Modern Teeth Whitening Options Explained

Why Do Teeth Lose Their Whiteness?

Before exploring whitening options, it helps to understand why teeth discolour in the first place. There are two types of staining:

Extrinsic stains sit on the surface of your enamel and are caused by:

• Coffee, tea, and red wine
• Tobacco use
• Certain foods (berries, curry, soy sauce)
• Poor brushing habits

Intrinsic stains are embedded within the tooth structure and are caused by:

• Ageing — enamel thins over time, revealing the yellower dentine beneath
• Certain medications (especially tetracycline antibiotics taken during childhood)
• Excessive fluoride exposure during tooth development
• Trauma to a tooth

The type of staining you have determines which whitening approach will work best.

Option 1: In-Office Whitening

This is the fastest and most dramatic option. The procedure takes about 60–90 minutes and is done entirely in our practice.

How it works:

• A protective barrier is applied to your gums
• A professional-grade whitening gel (containing hydrogen peroxide) is applied to your teeth
• A specialised light activates the gel, accelerating the whitening process
• The gel is applied in 2–3 cycles during the session

Results: Most patients see their teeth lighten by 4–8 shades in a single session.

Best for: Patients who want immediate results — before a wedding, job interview, or special event.

Cost: From R2,500 per session.

Option 2: Take-Home Custom Trays

This is our most popular option because it combines professional results with the convenience of whitening at home.

How it works:

• We take impressions of your teeth and create custom-fitted whitening trays
• You receive professional-grade whitening gel (stronger than anything available over the counter)
• You wear the trays for 30–60 minutes daily, or overnight, depending on the gel concentration
• The full course takes 2–3 weeks

Results: Gradual, natural-looking whitening of 3–6 shades. Many patients prefer this because the change looks less sudden.

Best for: Patients who prefer to whiten at their own pace and want the ability to top up results over time.

Cost: From R1,800 for the kit (trays + gel supply for one course).

Option 3: Combination Approach

For the best of both worlds, we sometimes recommend starting with an in-office session for an immediate boost, then maintaining results with custom take-home trays. This approach delivers the most dramatic and long-lasting results.

What About Over-the-Counter Products?

Whitening toothpastes, strips, and trays from pharmacies can help with mild surface staining. However, they have significant limitations:

• Lower concentration of active ingredients means slower, less noticeable results
• Generic trays do not fit your teeth properly, leading to uneven whitening and potential gum irritation
• No professional supervision means you may whiten teeth that have underlying issues (like cavities) that should be treated first

We are not against OTC products for maintenance, but for meaningful whitening, professional treatment is significantly more effective and safer.

Is Whitening Safe?

Yes — when done correctly under professional supervision. The most common side effect is temporary tooth sensitivity, which typically resolves within a few days. We can adjust the gel concentration and treatment duration to minimise sensitivity if you are prone to it.

Whitening is not recommended for:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding women
• Children under 16
• Patients with untreated cavities or gum disease (these should be addressed first)
• Teeth with large visible restorations (crowns and fillings do not whiten)

How Long Do Results Last?

With good maintenance, professional whitening results can last 1–3 years. Longevity depends on:

• Your diet and lifestyle (coffee, wine, and tobacco will re-stain faster)
• Your oral hygiene routine
• Whether you use the take-home trays for periodic touch-ups

We recommend a touch-up with your custom trays every 6–12 months to maintain your results.

Next Steps

If you are considering whitening, the first step is a consultation. Dr. Mabaso will assess your teeth, discuss your goals, and recommend the best approach for your situation. Some patients benefit from a professional cleaning before whitening to remove surface stains first.

Book a whitening consultation or call us at 031 234 5678.