Quick Facts – Tooth Whitening

Who it suits: People with yellowed, stained, or discolored teeth (from coffee, tea, wine, smoking, or aging). Not ideal for those with untreated cavities, gum disease, or very sensitive teeth.

Whitening types:

• In-office professional whitening (e.g., laser, LED, or hydrogen peroxide bleaching).
• Take-home custom trays with clinic-grade whitening gel.
• Over-the-counter strips/pens (milder, less lasting results).

Trip style: Usually 1 visit (about 1–2 hrs); some protocols require 2–3 sessions. Take-home kits may need daily use for 1–2 weeks.

Effect duration: 6–18 months (depends on diet, habits, and maintenance).

Materials: Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gels in varying concentrations.

Tech: Many Seoul clinics use LED activation, laser whitening, and digital shade analysis.

Typical Costs (Guide Only):
Conversions use ~₩1,300 ≈ US$1 (rough estimate).

• In-office whitening (per session): ₩250,000–₩600,000 (≈ US$190–$460)
• Take-home custom trays: ₩200,000–₩400,000 (≈ US$155–$310)
• Combination package (in-office + take-home): ₩500,000–₩900,000 (≈ US$385–$695)
• Whitening strips (OTC): ₩30,000–₩100,000 (≈ US$25–$75)

Procedure & Timeline Options

Standard In-Office Whitening (most common)

• Single visit, 60–120 minutes.
• Includes scaling/cleaning, gum protection, whitening gel, LED/laser activation.
• 1–3 rounds in one session; shade checked before/after.

Take-Home Whitening

• Impressions taken → custom trays made.
• Whitening gel used at home, usually 30–60 min per day for 1–2 weeks.

Combination (In-Office + Home Kit)

• Immediate brightening from clinic session.
• Extended maintenance with home trays.

Are You a Good Candidate?

• Stable oral health (no untreated decay or gum disease).
• Stains/discoloration not caused by intrinsic factors (e.g., tetracycline staining may respond poorly).
• Non-pregnant/non-nursing (most clinics advise against whitening in these cases).
• Realistic expectations (whitening brightens natural tooth color but does not change crowns, veneers, or fillings).

Whitening Options (What to Ask About)

• System/Brand: Zoom, Beyond Polus, Philips, or local Korean systems.
• Method: LED vs laser activation; sensitivity protocols.
• Take-home gel strength: % of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide.
• Sensitivity care: Desensitizing agents, fluoride, or protective varnish.
• Maintenance: Polishing, cleaning, fluoride varnish.

How to Choose a Clinic in Seoul (Checklist)

• Offers both in-office and take-home options.
• Transparent explanation of expected shade change (# of shades lighter).
• Before/after photo portfolio.
• Sensitivity management plan.
• Clear pricing (does it include scaling, polishing, or touch-up sessions?).
• Language support: English/CN/JP for instructions and aftercare.

Comfort & Anesthesia

• Local anesthesia not needed.
• Some mild sensitivity during/after treatment (tingling, zingers) for 1–2 days.
• Desensitizing toothpaste or fluoride rinse recommended.

Aftercare & Longevity

• Avoid staining foods/drinks (coffee, wine, curry, soy sauce) and smoking for 48 hrs.
• Use a straw for dark beverages.
• Touch-up sessions or home gels every 6–12 months help maintain results.
• Professional cleaning every 6 months extends effect.

Risks & How to Reduce Them

• Sensitivity: Common; reduced with lower-concentration gels or desensitizing treatments.
• Uneven whitening: Especially if teeth have intrinsic discoloration or restorations.
• Gum irritation: From gel contact; minimized by professional application and custom trays.
• Limited effect: Fillings, crowns, veneers won’t whiten.

Alternatives to Consider

• Veneers (covers deep discoloration).
• Composite bonding for minor color correction.
• Internal bleaching (for single dark root-treated teeth).

Travel Planning Tips

• Whitening can be completed in 1 trip (1–2 days).
• If doing multiple sessions, allow 1–2 weeks spacing.
• Combination treatment: pick up trays on Day 2–3.
• Payment: Clinics accept cards; whitening often offered in promotional bundles.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Is it painful?
Mostly no—mild sensitivity for 1–2 days is common but temporary.

How long does whitening last?
6–18 months depending on diet, smoking, and oral hygiene.

Will it whiten crowns or fillings?
No—only natural teeth respond.

Can I get whitening the same day?
Yes—in-office whitening gives instant results in 1 visit.

How many shades lighter can I expect?
Typically 2–8 shades, depending on starting color and system used.