Teeth Whitening Treatment

Over time, your teeth can become yellow due to multiple reasons. This may include certain health issues or medications, having the habit of eating and drinking staining and colourful foods, or maybe you’re a past or current smoker. Whatever the reason is, you may be considering ways to revert your teeth to how they were in the past.

Here at Dr. Tong’s clinic, we have got you covered. By offering teeth whitening treatment, we can help transform your smile and brighten your teeth. 

Professional vs. Take Home Teeth Whitening Methods

Teeth whitening in HK, also commonly known as “bleaching”, is the process by which your teeth become whiter through chemical treatment. As the name may suggest, teeth whitening Hong Kong treatments can correct problems such as tooth staining caused by frequent consumption of tea, coffee, wine and tobacco smoking. Sometimes, certain medications and mouth rinses can also cause staining too, therefore it is important to consult your specialist or doctor before starting the course of teeth whitening in HK if you have any concerns regarding it. 

There are 2 forms of teeth whitening in Hong Kong, which are offered by us to give you that bright healthy smile you had once again:

  • Philips Zoom! In-Chair Teeth Whitening HK Treatment (expect a 75-minute appointment).
  • Philips Zoom! Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits, with custom fitting trays.

No matter if it is the professional or home teeth whitening method, each will have its respective “pros” and “cons”, so it is better to consult us beforehand for optimal results. Although results can vary greatly between teeth whitening Hong Kong patients, you can expect that there will certainly be a general improvement in the appearance of your teeth once you have used the professional/home teeth whitening treatment.

1. Professional Teeth Whitening:

The first form of teeth whitening in Hong Kong is done professionally. It is much more effective and safer to use compared to over-the-counter products, like home teeth whitening strips and toothpaste.

2. Home Teeth Whitening:

The second form of teeth whitening in HK, is a take home version which involves a teeth whitening “tray” that is custom made to fit you, and you will also be given a whitening gel to squeeze onto the tray. During home teeth whitening, this tray is worn for a couple of hours or throughout the night depending on your current condition (e.g. tooth sensitivity levels) and the ultimate teeth whitening result you would like to achieve. 

Common Teeth Whitening HK Options

Before considering teeth whitening in Hong Kong, you should come in for a general check-up and examination to determine if there are any other issues that precede the urgency of getting teeth whitening done. After a consultation with Dr. Tong, and depending on the type and severity of staining in your teeth, he may suggest multiple options for brightening your smile. This could range from:

  1. Getting a simple scale and cleaning to remove any extrinsic staining that cannot be removed from simple brushing at home
  2. Using teeth whitening toothpaste to remove stains in the long term
  3. Take home teeth whitening gel and kit
  4. In-chair professional teeth whitening in HK
  5. Veneer or indirect methods to fix severely stained or stubborn stains

Take Home Teeth Whitening – Regain Those Pearly Whites:

The take home teeth whitening option is usually recommended for those patients who are more susceptible to tooth sensitivity and are looking for a gradual brightening of your teeth. This method of teeth whitening in HK allows for a more natural progression from yellow to white, and also gives long lasting results.

For the take home teeth whitening option, Dr. Tong would first need to take an impression of your teeth and make a custom fitting teeth whitening tray (generally a 15 to 30-minute appointment). Once the teeth whitening tray is ready, we will give you a call to come back to us, and Dr. Tong will instruct you on how to get those pearly whites by simply applying the gel to your custom teeth whitening tray every night for 2 weeks, so you can get ready for any occasion whether it be an important meeting or wedding ceremony!

In-Chair Teeth Whitening – Achieve Multiple Shades Whiter, Professionally:

An in-chair teeth whitening HK procedure whereby a strong, highly concentrated whitening agent (hydrogen peroxide gel) is brushed onto the teeth, and it effectively lifts tooth stains and discoloration via oxidation of the teeth.

Philips Zoom in-chair teeth whitening in Hong Kong requires a longer appointment time, and involves the cleansing of your teeth thoroughly, then applying a protective layer on your gums, and finally applying the high concentration teeth whitening gel in three to four 15-minute increments. You can expect to have your teeth looking multiple shades whiter with one session of teeth whitening in HK. For longer-lasting results, it is recommended that the take home teeth whitening kit is also combined in use.

With Dr. David W.K. Tong’s professionalism and experience, you can be sure that you will be able to achieve faster and more reliable teeth whitening results than over the counter products, such as home teeth whitening strips or toothpastes bought online.

Myth Busting: A Few Misconceptions About Teeth Whitening in Hong Kong

When it comes to teeth whitening in HK, there are a few misinterpretations and misleading rumours that can be confusing to some. Here below, let’s discuss a few of these and clear the air, so that you can make the decision as to whether or not teeth whitening in Hong Kong is suitable for you.

