Professional teeth whitening
Professional Teeth Whitening in Singapore
A brighter smile that still looks like you. At Align Dental Surgery on Orchard Road, our dentists offer in-clinic Philips Zoom teeth whitening, with a visible change in a single visit.
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Teeth whitening at a glance
We start by checking your teeth and gums, plan around any fillings, crowns or veneers, and give you a realistic idea of what whitening can change for you.
| What it is | Dentist-supervised whitening with Philips Zoom gel |
|---|---|
| How it works | Gel applied in the clinic and activated with the Zoom LED lamp |
| In-clinic time | About 90 minutes in one visit |
| Suitable for | Adults aged 18 and above with healthy teeth and gums |
| Sensitivity | Mild and temporary for some people, usually a day or two |
| Will not change | Fillings, crowns, veneers and some deep internal stains |
| Where | 583 Orchard Road, #01-07/08/09 Forum The Shopping Mall, Singapore 238884 |
What is professional teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening lightens the natural colour of your teeth. A peroxide-based gel passes into the tooth and breaks down the stain molecules that build up over time from coffee, tea, red wine, smoking and simply getting older. The structure of your tooth stays the same; only the colour changes.
In Singapore, tooth whitening products with more than 0.1% hydrogen peroxide can only be used by, or supplied through, registered dentists. That is why whitening strips, toothpastes and salon treatments rely on much weaker products, and why dentist-prescribed whitening gives a more noticeable, more predictable result.
Who is teeth whitening suitable for?
Whitening works best on natural teeth that have turned yellow or picked up surface stains. It is a good fit if your teeth and gums are healthy and you would like a brighter shade without changing the shape of your teeth.
We offer whitening to patients aged 18 and above. Younger teeth have a larger nerve chamber, which makes whitening much more likely to cause sensitivity.
We may suggest waiting, or a different approach, if you
- Have tooth decay, gum disease or exposed roots that need treating first
- Are pregnant or breastfeeding
- Have fillings, crowns or veneers on your front teeth that you would want to match
- Have white spots, grey stains or very dark discolouration (see When whitening is not the right answer, below)
In-clinic or take-home whitening: which is better for me?
Both options use Philips Zoom and both are planned by your dentist. The better choice depends on how quickly you would like to see a change and how you prefer to fit treatment into your week.
| Compared | In-clinic Philips Zoom | Take-home Zoom DayWhite |
|---|---|---|
| How it works | Gel applied by our team and activated with the Zoom LED lamp | Gel worn at home in trays made for your teeth |
| Time | One visit, about 90 minutes | Short daily sessions, usually over about two weeks |
| Results | A visible change in one visit | A gradual change over the course |
| Sensitivity | Can be stronger, usually for a day or two | Usually milder |
| Good for | An event coming up, or a quick result | Flexibility, or teeth that are already sensitive |
| Keeping it up | Top up later with take-home trays | Reuse your trays; gel refills available at the clinic |
Many patients combine the two: an in-clinic session for the main change, then their trays at home for occasional top-ups.
What happens during teeth whitening?
Every whitening plan starts with a check of your teeth and gums. We look at any existing dental work, record your starting shade with a shade guide, and talk about the result you are hoping for. If you need a clean or a filling first, we will let you know.
In-clinic Philips Zoom whitening
- Protecting your gums. A protective barrier covers your gums, and your lips and cheeks are gently held back so only your teeth are exposed.
- Whitening in rounds. The Zoom gel is applied to your teeth and activated with the LED lamp, in short rounds of around 15 minutes.
- Desensitising gel. We finish with a soothing gel containing Amorphous Calcium Phosphate (ACP) to help with comfort.
- Your new shade. We compare your shade with your starting point and go through your aftercare.
Does teeth whitening hurt?
Most people find whitening comfortable. Some feel mild sensitivity, usually short, sharp twinges, for a day or two afterwards. It settles on its own.
