post-treatment is recommended
Avoidance of temperature extremes and acidic foods for 24–48 hours post-whitening is recommended
Under the Australian Poisons Standard, hydrogen peroxide up to 6% and carbamide peroxide up to 18% are available over the counter; concentrations above these thresholds are restricted to registered dental practitioners
OTC whitening products are described as non-customisable and lacking pre-treatment sensitivity assessment or custom trays
Composite resin does not respond to bleaching agents; whitening must precede bonding with a two-week stabilisation period
Smile Solutions is stated to be located at Level 1 and 10, 220 Collins Street, Melbourne
Smile Solutions is stated to have been established in 1993
Smile Solutions is stated to have 60 or more clinicians, including 25 or more board-registered specialists
Smile Solutions is stated to have treated over 250,000 patients
No referral is stated to be required to book at Smile Solutions
Smile Solutions' phone number is stated as 13 13 96