Teeth Whitening For A Great Smile!
Teeth whitening can be an excellent way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth. There are many reasons why whitening treatments done by your dentist generally work better and faster than over-the-counter methods. Firstly, the bleaching solutions that are used are the correct concentration and are applied in a more effective manner. Secondly, a professional clean by a dentist or hygienist prior to whitening treatment, will remove most external staining caused by food, drinks and smoking, and thus ensures a brighter and longer lasting result. This popular and highly sought after treatment is available within our practice! |  |
Here are our answers to some of the most frequently asked questions about whitening:
What is involved with teeth whitening?
We offer two options at out practice. Our immediate in-surgery treatment (ZoomTM) is completed during a 2 hour visit to our practice. During this time we’ll apply the ZoomTM! Whitening gel to the surfaces of your teeth and this will be activated by a specially designed ‘blue’ light. This gel will then be removed and replaced several times during the appointment. This option is great for people who don’t have the time or patience to whiten their teeth at home, and perfect for those with a special upcoming event, such as a wedding.
Our second whitening option is the take-home treatment. This involves the use of custom-made trays which you wear for an hour a day or overnight. These trays are used to hold the bleaching gel against your teeth. The strength of the solution is less than the in-surgery formulation, and therefore the whole process is a little slower, but it gives you more control and the ability to carry out the treatment in the comfort of your own home. Usually you’ll see results within 1-2 weeks.
Both methods give great results, so depending on your time availability or budget we can tailor a suitable whitening treatment for you.
Is it safe and are there any side effects?
Research to date has indicated that teeth whitening is safe and effective. Whilst this treatment is considered harmless, you should always undertake this procedure in the care of a professional. The biggest side effect is sensitivity, which can last for up to 2 weeks after whitening, and can differ from patient to patient. To keep sensitivity to a minimum, we provide you with “Tooth Mousse” to use for a week before and after whitening, and also recommend you use desensitising toothpaste during treatment.
Can anyone have their teeth whitened?
Teeth whitening is a simple and effective method to brighten your smile but it is not for everyone. All patients require a full checkup, clean and consultation to assess their suitability for whitening. Some patients may require dental treatment prior to whitening in order to obtain the best possible results. Teeth whitening is not recommended for children under the age of 16, or for pregnant or breastfeeding women.
How can I maintain my newly whitened smile?
Teeth whitening gives great results that can last for years. The length of time that whitening lasts depends on lifestyle factors. Diet (coffee, tea, red wine, cola, darkly stained foods) and smoking can adversely affect your whitened smile. To maintain a lighter colour we recommend that you:
- Brush and floss regularly
- Visit your dentist every six months for a professional clean
- Brush or rinse immediately after consuming stain-causing beverages or foods
- Give yourself a ‘touch-up’ whitening treatment every few months – this is easily applied at home in bleaching trays for a few nights in a row
If you are thinking of undertaking this treatment, or if you would like to know more, please contact us on (02) 8456 6789 with any questions you may have.
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