Teeth Whitening

Teeth Whitening

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What is Professional Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that uses specially formulated whitening agents to improve discolouration from teeth, resulting in a brighter, whiter smile. Unlike over-the-counter products, a dentist performs or supervises the whitening process, ensuring safer and more effective results.

Dentists use stronger bleaching agents, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, than those in store-bought whitening kits. The procedure can be done in-office for immediate results or through custom take-home kits that gradually whiten teeth over time.

In-Office Teeth Whitening

Our in-office teeth whitening treatment uses advanced technology and high-grade whitening agents to provide fast, noticeable results. Your dentist or Oral Health Therapist will apply high-strength whitening gel to your teeth and activate it with a blue LED heat light. After just one appointment, you’ll leave with a visibly brighter smile.

Take-Home Whitening Kit

We offer custom-made take-home kits for those who prefer the convenience of whitening at home. These kits include personalised trays and professional-strength whitening gel, ensuring safe and effective results at your own pace. You can expect a gradual visual improvement over several days during your at-home whitening treatment, which is usually recommended daily over 10-14 days.

Maintenance and Aftercare Tips

After any teeth whitening treatment, it’s essential to maintain your results by avoiding food and drinks with heavy colourings, such as coffee, tea, red wine, soy sauce, red pasta sauce etc. Good oral hygiene practices, including regular brushing and flossing, will help to keep your smile bright and maintain results. We also recommend touch-up treatments every few months to maintain the desired level of whiteness.

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Benefits of In-chair Teeth Whitening Over DIY Kits

Professional teeth whitening offers superior results compared to over-the-counter kits. The strength of whitening agents used by dentists is that they are more potent and deliver brighter and more even results – instantly. Additionally, professional supervision ensures the whitening process is safe and tailored to your needs, minimising the risk of irritation or uneven bleaching.

Safety and Effectiveness

Professional teeth whitening is performed by experienced dental professionals who take all precautions to protect and isolate your surrounding soft tissues and gums, reducing the risk of sensitivity or damage to enamel.

Immediate Results

Unlike DIY at-home whitening kits, which take time to show noticeable changes, professional teeth whitening delivers immediate results in just one session. In-office treatments can brighten your teeth by several shades in a one-hour session.

What to Expect from the Teeth Whitening Process

Initial Consultation

Your whitening journey begins with an initial consultation. We assess your teeth and determine the best whitening option for your needs. We will also check for any underlying dental issues that must be addressed before whitening.

If you have not had a dental cleaning within three months prior to your whitening treatment, it is recommended that you complete this as part of the whitening process. This will ensure the teeth are clean and free of plaque and build-up, helping you achieve the best possible results from your whitening treatment.

The Whitening Procedure

If you choose in-office whitening, the procedure will take about an hour. After applying a protective barrier to your gums and surrounding soft tissues, we apply the whitening gel to the surface of your teeth and use an LED heat lamp to activate the gel to begin the whitening process.

The process is repeated over 3-4 cycles to achieve the desired level of whitening.

Post-Procedure Care

After whitening treatment, it isn’t uncommon to experience some mild sensitivity and discomfort. This is generally from the heat lamp and the bleach penetrating within the tooth’s surface, causing some symptoms of sensitivity or little ‘zings’. This is normal and typically subsides within 12-24 hours. You’ll be provided with some sensitive toothpaste to take away with you, which will help settle any lingering sensitivity. Over-the-counter pain relief like Panadol or Nurofen will be sufficient to manage any additional discomfort (if required).

You will be advised to avoid any food or drinks with heavy colouring for approximately 48 hours to allow your teeth to settle into their new shade and eliminate staining. Following your whitening treatment, your teeth can be a little ‘porous’ and more susceptible to staining.

FAQs

Yes, professional teeth whitening is safe for sensitive teeth. We offer products designed for sensitive patients and can adjust the treatment to minimise discomfort. If you have a history of sensitivity, be sure to mention it during your consultation.

We generally recommend professional whitening treatments every 6-12 months, depending on your lifestyle and the desired brightness of your teeth. Over-whitening can lead to increased sensitivity, so it’s important to follow your dentist’s advice.

The longevity of your teeth whitening results depends on your oral habits. With proper care, including avoiding staining foods and drinks and maintaining good oral hygiene, your brighter smile can last for several months to a year before a touch-up may be needed.

No, professional teeth whitening is designed to be safe for your enamel. The whitening agents used in a clinical setting are formulated to effectively remove stains without harming the structure of your teeth. However, it is important to follow professional guidance to ensure the procedure is done safely.

Teeth whitening is most effective on natural tooth enamel and works best on teeth stained by food, drinks, or age. However, teeth with intrinsic stains caused by medication or injury may not respond as well. Additionally, crowns, veneers, and fillings do not whiten, so it’s important to consult with your dentist to explore the best options for your smile.

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