Teeth whitening and cosmetic dentistry

Last reviewed: 2 November 2026

Cosmetic dental treatments aim to change how your teeth look. This guide explains how teeth whitening works, the rules on stronger whitening products, possible side effects and some other cosmetic options. It is general information only. Talk to a registered dental practitioner before starting any treatment.

Why teeth become discoloured

Healthdirect says the outside of teeth can be stained by tea, coffee, red wine, some foods and smoking. Teeth can also look more yellow as the white enamel wears with age, exposing the yellowish dentine underneath. Teeth can be discoloured on the inside after an injury, after root canal treatment, or from certain medicines taken in early childhood.

How whitening works

Healthdirect says whitening bleaches the teeth to lighten the colour of the enamel, usually with a gel containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. A dental professional may offer:

• In-chair whitening. A stronger gel is applied at the clinic, sometimes with a light.
• Take-home whitening. Custom-made trays and a gel at a strength chosen for you. Healthdirect says this takes longer than in-chair treatment, which does not mean the final result is better or worse.
• Internal bleaching. For a tooth stained from the inside after root canal treatment.

Healthdirect says whitening gel applied to the outside of a tooth will not change discolouration that comes from deep inside the tooth.

Rules on stronger products

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) explains that, under the national Poisons Standard, teeth whitening products containing more than 6% hydrogen peroxide or 18% carbamide peroxide may only be sold, supplied and used by registered dental practitioners. Lower-strength products can be sold to consumers. The Dental Board of Australia gives the same limits for high-concentration products, which only registered dental practitioners can use or supply. It says whitening products can be supplied for home use if the patient is assessed as suitable.

Healthdirect notes that whitening may be offered by unregulated providers, such as beauty salons, and that kits are sold online, in pharmacies and in supermarkets. It says using these kits, or having your teeth whitened by someone who is not a qualified dental professional, can put you at risk of harm. The ADA says only registered dental practitioners can assess whether whitening is suitable and safe for you, and that it recommends a comprehensive dental examination first.

Who whitening may not suit

Healthdirect says whitening is not recommended if you:

• are pregnant or breastfeeding
• have sensitive teeth or gum disease
• have cracks or holes in your teeth
• have untreated dental problems

Healthdirect also says whitening will not change the colour of crowns, veneers or fillings.

Possible side effects

Healthdirect says teeth may be sensitive to cold straight after treatment, and the gums and inside of the mouth may feel irritated. See your dental professional if this lasts more than a day or two. Strong products can irritate or burn the lips, gums or tongue, and it is dangerous to swallow whitening gel.

Other cosmetic options

The Better Health Channel describes other treatments that can change how teeth look, including:

• Composite resin. Tooth-coloured material bonded to a chipped, discoloured or oddly shaped tooth. It may need replacing if it chips, wears or stains.
• Veneers. A thin layer of resin or porcelain fixed to the front of a tooth. The tooth sometimes needs to be slightly ground down first.
• Crowns. A cap cemented or bonded over a tooth.

Healthdirect lists professional cleaning, veneers and crowns among the alternatives to whitening. Ask about the risks, how long a treatment may last and future maintenance. You can browse cosmetic dentistry services as well as whitening.

Choosing a provider

The ADA notes that Australia has no registered specialty in cosmetic dentistry, so a dentist cannot be registered as a specialist cosmetic dentist. Cosmetic dentistry is not among the 13 dental specialties listed by the Dental Board of Australia. You can ask a practitioner about their training and experience with the treatment you are considering. Before you agree to treatment, ask for a written quote and for an explanation of the risks and realistic expectations. Healthdirect suggests considering safety and how well a treatment works, not just cost. See how to choose a dentist.

General information, not medical or dental advice. Speak to a registered dental practitioner about your situation.