Myth #1: Teeth whitening will make your teeth weak


Contrary to common belief, professional teeth whitening in HK, done at a dentistry, does not actually cause any damage to your tooth enamel. Although you may experience temporary sensitivity afterwards, the teeth whitening agents that are used do not “dissolve” or “remove” any part of your original tooth structure. Instead, the teeth whitening gel or agent will interact only with the dark pigments within your teeth and remove the dark stains. After any teeth whitening Hong Kong treatment, some temporary sensitivity is expected and normal.
On the other hand, if you were to use other products for home teeth whitening, such as sodium hydrogen carbonate, also known as baking soda, this could indeed damage your tooth enamel! Baking soda is incredibly abrasive and rubbing it onto your teeth during home teeth whitening can potentially remove dark stains but also has the ability to remove tooth structure. Therefore, please consult a professional before using any home teeth whitening products.

Myth #2: All teeth can become whiter after teeth whitening


Unfortunately, that is not the case. Teeth that have been treated with veneers, composite resin fillings or crowns will not be able to respond to teeth whitening agents. Professional and home teeth whitening products can only target natural tooth structure, which is why it is important to discuss your treatment goals before attempting any home teeth whitening yourself.

Myth #3: Should avoid getting teeth whitening, if you have tooth sensitivity


This is false, and is a common misconception about teeth whitening in HK! Although sensitivity is a common side effect after teeth whitening procedures, it does not mean that it cannot be avoided. If doing your teeth whitening in Hong Kong with Dr. Tong, we will always make sure that you can achieve the best results in a pain-free, safe and comfortable way. In fact, there are quite a few options to help avoid sensitivity during your teeth whitening HK procedure. Make sure to mention your concerns of sensitivity to us before booking for teeth whitening in Hong Kong, and we will try our very best to accommodate all your needs.

Myth #4: Acidic fruits can help with teeth whitening


While many people believe this to be true, it is not! As far as teeth whitening in HK goes, there are no studies or evidence to show that acidic fruits and drinks can lead to removal of stains. Instead, research has shown that acidic fruits or drinks can actually cause damage to your teeth. Acidic foods and drinks can dissolve your teeth over time and remove the enamel layer of your teeth exposing the dentine. Dentine is yellow in colour so consuming acidic foods and drinks can actually cause yellow discoloration rather than a teeth whitening effect. On top of causing discoloration, it can also worsen your sensitivity.
So please, avoid acidic drinks and fruits when possible or make sure to drink a sip of water afterwards to regulate the acidity in the mouth. You can also discuss home teeth whitening recommendations further with Dr. Tong if you have any questions.

A Few Important Points Before/After In-Chair Teeth Whitening Treatment

Before in-chair teeth whitening in HK, consider taking x2 Panadol pills, because this may help decrease the tooth sensitivity you are experiencing. Additionally, if you are aware that you have increased sensitivity in some areas, you can use Tooth Mousse Plus, or Sensodyne Toothpaste, every night for 2 weeks leading up to the teeth whitening Hong Kong appointment. After the teeth whitening HK procedure, here are a few instructions we recommend to follow:

  • No smoking for at least 48 hours.
  • Maintain a white coloured diet*, or avoid teeth staining foods such as wine, red sauces, curry, coffee, tea, beetroot…etc.
  • It is normal for you to have symptoms of mild sensitivity in your teeth after teeth whitening in HK, which normally lasts about 1-2 days.
  • If sensitivity persists for more than 2 days, consider taking Panadol pain medication.
  • Continue to use desensitizing toothpaste, such as Sensodyne, to ease the sensitivity experienced.
  • Contact us after teeth whitening in Hong Kong if there is prolonged or worsening sensitivity, and consider booking for an emergency appointment if needed
  • Contact us after teeth whitening in HK, if there are any further questions or concerns.

*General suggestions for a white-coloured diet:

To better maintain the effects of teeth whitening, food and beverage items below are recommended:

  • Milk, water, clear sodas
  • Tofu, soybean, soy milk
  • Fish congee, seafood congee, chicken congee
  • Bananas, apples (peeled)
  • White bread, flour tortillas
  • Oatmeal
  • Plain yogurts, white cheese, sour cream, cottage cheese
  • White rice, baked potatoes
  • White sauce pastas
  • Turkey, chicken breast (no skin), and white fish

Take Home Teeth Whitening Instructions & Things to Note

If you are opting for the home teeth whitening option, or if it enhances the in-chair teeth whitening effects, here below are some steps to take, as well as a few things to note.
  1.   Cleanse your teeth first by brushing with Sensodyne toothpaste and flossing, then rinse your mouth.
  2.   Please make sure the custom tray for home teeth whitening is completely dry.
  3.   Place a small amount of gel on each of the teeth in the custom tray. Use caution not to put too much gel into the home teeth whitening tray as this could cause overflowing of the gel onto the gums, and also cause a burning sensation if left on for a long period.
  4.   Insert the home teeth whitening tray over the teeth, and gently wipe away any excess gel.
  5.   Leave it in for 2 hours.
  6.   If the sensitivity is uncomfortable, stop and reduce time and/or frequency of home teeth whitening. Consider reducing the time of teeth whitening to 1.5 hours or 1 hour.
  7.   If the sensitivity gets unbearable, stop home teeth whitening altogether and contact professionals like Dr. Tong for further instructions. Consider taking pain relief medication such as Panadol or Ibuprofen.
  8.   Once the 2 hours is up, remove the tray carefully. Rinse your mouth with warm water and then brush your teeth gently.
  9.   Clean the tray by rinsing the gel off with cold water, and gently brushing off any remaining gel. Place the trays in the container provided.
  10. After each home teeth whitening session, you can use Sensodyne toothpaste and “mask” it over your teeth overnight. This can help seal off the teeth and decrease sensitivity.
  • Please refrain from rinsing your mouth, as this can dilute the bleaching agent making home teeth whitening less effective.
  • Do not swallow the teeth whitening gel, spit out any saliva or gel that leaks out into your mouth.
  • Do not drink, eat, or smoke during home teeth whitening.

