Teeth whitening is one of the most requested cosmetic treatments at Milim Dental Bursa. Patients want a brighter smile but are often confused by online kits, social media trends and mixed advice about what is safe.

As an oral health specialist, my priority is to protect the tooth structure and gums while helping you achieve a natural, healthy white smile.

What Whitening Can and Cannot Do

Professional teeth whitening removes internal stains from the enamel (for example, from coffee, tea, smoking or age). It can make your teeth several shades lighter.

However, whitening:

Does not change the colour of fillings, crowns or veneers.

Cannot correct structural issues like cracks, large cavities or dark teeth that need root canal treatment.

Will not be effective on some types of intrinsic staining (such as certain developmental conditions) without additional cosmetic work.

That is why at Milim Dental Bursa we always start with a full examination before whitening.

The Importance of a Check-Up Before Whitening

Before any whitening treatment, we check for:

Cavities that need fillings

Exposed root surfaces that may be sensitive

Old leaking fillings or crowns

Gum disease and inflammation

If you bleach over untreated cavities or inflamed gums, you increase the risk of sensitivity and discomfort. Sometimes we also recommend treating a dark, root canal treated tooth internally, rather than only whitening the outside.

Types of Whitening Offered at Milim Dental Bursa

We usually offer three main approaches:

In-Office Whitening

Done in the clinic under professional supervision.

Stronger gels for faster results.

Gums are protected with special barriers.

Take-Home Whitening Trays

Custom-made trays fitted to your teeth.

Lower-concentration gel used at home, often overnight.

Slower, more gradual whitening, good for sensitive teeth.

Combination Approaches

One or two in-office sessions to “jump-start” the process.

Followed by take-home trays to refine and maintain the result.

How Whitening Interacts with Other Treatments

Whitening is often part of a bigger plan. For example:

We treat cavities with fillings and root canal where needed.

We stabilise gum health with professional cleaning.

We whiten the natural teeth to the desired shade.

Then we replace visible fillings or crowns with materials that match the new colour.

This sequence helps ensure you get a harmonious, natural result rather than mismatched shades.

Tooth Sensitivity During Whitening

Temporary sensitivity is a common side-effect of whitening, especially to cold air or drinks. To manage this, we may:

Use lower-concentration gel or shorter application times.

Provide desensitising toothpaste or gels.

Adjust the schedule between sessions.

Most sensitivity is temporary and resolves after whitening is completed, especially when the process is supervised by professionals.

Are Over-the-Counter Kits and “Whitening Pens” Safe?

Some over-the-counter products are mild and relatively safe but often produce limited results. Others may be too strong or used incorrectly, causing:

Gum irritation or burns

Uneven whitening

Enamel damage in extreme cases

At Milim Dental Bursa, we cannot control product quality sold online, so we always advise caution. A consultation lets us guide you to safe options and away from risky shortcuts.

Whitening and General Oral Health

Whitening is not a substitute for good oral health. Bright white teeth can still have:

Untreated cavities

Gum disease

Problems with bad breath or mouth ulcers

That is why our approach is always:

Health first (check-up, fillings, root canal where needed, gum therapy).

Aesthetics second (whitening, bonding, veneers, etc.).

Long-Term Maintenance of a White Smile

After whitening, you can keep your smile brighter for longer by:

Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste

Cleaning between your teeth

Limiting staining habits (smoking, frequent coloured drinks)

Having regular professional cleanings at Milim Dental Bursa

If some shade change occurs over time, a short “top-up” whitening with home trays is usually enough, under our guidance.

A healthy, white smile is not just about beauty; it’s about confidence and motivation to care for your mouth. With a safe, planned approach, you can lighten your teeth without harming them – and enjoy your brighter smile for years.