The ultimate guide to using your teeth whitening kit

Key takeaways
In this article
So, youβve got your Advanced Teeth Whitening Kit in hand. Youβre ready. Youβre pumped. Youβre picturing that dazzling smile in the mirror. But before you pop that tray in and cue the LED lights, hereβs the good news: we have a few simple tips that can help you get even better results, without any guesswork or gimmicks.
Weβve put together this helpful little guide to make sure your kit works as hard as it can for you. No fluff, no nonsense. Just solid, science-backed advice to help you whiten like a pro.
Important to know: results will vary
Letβs be real. Whitening Kits arenβt magic bullets. Some people see a glow-up in just a few days. Others need a bit more time. Thatβs totally normal.
Hereβs why your results might differ from your mateβs:
-
Different types of stains
Not all stains are created equal. Surface stains from things like coffee, tea or cheeky red wines are usually easier to lift because they sit on the outer layer of your teeth. Deeper stains from ageing, trauma or certain medications tend to be more stubborn. These live inside the tooth, so it can take longer to see results, and sometimes whitening might only make a subtle difference.
-
Tooth structure & natural colour
Teeth have layers. Thereβs enamel on the outside (hard and translucent), and dentin underneath (softer and naturally yellow). If your enamel is thinnerβwhether through natural variation or wearβmore of that yellow dentin shows through, making your teeth appear darker. Thicker enamel, on the other hand, hides the dentin more completely. That makes a whitening result more dramatic once the surface stains lift, because thereβs more enamel to reveal.
-
How whitening works
Hydrogen peroxide doesnβt just clean off surface stainsβit also soaks into the tooth to break down stains inside the dentin (the yellowish layer beneath your enamel). But dentin is denser and less porous than enamel, so itβs harder for the gel to reach and takes longer to whiten. That means if your stains are mostly in the dentin, your results might be slower or more subtle compared to someone whose stains are sitting on the surface.
-
Age-related changes
As enamel wears down over time, dentin becomes more visibleβadding warmth to your tooth colour. That means older teeth often look darker. You can still see great whitening results, but it might require more consistency to notice the same shift as younger enamel thatβs thicker and more reflective.
Also worth noting
Every smile has its own natural limit, and how white your teeth can get depends on your unique tooth structure. Things like enamel thickness, age, and the type of staining youβre dealing with all play a role. Some people will get a super bright, fresh-out-of-a-dental-ad ad look. Others might see a more subtle but still noticeable lift.
Most people will see a difference, whether itβs a few shades brighter or a more even, cleaner look. But if your teeth donβt quite reach Ross-from-Friends levels, that doesnβt mean it hasnβt worked. It just means youβre seeing the best version of your smile.
Can all stains be removed?
Short answer? Not always. But donβt worry, weβre still in your corner.
Some stains can be noticeably lightened, while others might hang around like that one houseguest who just wonβt leave. It really depends on the type of stain youβre working with.
Hereβs a quick rundown:
Surface stains (extrinsic)
These hang out on the outer layer of your teeth, the enamel, and usually come from things like coffee, tea, red wine or smoking.
Theyβre the easiest to tackle and tend to respond brilliantly to peroxide-based gels (like the one in your kit).
Chances are good youβll see a visible lift here, sometimes even after just a few uses.

Deep stains (intrinsic)
These live below the enamel, in the dentin, and can be caused by:
- Ageing (enamel gets thinner, dentin shows through)
- Trauma (a knock to the tooth can cause darkening)
- Certain meds like tetracycline, or too much fluoride growing up
These guys are a bit more stubborn. Whitening may still make a difference, but it wonβt always take things back to βnatural enamelβ bright. That said, some brightening is often possible with patience and consistency.

Things that can muck with your resultsΒ (and how to outsmart them)
Even if your teeth are ready to glow, a few sneaky saboteurs can get in the way of your best whitening results. Letβs break them down and show them whoβs boss.

Staining foods & drinks
Why it matters: Coffee, tea, red wine, soy sauce⦠you know the gang. These are rich in pigments (aka chromogens) that love sticking to porous enamel, especially right after whitening, when teeth are a bit more absorbent.
What to do:
- At minimum, avoid these for an hour after each sessionβthatβs the window when teeth are most vulnerable.
- Want to effortlessly extend that safety zone? Whiten at night before bed so your mouth naturally gets a stain-free break while you sleep.
- If youβre chasing max results, you can avoid staining foods entirely throughout your treatment period, and only reintroduce them 24 hours after your final session.
- And if/when you do indulge? Rinse with water, or chew sugar-free gum to keep pigments from hanging around.

Smoking
Why it matters: Smoking causes deep, stubborn stains and slows down the whitening process. It can also make your results patchy, because it affects oxygen flow to the enamel.
What to do:
- If youβre whitening, nowβs the perfect excuse to take a break, or quit altogether.
- At the very least, avoid smoking directly before and after your whitening sessions.

Plaque & tartar build-up
Why it matters: Whitening gel needs to touch clean enamel to do its job. If plaque or tartar is in the way, the gel canβt work as effectively, and you might get uneven results.
What to do:
- Brush gently before each session to remove any surface build-up.
- Donβt overbrush. Youβre cleaning your teeth, not sanding timber. Scrubbing too hard can wear down enamel and irritate your gums, which may make your teeth more sensitive during whitening.
- Donβt dodge the dentist! Regular cleans help keep tartar in check and your whitening results looking their best.

