Teeth whitening: cost, options and what to expect

How much does whitening cost at Fábrica do Sorriso?

Teeth whitening at Fábrica do Sorriso starts from €250. At your assessment, we examine your teeth and gums, record your starting shade and discuss the result you would like. This helps us propose a protocol suited to your case.

The figure from €250 is a starting price, not a confirmed price for every technique or both arches. The quote identifies the technique, arches and planned sessions, trays or gel where applicable, follow-up and any cleaning or prior treatment needed. You know the costs before deciding.

What makes the price of whitening vary?

Five factors explain most of the differences between quotes:

• The technique

  in-office whitening (results in a session of around 45 minutes), take-home whitening with custom-made trays (2 to 4 weeks at home) or a combined treatment that brings the two together.

• The number of sessions

  most cases are resolved with one or two in-office sessions; more stubborn staining may need a top-up.

• The condition of your mouth

  if there is tartar, decay or gum inflammation, that has to be treated first, which adds stages (and costs) to the plan.

• Your starting shade and the type of staining

  extrinsic stains from coffee, tea, wine or tobacco respond very well; intrinsic stains (tetracycline, fluorosis) may call for different approaches, such as veneers.

• The products used

  professional gels with up to 6% hydrogen peroxide or 10–16% carbamide peroxide, with desensitising agents, are in a different category from over-the-counter products.

In-office, take-home trays, or whitening toothpastes and strips?

At Fábrica do Sorriso, in-office whitening is carried out under professional supervision, with gum protection and application of the whitening gel. A session lasts around 45 minutes; the team sets the protocol after assessing your teeth and discussing realistic expectations.

We also offer take-home whitening with custom trays and professional gel, used according to your dentist’s instructions. In-office, take-home or combined treatment is selected after assessment and followed by the team.

Over-the-counter products are not equivalent to a dentist-supervised plan. If you have sensitivity, visible restorations or inflamed gums, ask for advice before using a kit. Assessment helps establish whether you need cleaning, whitening or other care.

Does whitening damage enamel? Is it safe?

Carried out by a dentist, with the right products and a prior assessment, whitening does not damage enamel. Modern professional gels are formulated to lighten dentine and enamel without compromising the tooth structure, and they often include desensitising agents — such as potassium nitrate and fluoride — that reduce discomfort.

What makes whitening safe is not the product alone, but the supervision: the prior assessment identifies cavities, restorations and contraindications before the gel ever touches your teeth. Whitening is not suitable in some situations:

• Pregnancy and breastfeeding

  as a precaution, the treatment is postponed until after this period.

• Untreated cavities or active gum disease

  these are treated first; whitening comes after.

• Under 18s

  by law (EU regulation), whitening cannot be performed before the age of 18.

• Severe tooth sensitivity

  whitening may still be possible, but with lower concentrations and an adapted protocol.

• Unrealistic expectations

  the goal is a natural, luminous white, not an artificial one.

How long do the results last — and how do you keep them?

Longevity varies from person to person. Coffee, tea, wine and tobacco can contribute to new stains; hygiene, cleaning and follow-up help maintain appearance. The team explains when reassessment or maintenance may make sense, without promising the same duration for everyone.

Five simple habits help the results last:

• —Follow the instructions for your gel and from the team. Aftercare depends on the protocol and sensitivity rather than a universal white-diet rule.
• —Brush your teeth (or rinse with water) after pigmented food and drinks.
• —Use a straw for cold drinks that stain, such as iced coffee or cola.
• —Keep up regular professional cleanings — removing tartar and surface staining protects the shade you have gained.
• —Consider an annual top-up with your trays at home, if you had a combined treatment.

Why does a cleaning or check-up come first?

Whitening without an assessment is like painting a wall without preparing it. Tartar and plaque form a physical barrier: the whitening gel cannot act where they sit, and the result comes out patchy. That is why a recent professional cleaning is often the first step of the plan — and in some cases the cleaning alone already brings back a shade or two, simply by removing surface staining.

The prior check-up is also a safety measure: gel applied over an untreated cavity or inflamed gums can cause pain and make the problem worse. And there is a detail few people know — fillings, crowns and veneers do not change colour with whitening. If you have visible restorations, the dentist plans the treatment so that everything matches at the end: the natural teeth are whitened first, and the restorations are then adjusted to the new shade.

• When cleaning is the first step

What happens at the clinic, step by step?

Professional whitening at Fábrica do Sorriso — in Almada, Fernão Ferro or Baixa da Banheira — follows a simple path:

• Assessment appointment

  we check for cavities, restorations and gum health, and record your starting tooth shade on the VITA scale.

• Preparation

  if needed, a professional cleaning or treatment of any problems found comes first.

• Plan and quote

  we present the options (in-office, take-home or combined), with realistic expectations and prices in writing.

• The in-office session

  gum protection, application of the whitening gel and monitoring for around 45 minutes; or the fitting of your custom trays with instructions for treatment at home.

• Follow-up

  we compare the final shade with the initial record, manage any sensitivity and explain how to maintain the result.

The most common questions

How much does whitening cost at Fábrica do Sorriso?

At Fábrica do Sorriso, teeth whitening starts from €250. The final cost depends on the recommended technique, the sessions needed and the condition of your teeth and gums. Before starting, you receive a written plan and quote setting out the proposed technique, any preparation needed and the planned follow-up.

Where can I book a whitening assessment?

You can book at Fábrica do Sorriso in Almada, Fernão Ferro or Baixa da Banheira. Select the most convenient clinic when booking and say you would like a teeth-whitening assessment. The team will confirm the treatment conditions and a quote suited to your case.

Will my teeth be sensitive after whitening?

Possibly — temporary sensitivity to cold is the most common side effect, especially in the first 24 to 48 hours, and it goes away on its own within a few days. Professional gels include desensitising agents to minimise it, and the dentist can adjust the concentration or recommend a desensitising toothpaste before treatment. If your teeth are naturally sensitive, take-home whitening with trays is usually the more comfortable option.

Does whitening work on crowns, veneers and fillings?

No — whitening only works on natural teeth. Crowns, veneers and fillings keep their original colour. So when there are visible restorations, the right order is to whiten the natural teeth first and then replace or adjust the restorations to match the new shade. It is one of the reasons the prior assessment is essential.

How many shades whiter can I expect?

A number of shades cannot be promised before assessment. The response depends on the starting colour, stain type and chosen treatment. We record the shade and explain realistic expectations, including the limitations of crowns, veneers and fillings.

Can I have my teeth whitened while pregnant?

No — as a precaution, whitening is contraindicated during pregnancy and breastfeeding. There is not enough safety evidence to justify a purely cosmetic treatment during this period, so it is postponed until afterwards. Routine check-ups and professional cleanings, on the other hand, remain recommended throughout pregnancy.

What is the difference between whitening and a dental cleaning?

A professional cleaning removes tartar, plaque and surface staining — it gives your teeth back the natural colour they already have. Whitening goes further: it lightens the colour of the tooth itself using a peroxide-based gel. They are complementary: the cleaning comes first, prepares the tooth surface and, in some cases, already visibly improves the shade.

How soon can I drink coffee again after whitening?

Follow the team’s instructions for your protocol and ask whether you need a break from coffee. Coffee can contribute to staining over time. If you have sensitivity, ask about very hot or cold drinks and maintenance care.