The ultimate guide to using your teeth whitening kit

The ultimate guide to using your teeth whitening kit

Key takeaways

  • Teeth Whitening Kits don’t work for everyone and results will vary. It really depends on the types of stains on your teeth. This is the case regardless of whether you use our gel formula, or any other whitening formula on the market.
  • To make the purchase completely risk-free for you, we promise to give you a 100% refund within 30 days if you’re one of the unlucky people that it doesn’t work for. Just be sure to follow the guidelines here to qualify.
  • There are some useful tips for giving you the best chance of the whitening kit working for you, such as: avoiding staining foods before/after you whiten, brushing and drying your teeth before applying gel, regularly swallowing your saliva so it doesn’t mix with and dilute the gel, using the gel for longer, and being patient with the process (don’t give up too soon!)

In this article


    So, you’ve got your Advanced Teeth Whitening Kit in hand. You’re ready. You’re pumped. You’re picturing that dazzling smile in the mirror. But before you pop that tray in and cue the LED lights, here’s the good news: we have a few simple tips that can help you get even better results, without any guesswork or gimmicks.

    We’ve 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

    Let’s be real. Whitening Kits aren’t magic bullets. Some people see a glow-up in just a few days. Others need a bit more time. That’s totally normal.

    Here’s why your results might differ from your mate’s:

    • Different stain types

      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

      Tooth structure & natural colour

      Teeth have layers. There’s enamel on the outside (hard and translucent), and dentin underneath (softer and naturally yellow). If your enamel is thinner—whether through natural variation or wear—more 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 there’s more enamel to reveal.

    • How whitening works

      How whitening works

      Hydrogen peroxide doesn’t just clean off surface stains—it 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 it’s 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

      Age-related changes

      As enamel wears down over time, dentin becomes more visible—adding 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 that’s 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 you’re 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 it’s a few shades brighter or a more even, cleaner look. But if your teeth don’t quite reach Ross-from-Friends levels, that doesn’t mean it hasn’t worked. It just means you’re seeing the best version of your smile.


    Can all stains be removed?

    Short answer? Not always. But don’t worry, we’re still in your corner.

    Some stains can be noticeably lightened, while others might hang around like that one houseguest who just won’t leave. It really depends on the type of stain you’re working with.

    Here’s 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.

    They’re the easiest to tackle and tend to respond brilliantly to peroxide-based gels (like the one in your kit).

    Chances are good you’ll see a visible lift here, sometimes even after just a few uses.

    Surface stains (extrinsic)

    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 won’t always take things back to “natural enamel” bright. That said, some brightening is often possible with patience and consistency.

    Deep stains (intrinsic)

    Things that can muck with your results (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. Let’s break them down and show them who’s boss.

    Woman drinking wine

    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:

    1. At minimum, avoid these for an hour after each session—that’s the window when teeth are most vulnerable.
    2. Want to effortlessly extend that safety zone? Whiten at night before bed so your mouth naturally gets a stain-free break while you sleep.
    3. If you’re chasing max results, you can avoid staining foods entirely throughout your treatment period, and only reintroduce them 24 hours after your final session.
    4. And if/when you do indulge? Rinse with water, or chew sugar-free gum to keep pigments from hanging around.
    Man quitting smoking

    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:

    1. If you’re whitening, now’s the perfect excuse to take a break, or quit altogether.
    2. At the very least, avoid smoking directly before and after your whitening sessions.
    Man brushes his teeth

    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 can’t work as effectively, and you might get uneven results.

    What to do:

    1. Brush gently before each session to remove any surface build-up.
    2. Don’t overbrush. You’re 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.
    3. Don’t dodge the dentist! Regular cleans help keep tartar in check and your whitening results looking their best.
    Mouth full of saliva

    Excess saliva

    Why it matters: Saliva is great at keeping your mouth healthy, but during whitening, it can be a bit of a troublemaker. Here’s how:

    What to do:

    1. 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.
    2. Some people find saliva starts interfering even earlier, during gel application—moisture 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:

    1. 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.
    2. 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:

    1. Try not to talk or move your mouth once the tray is in, every movement invites more saliva.
    2. Lean back slightly. This keeps saliva away from your teeth and makes it easier to swallow or clear it before it causes trouble.
    Woman saying no to wine

    Can you prevent excess saliva?

