Zoom teeth whitening, after a check that it suits you
In-chair Zoom whitening uses a hydrogen peroxide-based gel activated by an LED light to lighten the shade of natural teeth, usually in a single appointment.
What is teeth whitening?
Professional whitening uses a bleaching gel to lighten the natural colour of your teeth. It can be done in the chair at the practice, or at home with custom trays and gel from your dentist.
Whitening doesn’t change the colour of crowns, veneers or fillings.
Teeth whitening in pictures
Press play or use the arrows. Captions are on (CC).
In-chair whitening. How the gums are protected and the gel is applied.
Step by step Teeth whitening: how it works
Step 1 A check-up comes first: teeth and gums need to be healthy before whitening.
Show transcriptHide transcript (4 steps)
- A check-up comes first: teeth and gums need to be healthy before whitening.
- A protective barrier is placed over the gums.
- A peroxide-based whitening gel is applied, and an LED light is used.
- The gel is removed and the new shade checked. Results vary from person to person.
Treatment facts
Plain-language answers to common questions. General information only: your dentist will explain your own options, risks and costs after examining you.
Is it right for me?
It may suit you if
- your teeth have yellowed with age or from coffee, tea or wine
- your teeth and gums are healthy
- you have realistic expectations about the shade
Worth knowing first
- Not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding.
- Crowns, veneers and fillings don’t lighten, so they may not match afterwards.
- Some stains, like grey or patchy staining, may not respond well.
- Decay and gum problems need treating first.
What happens
Check-up
We check your teeth and gums are healthy and record your starting shade.
Protecting the gums
A barrier is placed over the gums.
Applying the gel
Whitening gel is applied to the teeth in rounds.
in the chair: often 1–2 hoursTake-home option
Custom trays are made so you can whiten at home with gel we supply.
Checking the shade
We compare the new shade with your starting shade.
Keeping it up
Top-ups may be suggested from time to time.
Times are typical ranges only. Your dentist will give you your own plan.
Recovery and aftercare
The first few days
- Sensitivity is common for 24 to 48 hours. Sensitive toothpaste helps.
- Avoid strongly coloured food and drinks for a day or two.
Looking after it long term
- Brush twice a day and keep up regular cleans.
- Cutting back on coffee, tea, red wine and smoking helps the result last.
- Top-ups with your trays may be suggested.
When to call us: ring (08) 9330 7115 if you have pain, a sore spot, sensitivity that isn’t settling, or anything else that worries you.
Risks to know about
Every treatment has some risks. Your dentist will talk you through the ones that apply to you.
- Sensitivity of the teeth, usually short term.
- Gum irritation or, rarely, a mild burn if gel touches the gums.
- Uneven results or a shade that isn’t as light as hoped.
- Fillings and crowns not matching the new colour.
Ways risk is lowered: a check-up first, gum protection, gels supplied by your dentist and following the instructions.
Other options
Professional clean
Removes surface stains from food and drink.
Veneers or bonding
For stains that don’t lighten with whitening.
Cost and paying
What affects the cost
- in-chair or take-home
- the number of sessions
- custom trays
- a clean or check-up first
We can’t give an exact price before we examine you. You’ll get a written, itemised plan and estimate before any treatment starts. Health fund rebates depend on your fund and level of cover.
Paying for teeth whitening
- Estimate first. For planned treatment you get a written estimate with item numbers before you start.
- Claim on the day. Bring your health fund card. We claim on the spot with Tyro, so you pay only the gap.
- Check your cover. Use the health fund checker to see which item numbers to ask your fund about.
- Ways to pay. EFTPOS and card, including tap and pay. Payment plans are available through Tyro and are tailored to each patient. Ask us about eligibility, terms and any fees before you start. Fees and payments
Sources (checked 21 October 2026)
Common questions
Is whitening safe for my teeth?
When it’s done after a check-up and under a dentist’s supervision, whitening is a common cosmetic treatment. Some people get temporary sensitivity, which usually settles.
How white will my teeth get?
Results vary from person to person and depend on your natural shade and the type of staining. Your dentist will talk about realistic expectations first.
How long do results last?
Staining foods and drinks, smoking and your oral hygiene all affect how long results last. Touch-ups may be needed over time.
You might also like to read
Information adapted from our main website, myareedental.com. General information only; it isn’t a substitute for advice from your dentist. Fees are confirmed in a written treatment plan after your examination.
Your next step
Request an appointment online, call or text our team.