Teeth whitening
Whitening lightens the natural colour of your teeth and reduces stains from coffee, tea, smoking and everyday life. At Rubi Smile it is carried out in the clinic by our dentists in a single session.
Overview
In-clinic laser whitening at Rubi Smile takes about 45 to 60 minutes. Your gums are protected, a whitening gel is applied to the teeth and activated with a special light. It lightens natural enamel but does not change the colour of crowns, veneers or fillings, and some temporary sensitivity is possible.
- Session length
- About 45–60 minutes
- Performed by
- Our dentists
- Visits
- One
- Avoid dark food and drink
- 24–48 hours
Whitening is the most conservative way to brighten a smile because it changes colour without removing tooth structure. We aim for a shade that suits your face, skin tone and age rather than an artificial 'fake white'.
Before whitening, we check your teeth and gums and explain what whitening can and cannot achieve for you.
Is it right for you?
Often suitable when
- Your natural teeth are yellowed or stained
- Your teeth and gums are healthy
- You want a brighter smile without changing the shape of your teeth
- You are planning new crowns or veneers and want to whiten first so they can be matched
Another option may be better when
- Discolouration is very deep or caused by medication or a dead tooth: veneers or crowns may be needed
- Visible teeth are mostly crowns, veneers or large fillings, which do not whiten
- You have untreated decay, gum disease or very sensitive teeth
- You are pregnant or breastfeeding (whitening is usually postponed)
How the treatment works
Your gums are protected with a barrier, then a whitening gel is applied to the teeth and activated with a special light. The gel lightens the stains inside the enamel. You relax in the chair during the session.
Assessment and planning
At a short consultation we check your teeth and gums, look at the shade guide together and agree on a realistic, natural target colour. We also check for fillings or crowns in visible areas, because they will not change colour.
Treatment stages
Short consultation
We check teeth and gums and explain what whitening can achieve.
Choosing your shade
We look at a shade guide together and agree a realistic target.
Whitening session
Gums protected, gel applied and activated with a light; about 45–60 minutes.
Result and advice
We compare before and after and explain what to avoid for the next 24–48 hours.
Recovery and aftercare
Most patients feel no pain. Some feel mild sensitivity, which usually passes quickly. For the first 24 to 48 hours, avoid strongly coloured food and drinks such as coffee, red wine and curry, and avoid smoking.
Risks and limitations
Whitening is generally safe when carried out by a dentist, but be aware of:
- Temporary tooth sensitivity
- Temporary irritation of the gums
- Uneven results where enamel varies
- Crowns, veneers and fillings will not change colour
- Results fade gradually and are affected by diet and smoking
Longevity and maintenance
Results usually last for months to a few years, depending on your diet, smoking and oral hygiene. Whitening can be refreshed. Regular professional cleaning helps maintain the result.
What affects the cost
The cost of whitening depends on:
- Whether a professional cleaning is needed first
- The number of sessions
- Whether whitening is part of a larger cosmetic plan
We do not publish fixed prices because every plan is different. After reviewing your X-rays or scans, we send a written, itemised quote.
Compared with alternatives
| Option | Changes | Tooth preparation | Duration of effect |
|---|---|---|---|
| In-clinic whitening | Colour of natural teeth | None | Months to years |
| Composite bonding | Colour and small shape changes | Little or none | Several years with maintenance |
| Porcelain veneers | Colour and shape | Minimal to moderate | Long-lasting |
If you are travelling to us
Whitening fits easily into a short trip and is often combined with other treatment. If you are having crowns or veneers, whitening is done first so that the new restorations can be matched to your new shade.
Frequently asked questions
Does laser whitening damage enamel?
When carried out by a dentist with appropriate products, whitening is not considered to damage enamel. Temporary sensitivity is the most common side effect.
How white will my teeth get?
It depends on your starting shade and enamel. We agree a realistic target with you at the start.
Will my crowns or veneers whiten too?
No. Only natural tooth structure lightens. We will tell you if this will create a mismatch.
Can I drink coffee afterwards?
It is best to avoid coffee and other strongly coloured drinks for 24 to 48 hours.
Written by the Rubi Smile patient team to explain treatment options in plain language. Clinical review by a Rubi Smile dentist is scheduled before publication. Pending clinical review
Related treatments
Composite Bonding
Tooth-coloured resin sculpted by hand to fix chips, small gaps and uneven edges, often in one visit.
Porcelain Veneers
Thin E-max or Empress ceramic shells that change colour, shape and symmetry with minimal preparation.
Smile Makeover
A personalised combination of treatments to change the colour, shape and balance of your smile.
Start with a conversation, not a commitment.
Send us your questions and, if you have them, recent X-rays or photos. A dentist reviews your case and our coordinators explain the options, the likely timeline and the cost before you plan any travel.