Frequently asked questions
Real answers to the questions that come up before booking: safety, results, the appointment itself, pricing, and how membership and vouchers work.
Safety & suitability
Is teeth whitening safe?
Yes, when it’s carried out by a trained practitioner using professional-grade products, which is how every Lovelysmiles treatment is delivered. Our clinics operate to NZCTWA-recognised safety standards, and your practitioner checks in with you throughout the appointment. Professional teeth whitening is suitable for most healthy adults, but not everyone. See who shouldn’t have treatment below.
Who should not have treatment?
Teeth whitening at Lovelysmiles is not suitable for everyone. You should not have treatment if you:
- are pregnant or breastfeeding
- are under 16 years old
- haven’t had a dental check-up in the last 6–12 months
- have open cavities, gum disease, or other untreated dental issues
If any of these apply to you, please get in touch before booking so we can advise on the right next step.
Will it make my teeth sensitive?
Some people experience mild, temporary sensitivity during or shortly after treatment. It’s a normal response for many people and typically settles down within a day or so. Let your practitioner know beforehand if you have sensitive teeth, and tell them at any point during the appointment if you’d like to pause, and they’ll adjust the treatment accordingly.
Does it work on crowns, veneers or fillings?
No, whitening treatments lighten natural tooth enamel; they don’t change the colour of crowns, veneers, fillings, or other dental restorations. If you have visible restorations at the front of your mouth, let your practitioner know beforehand so they can talk you through what result to expect.
What’s the active ingredient, and at what concentration?
Our gel’s active whitening ingredient is hydrogen peroxide, at 12% of the finished gel. It’s paired with potassium nitrate (6%), which helps reduce sensitivity, and calcium phosphate (6%), which supports your enamel. That’s the 3-in-1 formula JJ developed to whiten, desensitise and strengthen enamel in the same treatment.
Results & expectations
How many shades whiter can I expect?
It depends on you. Everyone’s teeth and stains are different, and lifestyle plays a big part: coffee, tea, red wine and smoking all affect how stained your teeth are to begin with and how quickly they stain again. People with healthy teeth and gums whose teeth have stains or a yellowish tint tend to see the best results.
We can’t promise a set number of shades, but your practitioner records your shade at the start and end of your treatment so you can see the change for yourself. As a guide, a longer treatment gives a whiter result, which is why Ultimate Whitening suits stubborn staining.
How long do results last?
Most people enjoy their brighter smile for one to two years, though it really comes down to your day-to-day habits. Coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking are the biggest culprits when it comes to speeding up the fade, so cutting back (or just rinsing after) can help your results go the distance.
How many sessions will I need?
Most people see their results in a single session. Choose Quick Refresh or Ultimate Whitening depending on how much time you have. Many clients then come back for a touch-up treatment about once a year to keep their smile at its brightest.
What affects the result?
Your natural tooth colour and your day-to-day staining habits (coffee, tea, red wine and smoking are the biggest culprits). Both play a part, which is also why results vary a bit from person to person.
What does “up to” mean in your marketing?
Any “up to” figure you see reflects that results vary from person to person, mainly based on your natural tooth colour and staining habits. We’re always happy to talk through realistic expectations for your teeth specifically before you book.
The appointment
How long does the treatment take?
It depends on the package: Quick Refresh takes 75 minutes, and Ultimate Whitening takes 90 minutes, both including your consultation and whitening cycles back to back.
What happens in the room, start to finish?
A typical visit is straightforward: you check in and have a quick chat with your practitioner about your teeth and expectations, they apply your whitening treatment and monitor you throughout, and you leave with visibly brighter teeth and simple aftercare guidance to help your results last.
What should I do before my appointment?
A little preparation helps you get the best result and keeps sensitivity down:
- Skip acidic foods, citrus and alcohol for 24 to 48 hours beforehand, to protect your enamel and reduce sensitivity.
- Brush gently as normal, but skip harsh whitening toothpastes on the morning of your visit so your gums aren’t irritated.
- Avoid coffee, tea and other caffeinated drinks right before your session.
- Eat a light meal beforehand, as you’ll need to avoid dark-coloured food and drink straight after.
- Wear comfortable clothes. Your session takes 75 or 90 minutes, depending on your treatment.
What can I eat and drink afterwards?
For the first few days, stick to a “white diet”: foods that are white or light in colour, so nothing stains your newly whitened teeth.
Good choices
- Breakfast: scrambled eggs (egg whites are best), porridge, white yoghurt, white bread with the crust removed, and bananas.
- Lunch: a white-bread sandwich with chicken or turkey, a bagel with cream cheese, pasta with a white sauce or green pesto, boiled rice, or white fish.
- Dinner: chicken, white fish or tofu, with peeled potato, rice, white beans or white onion.
- Snacks: white cheese, white yoghurt, apples, bananas, pears and plain potato chips.
- Drinks: water is best. Milk, apple juice, green tea and clear soft drinks are fine too, and a straw helps keep drinks off your teeth.
Best avoided
- Brightly coloured foods, such as lollies, chocolate, dark fruits and berries, and coloured nuts like red pistachios.
- Dark sauces and dressings: balsamic, red vinaigrette, tomato sauce and soy sauce.
- Strong spices such as turmeric, curry powder and cinnamon.
- Red meat, black beans and sweet potato.
- Acidic or very sugary foods, such as citrus fruit, caramel and some breakfast cereals. These can irritate your teeth and gums and reduce the effect of whitening.
- Coffee (especially black), black tea, red wine and beer for at least a week. Once they’re back in your diet, rinse or brush after drinking them.
How early should I arrive, and is there parking?
We recommend arriving a few minutes early to check in. Parking varies by clinic. See the relevant location page for specifics.
Is there anything I need to bring?
Just yourself. Part of your treatment is spent relaxing under the whitening light, so bring headphones and something to keep you entertained, like a podcast, music or an audiobook.
Prices, payment & the guarantee
Treatment prices
Quick Refresh
75 min · Recommended
$329
Included with Just White™ membership
Ultimate Whitening
90 min
$439
Included with Just White™ membership
What’s a deposit, and when is it taken?
A 25% deposit is required when you book online, with the remainder payable in-clinic via Afterpay.
What payment methods do you accept?
Your online deposit is 25% of the treatment price. The rest is payable in clinic by EFTPOS, cash, Afterpay or bank transfer.
Can I cancel or reschedule my appointment?
Yes. Please give us at least 48 hours’ notice if you need to cancel or reschedule. Bookings cancelled within 48 hours of the appointment aren’t refunded, and the clinic may charge a fee for earlier cancellations. Read our full cancellation policy.
What does the money-back guarantee cover?
If you’re not happy with your results, we back every treatment with a 200% money-back guarantee: double what you paid. Contact us straight after your treatment and our team will help.
Booking, membership & vouchers
How do I book an appointment?
Book online any time via our booking page, choose your clinic and a time that suits you.
Can I change my appointment after booking?
Yes. Contact your clinic at least 48 hours before your appointment and we’ll help you find a new time. Changes within 48 hours fall under our cancellation policy.
Still stuck?
0508 568 359 · Hours vary by clinic · Contact Us