Pola Night Teeth Whitening: Instructions, Results & Complete Guide
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In this article 8 sections
Pola Night is one of the most widely used take-home teeth whitening gels, prescribed by dentists worldwide for gradual, professional-grade whitening at home.
If you've been given Pola Night (or its daytime version, Pola Day) — or you're researching whether Polanight teeth-whitening solution right for you — this honest, dentist-reviewed guide explains exactly what it is, how to use it correctly, the different gel strengths, how many days it takes, what results to expect, and how take-home whitening compares to professional in-office whitening. Our goal is simple: to help you whiten safely and get the best possible result.
Pola Night is a carbamide peroxide take-home whitening gel worn in a custom tray, usually overnight or for a set time each day over 1–2 weeks. It comes in different strengths (10%, 16%, 22%), gives a gradual improvement of a few shades, and works best under a dentist's guidance. For faster, more dramatic results (6–8 shades in a single visit), professional in-office whitening like Zoom or laser is the alternative.
What is Pola Night?
Pola Night is a professional take-home teeth whitening gel made by SDI, designed to be used in a custom-fitted tray. It's based on carbamide peroxide, which breaks down slowly into hydrogen peroxide to lighten the enamel gently over time. Because it releases more slowly, Pola Night is typically worn for longer periods (often overnight, hence the name), making it convenient and comfortable. It also contains ingredients to help reduce sensitivity and support enamel during whitening.
Pola Night is meant to be used under dental supervision — ideally with a tray your dentist has custom-made from an impression of your teeth. A well-fitting tray keeps the gel on your teeth and off your gums, which is the key to both safety and an even result.
Pola Night gel strengths: 10%, 16% and 22%
Pola Night comes in several carbamide peroxide concentrations, and the right one depends on your teeth, sensitivity and how long you can wear the tray:
| Strength | Typical wear time | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| 10% carbamide peroxide | Overnight / longer wear | Sensitive teeth; gentle whitening |
| 16% carbamide peroxide | A few hours | Balanced speed and comfort |
| 22% carbamide peroxide | Around 30–90 minutes | Faster results; less sensitivity-prone |
Your dentist recommends the strength and wear time — never assume a higher percentage is simply "better," as it can increase sensitivity. Always follow the specific instructions you were given.
How to use Pola Night, step by step
Correct technique makes the difference between a great result and wasted gel or irritated gums. General steps (always follow your dentist's specific guidance):
- 1. Brush first: gently brush and clean your teeth before whitening so the gel contacts clean enamel.
- 2. Load a small amount: place a small dot of gel into the tray for each tooth to be whitened — about a third to half of a tooth's surface. Less is more; overfilling pushes gel onto the gums.
- 3. Seat the tray: place the tray over your teeth and gently press it into position. Wipe away any excess gel that squeezes onto the gums with a clean finger or soft brush.
- 4. Wear for the prescribed time: follow the time for your strength (e.g. overnight for lower concentrations, shorter for higher ones — as advised).
- 5. Remove and rinse: take out the tray, rinse your mouth with water, and rinse the tray. Brush away any remaining gel.
- 6. Repeat daily: continue for the number of days your dentist recommends (usually 1–2 weeks).
Tip: Avoid eating, drinking (except water) and smoking right after whitening, and limit staining foods and drinks (coffee, tea, red wine) during your whitening course for the best result.
Pola Day vs Pola Night — what's the difference?
Both are take-home gels from the same range, but they suit different routines:
| Pola Night | Pola Day | |
|---|---|---|
| Active ingredient | Carbamide peroxide (slower release) | Hydrogen peroxide (faster release) |
| Wear time | Longer / often overnight | Shorter — often 15–30 minutes |
| Best for | Whitening while you sleep; convenience | Quick daytime top-ups |
Neither is universally "better" — Pola Night suits people who prefer to whiten overnight, while Pola Day suits shorter daytime sessions. Your dentist advises which fits your teeth and lifestyle.
Results: how many days, how many shades?
Take-home gels like Pola Night work gradually. Most people wear the trays daily for 1 to 2 weeks and see a whitening of a few shades, building up over the course. Before-and-after results depend on your starting shade, the type of staining, the gel strength and how consistently you use it. Because the change is gradual, the result tends to look natural. Keep in mind that whitening only lightens natural teeth — it won't change the colour of crowns, veneers or fillings.