Excess saliva
Why it matters: Saliva is great at keeping your mouth healthy, but during whitening, it can be a bit of a troublemaker. Hereβs how:
What to do:
- It can pool around your mouth tray while the LED light is on, diluting the gel or washing it away before it gets a chance to work.
- Some people find saliva starts interfering even earlier, during gel applicationβmoisture on the teeth can stop the gel sticking properly, or it gets washed away (or swallowed) before the LED light kicks in.
What to do before starting the session:
- Dry your teeth first. Use a paper towel or a clean cotton swab to blot the surface. Yes, it feels a bit weird, but it works.
- Apply the gel quickly but carefully. The less time saliva has to interfere, the better your gel will stick.
What to do during the session:
- Try not to talk or move your mouth once the tray is in, every movement invites more saliva.
- Lean back slightly. This keeps saliva away from your teeth and makes it easier to swallow or clear it before it causes trouble.

Can you prevent excess saliva?
You canβt stop saliva entirely (and you shouldnβt, itβs part of your bodyβs natural defence system), but you can try a few tricks to tone it down:
- Avoid acidic foods or drinks beforehand, like citrus or soft drinks, they can increase saliva production.
- Stay calm. Feeling anxious or fiddly can trigger more saliva (yep, itβs a thing).
- Swallow just before you start. Then pop the tray in and let it do its thing.

Our 100% moneyback guaranteeΒ
You might be wondering if thereβs a miracle whitening gel out there that works perfectly for everyone. Spoiler: there isnβt.
No matter which brand you use, the same rules applyβyour tooth structure, the type of staining, and how consistently you use the product all play a role in your results. So if another brand is claiming their gel works for absolutely everyone, theyβre not being straight with you.
Whitening isnβt magic. Itβs science. And science doesnβt guarantee identical results for every smile.
Thatβs exactly why we back our kits with a rock-solid money-back guarantee. If our product doesnβt work for you, weβll give you a full refund.
You can learn about our guarantee here
If other brands aren't offering the same, itβs worth asking why.
A few other things worth knowing
-
Dental work (crowns, veneers, fillings)
These donβt whiten. The gel wonβt affect them, so any natural teeth will brighten while restorations stay the same shade.
-
Medications
Certain ones (like tetracycline) can cause internal staining. Whitening might still help, but results can be slower or more subtle.
-
Dry mouth or mouth breathing
Can make teeth more sensitive and reduce overall effectiveness.
What to do:
- Stay hydrated (before and after, not during!)Β Keeping your body hydrated helps support healthy enamel and can reduce sensitivity during whitening. Just be mindful not to swish water around or drink immediately before your session. The goal is a healthy mouth, not a watery one while the gel is on.
- Breathe through your nose during sessions (yes, it helps). Mouth breathing tends to dry things out and can increase saliva flow, both of which mess with your whitening setup. Breathing through your nose helps keep the gel in place and reduces saliva pooling.
- And if youβve got dental work in the βsmile zoneβ, have a quick chat with your dentist about what to expect.
Why do some people see betterΒ results?
Ever wonder why your best mateβs teeth seem to brighten up faster than yours, even though youβre using the exact same kit? Youβre not imagining it, there are a few reasons behind that whitening envy:
-
Tooth porosity
Some people naturally have enamel thatβs a bit more βspongy,β which means the whitening gel can soak in and do its thing more effectively.
-
Enamel thickness
Thicker enamel can help mask the yellowish dentin underneath, which makes the end result look whiter, like a better filter on your teeth.
-
Genetics
Just like skin tone or hair colour, weβre all born with different shades of tooth colour. Some people start from a brighter base, which makes the shift more noticeable.
-
Lifestyle choices
If someoneβs recently quit smoking or cut back on coffee, those surface stains are fresh and easier to lift, so they might see results faster.
So yep, some people will get there quicker, while others take the scenic route. But the bottom line? Stick with it, follow the plan, and give your smile a fair shot. Chances are youβll still see a meaningful glow-up.
What if Iβm not seeing results yet?
Deep breathβ¦this doesnβt mean itβs not working. Some people notice a difference after Day 2. Others? Closer to Day 7β10. And in some cases it can take a few weeks of daily use.
It all depends on:
- The type and depth of staining
- Your natural tooth shade
- When and how consistently youβre using the kit
- If youβve been dodging staining food & drink
Even for deeper or stubborn stains, many people see gradual improvement with consistent use. So donβt lose hope, slow and steady can still win the whitening race.
And if youβre unsure whether your type of staining can be fully treated, your dentist can always give you tailored advice (and maybe a high-five for taking such good care of your smile).
Your whitening success checklist
Hereβs your simple, no-fuss routine to get the best results:
- Brush gently before each session
- Keep saliva at bay
- Donβt smoke
- Be patient (good things take time)
- Dry your teeth before you apply the gel
- Avoid staining foods & drinks
- Support your enamelβstay hydrated daily
- When in doubt, ask your dentist
When to phone a professional
If youβve got crowns, stubborn internal staining, or zero change after completing several treatments, chat to your dentist. Some cases might need a different approach, and thatβs totally OK.
Also, if youβre feeling any ongoing sensitivity or discomfort, stop and seek advice. Whitening should feel good!
Final thoughts
A brighter smile doesnβt need to be complicated. With the Advanced Whitening Kit and a few savvy tips, youβre all set for glowing results. Stick with it, follow the steps, and enjoy the confidence that comes with a smile that actually feels like you.
And hey, if youβve got questions, weβre here to help. No bots, no dental jargon. Just real people with a thing for white teeth.