If you have never used an at-home teeth whitening kit before, it is completely normal to have questions. Will it hurt? How long does it take? What will my teeth look like afterwards? This guide walks you through everything, before, during and after your first SmilePro session, so there are no surprises.
Before you start: setting realistic expectations
At-home teeth whitening with SmilePro works. Most customers see a noticeable difference after their first treatment, 93% saw results after first use, and the full 7-day course whitens teeth up to 8 shades. Results vary with your starting shade and the type of staining you have.
A few things to keep in mind before you start:
- Results build over the course: you are whitening safely, not bleaching aggressively.
- Stains inside the tooth are harder to whiten than surface stains, and whitening will not work for thin enamel, teeth affected by injury, or stains from antibiotics.
- Teeth whitening works on natural teeth. It cannot make crowns, veneers or fillings whiter than their original colour.
- SmilePro's gel is formulated to help prevent sensitivity in healthy teeth, with potassium nitrate in the formula. If your teeth are already sensitive, or your gums are unhealthy, see a dentist before you start.
- SmilePro whitening products are not suitable for anyone under 18, or anyone pregnant or breastfeeding.
What you will need before your first session
Before getting started, make sure you have everything ready:
- Your SmilePro Advanced Kit: the LED light with its built-in mouth tray, and the whitening pens
- A charged light (check before you begin)
- The shade guide, to check your starting shade
- 10 minutes of uninterrupted time
Avoid eating or drinking anything other than water in the 30 minutes before your session.
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Step by step: your first SmilePro session
Step 1: Brush your teeth
Brush with water, or with SmilePro Whitening Toothpaste, then check your starting shade with the shade guide.
Step 2: Apply the whitening gel
Paint a thin, even layer of gel from the pen onto the front of your upper and lower teeth. A thin layer is all you need. Too much gel can spread onto your gums, which can cause irritation without improving results.
Step 3: Insert the mouth tray and switch on the light
Pop the mouth tray in and press the power button. The blue LED speeds up the whitening gel, and the red LED is designed for a more comfortable treatment. You can use both together. The gel is always used with the light, never on its own.
Step 4: Whiten for 10 minutes
Relax while it works. Most people watch TV, scroll their phone or listen to something. The light switches itself off after 10 minutes. For a stronger result, you can run up to three 10-minute cycles (30 minutes) in one session, without adding more gel.
Step 5: Remove and rinse
Take the tray out and rinse your mouth with water, then gently wipe any remaining gel from your gums and clean the tray. Do not brush straight away: wait at least 30 minutes.
What you might notice during your first session
A mild tingling sensation
Some people feel a slight tingling on their teeth or gums during the session. It should be mild. If you feel real discomfort, take the tray out, rinse, and pause your course. If it does not settle, speak to a dentist.
Gel touching the gums
If you applied too much gel, it may spread onto your gum line. Wipe away any excess straight away. Avoid direct contact of the whitening gel with your gums, which is why a thin, even layer is recommended.
Teeth looking slightly uneven straight afterwards
Right after your first session, your teeth may look slightly uneven in colour. This is normal and caused by temporary dehydration of the enamel; your teeth rehydrate and even out within a few hours.
Can I eat or drink straight after whitening?
Wait 1 hour before eating or drinking anything except water. After that, you can eat and drink as normal: you do not need a strict white diet. Rinse with water after coffee, tea or red wine to help your results last.
Full aftercare guide: Teeth whitening aftercare, how to keep your smile white for longer →
How many sessions will you need?
SmilePro whitens teeth up to 8 shades over 7 days, with one 10-minute treatment a day. Most people reach their target shade within this 7-day course. For deeper staining, you can run up to three 10-minute cycles (30 minutes) in one session, without adding more gel.
After your course, a 10-minute top-up every 2 weeks keeps results looking fresh, or once a week if you drink a lot of coffee, tea or red wine. Refill pens in the Whitening Pen Pack work with the light you already have.
Common first-time questions
Is it safe to whiten every day?
Yes, during your course. SmilePro is designed for one treatment a day for 7 days, then a 10-minute top-up every 2 weeks. Do not use whitening products for more than 14 consecutive days without a dentist's supervision.
What if I experience sensitivity?
If you feel discomfort during a treatment, stop, rinse and pause your course; if it does not settle, speak to a dentist. The red LED setting is designed for a more comfortable treatment. If your teeth are already sensitive before you start, see a dentist first.
How will I know when I have reached my best result?
Compare your teeth with the shade guide in daylight. When you notice little visible change from one session to the next, you have likely reached your best result, so switch to a top-up every 2 weeks from there.
You are ready to get started
Everything about your first SmilePro session is straightforward once you have done it once. The process is simple, it takes just 10 minutes a day, and most customers see a difference after the first treatment. Follow the steps above, look after your teeth afterwards, and you will be on track for a noticeably brighter smile within a week.
Key takeaways
- Brush with water before applying the gel.
- Paint a thin, even layer of gel onto your teeth with the whitening pen, and always use it with the light.
- Use the blue and red LED settings together for whitening and comfort.
- Whiten for 10 minutes; for a stronger result, run up to three 10-minute cycles (30 minutes) in one session, without adding more gel.
- After each treatment, wait 1 hour before eating or drinking anything except water.
- Complete 7 daily sessions for the full course, then top up for 10 minutes every 2 weeks.
- Stop, rinse and pause if you feel discomfort, and see a dentist if it does not settle.
Shop the SmilePro Advanced Teeth Whitening Kit and start your 7-day course today →
Related reading:
Sources
This guide is general information, not dental advice. If you have any concerns about your teeth or gums, speak to a dentist.
- SmilePro How it works, Advanced Teeth Whitening Kit instructions and FAQ, and our Terms and Conditions.
Last updated: 7 October 2026.
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