    You can’t stop saliva entirely (and you shouldn’t, it’s part of your body’s 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, it’s a thing).
    • Swallow just before you start. Then pop the tray in and let it do its thing.
    Idea icon
    Pro Tip: If saliva is a constant issue, try whitening at a time when you’re naturally more relaxed, like in the evening before bed. And don’t stress if a bit sneaks in; just do your best to keep the area dry up front, where the gel is doing its work.

    Our 100% moneyback guarantee Moneyback Guarantee

    You might be wondering if there’s a miracle whitening gel out there that works perfectly for everyone. Spoiler: there isn’t.

    No matter which brand you use, the same rules apply—your 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, they’re not being straight with you.

    Whitening isn’t magic. It’s science. And science doesn’t guarantee identical results for every smile.

    That’s exactly why we back our kits with a rock-solid money-back guarantee. If our product doesn’t work for you, we’ll give you a full refund.

    You can learn about our guarantee here

    If other brands aren't offering the same, it’s worth asking why.


    A few other things worth knowing

    • Dental work

      Dental work (crowns, veneers, fillings)

      These don’t whiten. The gel won’t affect them, so any natural teeth will brighten while restorations stay the same shade.

    • Medications

      Medications

      Certain ones (like tetracycline) can cause internal staining. Whitening might still help, but results can be slower or more subtle.

    • Dry mouth

      Dry mouth or mouth breathing

      Can make teeth more sensitive and reduce overall effectiveness.

    What to do:

    1. Stay hydrated (before and after, not during!) 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.
    2. 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.
    3. And if you’ve got dental work in the “smile zone”, have a quick chat with your dentist about what to expect.

    Why do some people see better results?

    Ever wonder why your best mate’s teeth seem to brighten up faster than yours, even though you’re using the exact same kit? You’re not imagining it, there are a few reasons behind that whitening envy:

    • Tooth porosity

      Tooth porosity

      Some people naturally have enamel that’s a bit more “spongy,” which means the whitening gel can soak in and do its thing more effectively.

    • Enamel thickness

      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

      Genetics

      Just like skin tone or hair colour, we’re all born with different shades of tooth colour. Some people start from a brighter base, which makes the shift more noticeable.

    • Lifestyle choices

      Lifestyle choices

      If someone’s 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 you’ll still see a meaningful glow-up.


    What if I’m not seeing results yet?

    Deep breath…this doesn’t mean it’s not working. Some people notice a difference after Day 2. Others? Closer to Day 7–10. 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 you’re using the kit
    • If you’ve been dodging staining food & drink

    Even for deeper or stubborn stains, many people see gradual improvement with consistent use. So don’t lose hope, slow and steady can still win the whitening race.

    And if you’re 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

    Here’s your simple, no-fuss routine to get the best results:

    • Brush gently before each session
    • Keep saliva at bay
    • Don’t smoke
    • Be patient (good things take time)
    • Dry your teeth before you apply the gel
    • Avoid staining foods & drinks
    • Support your enamel—stay hydrated daily
    • When in doubt, ask your dentist

    When to phone a professional

    If you’ve got crowns, stubborn internal staining, or zero change after completing several treatments, chat to your dentist. Some cases might need a different approach, and that’s totally OK.

    Also, if you’re feeling any ongoing sensitivity or discomfort, stop and seek advice. Whitening should feel good!

    Final thoughts

    A brighter smile doesn’t need to be complicated. With the Advanced Whitening Kit and a few savvy tips, you’re 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 you’ve got questions, we’re here to help. No bots, no dental jargon. Just real people with a thing for white teeth.