How Can I Prolong the Effects of Teeth Whitening?

1. Avoid drinking coloured beverages:


This can cause extrinsic staining after teeth whitening in HK. Examples would be your usual morning cup of black coffee or night time glass of red wine. If you want to prolong the effects of teeth whitening, these can be replaced with clear alcohol, white wines, milk, coconut milk or water. On the other hand, if you really have to have your morning coffee or red wine, consider drinking it through a straw, or try your best to rinse your mouth with water after drinking.

2. Avoid eating staining foods:

These just like your beverages can cause the effects of teeth whitening to decrease, and your teeth to become yellow again. Sauces are a big culprit to stained teeth in the first place, and these could include tomato sauces, curry sauces which contain colorful yummy spices such as turmeric, curry powder or paprika. Also, pigmented vegetables, fruits and berries should be avoided as well such as beetroot, blackberries, raspberries, cherries...etc. A good way to think of this, or a rule to stick by, is that you should avoid anything that could potentially stain a white t-shirt. After teeth whitening in Hong Kong, try to maintain a white-coloured food diet, examples could be white sauces like carbonara, white fish, cauliflower, cheeses, tofu, radish, pear or apples, banana, lotus root, white rice, almonds and other nuts.

3. Stay away from acidic foods and drinks:

After teeth whitening in HK, you should stay away from such foods and drinks. As mentioned above, these types of foods and drinks can actually cause damage by dissolving your teeth over time, and expose the yellow-coloured dentine eventually. Basically, you will be getting the opposite effect of teeth whitening in the long run.

Learn More About Professional & Home Teeth Whitening – FAQs:

1. How long does the effect of teeth whitening typically last for?

There can be many factors that come into play when it comes to how long your teeth whitening can last. To start, these are habits and lifestyle choices that have formed over long periods of time that caused you to have stained or yellow teeth, which is why you might need teeth whitening in Hong Kong in the first place. Generally speaking, teeth whitening in HK should last 1-2 years before your teeth return to how they were before. It is often a good idea to get a take home teeth whitening kit after your first professional procedure, so that you can top up the teeth whitening whenever you like or feel like it is needed. But overall, changing your daily habits will ultimately give you the best chances of lasting teeth whitening results.
Teeth whitening in HK does not work on any calculus or plaque (ie: bacteria). Therefore, the short answer to this question is yes! Definitely arrange for a professional cleaning before booking yourself in for a teeth whitening Hong Kong procedure with us.
The actual cost for teeth whitening in HK will depend on your current condition and also your desired results. Custom-made take home teeth whitening and bleaching kits may be the more economical option for you, as it will cost slightly less while in-chair teeth whitening in Hong Kong will cost more. This is because in-chair teeth whitening requires more materials, professional staff and equipment to perform. However, the results to be achieved will be immediate and effective in most cases when compared to DIY home teeth whitening.
We currently offer different types of teeth whitening Hong Kong treatments. The main ingredients for teeth whitening are Carbamide Peroxide, Potassium nitrate fluoride and hydrogen peroxide. The type of ingredient used will depend on whichever form of teeth whitening Hong Kong procedure you decide on getting.

Enamel hypoplasia is a condition whereby the outer layer tooth structure is formed weak, brittle and most often discolored. There can sometimes be pits and dark spots on your teeth that are caused by genetic factors, nutritional deficiency or having certain medical conditions. In some of these milder cases, teeth whitening in Hong Kong may be a good option to try out to help brighten your teeth, however it does not really solve the underlying problem that comes with enamel hypoplasia. Because enamel hypoplasia is more of a structural abnormality, teeth whitening agents do not actually have much of your tooth to work with, and therefore cannot penetrate enough of the tooth to remove the discoloration. 

If you know you have enamel hypoplasia and are looking for treatment alternatives to normal teeth whitening in HK, you may consider brightening your teeth and improving your smile via other more effective options such as bonding techniques, veneers or crowns. Before any of these treatments are performed, we recommend a thorough examination and consultation so that your case can be assessed properly, and the best treatment option can be recommended for you. 

Before conducting a teeth whitening procedure, we recommend that you book in for a quick consultation or cleansing first. You can do this by calling our number or sending us a message via Whatsapp (Phone: +852 3421 0067 | WhatsApp: +852 9252 5000). Alternatively, you can contact us via email: [email protected].