We protect your gums during in-clinic treatment and include a desensitising gel. If your teeth are already sensitive, tell us at your consultation. We may suggest using a sensitive-teeth toothpaste beforehand.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes, when it is prescribed and supervised by a dentist. Professional whitening does not thin or weaken your enamel when it is used as directed. The usual side effects are temporary sensitivity and, occasionally, mild gum irritation, both of which settle within a few days.
Most problems come from whitening without a dental check: strong gels bought online, trays that do not fit, or whitening over untreated decay. The Health Sciences Authority has warned about online whitening kits causing pain.
If you are thinking about a kit you have seen online, bring it in and we can look at it with you.
Aftercare: the first 48 hours
Straight after whitening, your teeth pick up colour more easily, so the first 48 hours matter most. A simple rule: if it would stain a white shirt, give it a miss for now.
Do
- Choose lighter foods such as plain rice, porridge, steamed chicken or fish, tofu and plain yoghurt
- Drink water, or use a straw for other drinks
- Use a sensitive-teeth toothpaste if needed
- Rinse with water after meals
Don't
- Avoid coffee and tea (including kopi and teh), red wine, cola and dark juices
- Avoid curry, soy sauce and other dark sauces, chilli, tomatoes and berries
- Don't smoke
- Avoid mouth rinses containing chlorhexidine
How long does teeth whitening last?
Whitening is not permanent. Teeth slowly pick up colour again from everyday food and drink, so how long your result lasts depends on your habits as much as the treatment.
To keep your shade bright
- Brush twice a day and clean between your teeth
- Keep up regular check-ups and professional cleans
- Rinse with water after coffee, tea or red wine
- Ask us about occasional top-ups
When whitening is not the right answer
Whitening works well for general yellowing and surface stains, but it has limits. We will tell you at your consultation if another treatment would suit you better.
- White spots from fluorosis or after braces can look more obvious after whitening. ICON resin infiltration, a drill-free treatment, is usually done first to blend them in.
- Deep or grey stains inside the tooth, for example from certain medicines or an old injury, often do not respond. A veneer can cover the colour, and very dark stains may need a more opaque material such as Zirconia.
- Existing fillings, crowns or veneers stay the same colour. If they are on your front teeth, we may suggest whitening first and then replacing them to match.
Whitening and your wider oral health
At Align, we like to look beyond the teeth. A whitening consultation is also a chance to check the things that affect how your smile looks and feels over time, such as gum health, worn enamel or a dry mouth.
Saliva is the mouth's natural rinse. When the mouth is often dry, for example from breathing through the mouth at night, teeth may be more prone to plaque, gum inflammation and staining. If we notice signs of mouth breathing, we can talk you through our airway-focused care.
Learn more
How we approach whitening at Align
- Every whitening treatment is planned and prescribed by a dentist
- Philips Zoom in-clinic whitening, with desensitising gel included
- Your teeth and gums are checked before any whitening
- A clear explanation of what whitening can and cannot change for you
- Whitening offered from age 18
- Direct billing with many insurers for your other dental care
- At Forum The Shopping Mall on Orchard Road, open Monday to Saturday
Book a teeth whitening consultation
Not sure whether whitening is right for you? Start with a consultation. We will check your teeth, show you your current shade and talk you through what whitening can change, so you can decide with clear information.
Call +65 6773 7088 or WhatsApp +65 8877 0788. Monday to Friday 9am to 6pm, Saturday 9am to 1pm.
Questions & answers
Professional teeth whitening: common questions
How white will my teeth get?
How much does teeth whitening cost in Singapore?
Are whitening strips, salon or LED whitening the same as professional whitening?
Will whitening damage my enamel?
Can teenagers have their teeth whitened?
Can I whiten my teeth if I have fillings, crowns or veneers?
Why won't whitening fix the white spots on my teeth?
Why do my teeth look patchy straight after whitening?
Should I whiten my teeth before or after Invisalign or braces?
How long does in-clinic whitening take?
Is teeth whitening suitable during pregnancy or breastfeeding?
How often can I whiten my teeth?
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