Want faster, dentist-supervised whitening?
Professional in-office whitening in Antalya brightens your smile up to 6–8 shades in a single visit — and costs far less than the UK or USA.See Professional Whitening → Free Consultation →
Take-home vs professional in-office whitening
Take-home gels like Pola Night are convenient and gentle, but they're not the only option — and for many people, professional in-office whitening delivers a better, faster result:
| Take-home (Pola Night) | In-office (Zoom / laser) | |
|---|---|---|
| Speed | Gradual, 1–2 weeks | One 45–90 min session |
| Result | A few shades | 6–8 shades |
| Supervision | At home, dentist-prescribed | Fully dentist-controlled |
| Best for | Gradual whitening & maintenance | Fast, dramatic results / travel trips |
Many patients get the best of both: a professional in-office session for an immediate result, then a take-home tray for maintenance. If you're considering whitening as part of a trip, our professional teeth whitening in Turkey (Philips Zoom and laser) brightens your smile in a single visit — and can be combined with a smile makeover or veneers.
Pola Night & Teeth Whitening — FAQ
How do I use Pola Night teeth whitening?
Brush your teeth, place a small amount of gel in your custom tray (about a third of each tooth's surface), seat the tray and wipe away excess from the gums, then wear it for the prescribed time — often overnight for lower strengths. Rinse afterwards and repeat daily for 1–2 weeks. Always follow your dentist's specific instructions.
How many days does Pola Night take to work?
Most people use it daily for 1 to 2 weeks, with results building gradually over that time. The exact number of days depends on your starting shade, the gel strength and how consistently you use it.
What's the difference between Pola Night and Pola Day?
Pola Night uses carbamide peroxide with a slower release, worn for longer periods (often overnight). Pola Day uses hydrogen peroxide with a faster release, worn for shorter daytime sessions (often 15–30 minutes). Your dentist advises which suits you.
What do the Pola Night 10, 16 and 22 numbers mean?
They're the carbamide peroxide concentration — 10%, 16% or 22%. Lower strengths are gentler and worn longer (better for sensitive teeth); higher strengths work faster over shorter wear times. Your dentist chooses the right one for you.
Does Pola Night cause sensitivity?
Some temporary sensitivity is possible, though Pola Night contains ingredients to help reduce it. Using a well-fitting tray, not overfilling with gel, and following the recommended wear time all help. If sensitivity is a concern, a lower strength or professional in-office whitening with desensitising protocols may suit you better.
Is professional whitening better than take-home gel?
They serve different needs. Take-home gel is gradual and convenient; in-office whitening (Zoom or laser) is faster and more dramatic (6–8 shades in one session) and fully dentist-controlled. Many people combine both. Our professional whitening in Antalya is a popular option for a quick, striking result.
Will whitening work on my crowns or veneers?
No — whitening only lightens natural teeth, not crowns, veneers or fillings. If you have restorations, discuss the sequence and shade-matching with your dentist first.
The Last Word from The More Clinics
Pola Night is a safe, effective take-home whitening option when used correctly and under a dentist's guidance — great for gradual whitening and maintenance. But if you want a faster, more dramatic result, professional in-office whitening is worth considering.
Whichever route you choose, the most important thing is that whitening is done safely, with a dental assessment first, so it's right for your teeth. If you'd like professional whitening — or want to combine it with other dental care during a trip to Antalya — we're here to help, honestly and without pressure.
Related: Professional teeth whitening Turkey · Hollywood smile makeover · Dental veneers · Dental clinic Antalya
Written by The More Editorial Team and Medically Reviewed by Dr. Onur Ademhan. See our Editorial Process. Last Updated: [25 August 2026]
Medical disclaimer: This guide is for general information only. Pola Night and Pola Day are third-party (SDI) professional whitening products and should be used under dental supervision. Whitening suitability and results vary by individual; always have a dental assessment first. This page is not affiliated with or endorsed by the product manufacturer.
This article provides general information and does not replace an individual medical assessment, diagnosis or treatment advice. Discuss decisions about your health and treatment with your treating clinician.