If you’ve decided it’s time for a whiter smile, Pola Night at-home whitening is one of the safest and most convenient ways to brighten your teeth from home.
But if you’ve never used whitening trays before, it’s completely normal to have questions.
How does the appointment work? How long do you wear the trays? Can you use your retainers? What happens if your gums become sensitive?
This guide walks you through every step of the process, from booking your appointment through to maintaining your brighter smile.
Step 1: Book Your Teeth Whitening Appointment
Your whitening journey starts with an appointment at one of our Melbourne or Geelong studios.
Before whitening, one of our Oral Health Therapists will assess your oral health to make sure whitening is suitable for you.
During your appointment we’ll:
- Check your teeth and gums
- Discuss your whitening goals
- Answer any questions
- Decide whether new custom whitening trays are needed or whether your existing orthodontic retainers can be used
This assessment helps ensure you achieve the best possible whitening result safely.
Step 2: Do You Need Custom Whitening Trays?
Not everyone needs a new set of whitening trays.
If you’ve completed clear aligner treatment with Urban Smile and your retainers still fit well, they can often double as whitening trays.
This saves both time and money while still delivering excellent results.
If your retainers no longer fit properly, or you’ve never had custom trays before, we’ll take a digital scan of your teeth to create a comfortable set made specifically for your smile.
Why custom trays matter
Custom trays:
- Hold the whitening gel evenly against your teeth
- Help reduce gel leaking onto your gums
- Are more comfortable than one-size-fits-all trays
- Can be reused for future whitening top ups
Step 3: Collect Your Whitening Kit
Once your trays are ready, we’ll provide everything you need to whiten safely at home.
Your kit includes:
- Your custom whitening trays (or instructions for using your retainers)
- Pola Night whitening gel syringe
- Instructions for use
- A storage case
We’ll also demonstrate exactly how much gel to use so you can feel confident before starting at home.
Step 4: How To Apply Pola Night Whitening Gel
Using too much whitening gel doesn’t make your teeth whiten faster.
A small amount is all you need.
For each tooth:
- Brush and floss your teeth before whitening.
- Place a small drop of whitening gel into the front of each tooth compartment in the tray.
- Insert the tray onto your teeth.
- Gently wipe away any excess gel that contacts your gums.
- Wear the trays for the recommended amount of time.
- Remove the trays, rinse your mouth and clean your trays with cool water.
Your Oral Health Therapist will recommend the best wearing schedule based on the whitening gel strength prescribed for you.
Oral Health Therapist Tip: Rebecca advises “It is usually best to start with a shorter wear time and then gradually increase. We usually recommend patients using Pola Night begin with 2 hours of wear on day 1, then increase to 3-4 hours on day 2 before using it overnight. This can help minimise tooth sensitivity.”
Step 5: How Often Should You Whiten?
Most people whiten daily until they achieve their desired shade.
The exact number of days varies depending on:
- Your starting tooth colour
- Lifestyle factors such as coffee, tea and red wine
- Your whitening goals
- The gel strength recommended for you
Many patients begin seeing noticeable improvements within the first week.
Once you’ve reached your preferred shade, you can simply keep your remaining gel for future touch-ups.
Step 6: Looking After Your Teeth During Whitening
Whitening works best when you take good care of your teeth throughout the process.
During treatment we recommend:
- Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Flossing every day
- Drinking plenty of water
- Limiting foods and drinks that stain teeth where possible
- Rinsing your mouth after coffee, tea or red wine if you do indulge
Good oral hygiene helps you achieve a more even whitening result.
What If My Teeth Or Gums Become Sensitive?
Some temporary tooth sensitivity is completely normal during whitening.
If this happens, your Oral Health Therapist may recommend:
- Taking a break for a day or two
- Reducing your whitening time
- Using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth
- Restarting once your teeth feel comfortable
If whitening gel contacts your gums, it can sometimes cause temporary irritation.
Oral Health Therapist Tip: According to our Oral Health Therapist and Clinical Lead Rebecca, “The most common complication we see with whitening is a gingival chemical burn, which is basically a frosty white burn patch on the gums. It can feel a bit tender but usually disappears on its own within 1 to 7 days. If someone experiences this, we recommend pausing their whitening treatment until it has fully healed.”
If sensitivity is severe or doesn’t improve, contact your Urban Smile studio before continuing treatment.
How Long Will My Whitening Results Last?
Results vary from person to person, but many patients enjoy a brighter smile for months or even years.
Your lifestyle plays the biggest role in maintaining your result.
Coffee, tea, red wine, smoking and highly coloured foods may cause teeth to gradually stain again over time.
The good news is that because you already have your trays, future top-up whitening is usually quick and convenient.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use my clear aligner retainers for whitening?
Often, yes. If your retainers still fit properly, they can usually be used instead of making separate whitening trays. Your Oral Health Therapist will check they’re suitable during your appointment.
Do I sleep with Pola Night trays in?
Some patients do, depending on the whitening gel prescribed and how comfortably they tolerate treatment. Others achieve excellent results wearing the trays for shorter periods. Your Oral Health Therapist will recommend what’s right for you.
How much whitening gel should I use?
Only a small drop for each tooth compartment is needed. Using more gel won’t whiten your teeth faster and may increase the chance of gum irritation.
How long does it take to see results?
Many people notice their teeth becoming whiter within several days, with continued improvement over one to two weeks depending on their treatment plan.
Can I reuse my whitening trays?
Yes. Custom whitening trays are designed to be reused for future whitening top-ups, provided they continue to fit well.
How much does Pola Night cost?
Our Pola Night take-home whitening treatment with custom trays is $380. If you already have well-fitting custom trays or retainers, you can simply purchase a top-up whitening gel kit for $33.
Ready To Get Started?
Whether you’re whitening for a wedding, an upcoming holiday or simply because you’d like a more confident smile, Pola Night makes professional whitening easy to fit into your routine.
Our team will guide you through every step, from checking whether your retainers can be used to creating custom trays and recommending the best whitening schedule for your smile.
Book your teeth whitening appointment at Urban Smile today and start your journey towards a brighter smile.
Pola Night whitening is suitable for patients 18+. Pre-whitening assessment is required.