Frequently
Asked Questions
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Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that helps lighten the shade of teeth by removing stains and discolouration. There are options of teeth whitening at home with over the counter or supermarket bought products but you will achieve better results by having our experienced and registered dental staff visit you, as our treatments typically contain a higher percentage of peroxide and are less abrasive. This leads to more effective results without damaging your tooth enamel.
Yes, teeth whitening is very safe when done correctly and by a registered dental professional.It should be noted that many retail teeth whitening products are unregulated and pose a much higher risk of accidental tooth damage.
There are two different whitening techniques recommended based on the severity of the discolouration:
It is the quickest dental solution in the one appointment sitting for removing or reducing stains and discolouration. It involves the application of a whitening product/gel of a much greater strength compared to over the counter products that are used over consecutive days. It is applied directly onto the teeth and then the use of a curing LED light is used to activate and/or accelerate the whitening agent.
Whitening in-chair is the fastest way to boost your current shade as opposed to teeth whitening with much lower strength product/s that are store bought having to apply strips, gels over consecutive days for up to a week.
There are several advantages:
Teeth whitening is the perfect treatment for those who are experiencing discolouration and desire a whiter, brighter smile. Individuals can experience stains and discolouration for a multitude of reasons. However, the most common are almost all linked to eating/drinking habits and aging. Coffee, tea, red wine, certain spices and cigarettes are all known to have significant impacts on tooth colour and overall appearance. Other reasons to potentially seek out teeth whitening is to appear more youthful, look healthier and to feel more confident in your smile.
Considerations:
The solution/gel used is either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide as the bleaching agent. Most whitening gels require a curing light to activate the peroxide.
The main difference between in-chair teeth whitening by a registered dental professional and the non-professional alternatives is the level of peroxide permitted within the gels being used. Registered, qualified dental professionals have government approval to use much higher levels of peroxide within their bleaching gels. This is because they are being applied by individuals with extensive dental training and experience.
The Pola Rapid treatment used by us at Whiter Smiles Dental uses a 38% hydrogen peroxide formula, or milder slow release 44% carbamide peroxide.In contrast, over the counter products and non-qualified cosmetic teeth whitening boutiques are able to use a maximum of 6% hydrogen peroxide.In the care of a registered professional, you can ensure you’re getting the fastest, more effective, safest and best possible result.
Your whitening experience with us at Whiter Smiles Dental also gives you peace of mind as your tooth health is being cared for by an experienced, well qualified professional. The result you will get from an in-chair whitening session will be much more effective than non-professional alternatives.
In Australia, the government health authorities want to prevent you from harming yourself or being harmed by others. Although hydrogen peroxide is perfectly safe when applied correctly, it can cause issues if applied to other sensitive tissues and nerves in your mouth. For this reason, the Australian Dental Association (ADA) has issued a policy that forbids non-professionals from utilising these high quantity bleaching agents, as a means of protecting Australian citizens.
At Whiter Smiles Dental you will be treated by a highly trained, qualified and registered professional, giving them the ability to work with stronger bleaching solutions. Their high levels of experience help give you long term results in just one session. Extensive training of oral health and years of in-clinic experience enables our staff to utilise whitening products that are unavailable in cosmetic clinics or online.
“Australian dentists have said they are worried by the number of people coming to them with chemical burns and ulcers after using teeth whitening products they saw being spruiked by celebrities and influencers online.”
Not only is creating and maintaining a brighter, whiter smile our passion but your general oral health is our utmost importance.Every patient we see we screen for any abnormalities in the mouth such as oral cancers, dental infections or largely obvious decayed teeth. Your dental knowledge and education is equally if not more important to us in order for you to enjoy a long lasting healthy, youthful, bright smile. With over 20yrs of experience you can be confident and assured that you are in caring, knowledgeable hands with any dental questions answered and if not a referral to a more knowledgeable person will be given.
We bring the dental practice to you with all that is required for your appointment at home/office.
No, teeth whitening by a registered professional does not damage your tooth enamel. The main portion of your tooth, the inner middle layer underlying your enamel -the dentine, is the portion of tooth that is responsible for your teeth colour in addition toexternal food and drink related staining.However, it should be noted that many retail teeth whitening products are unregulated and pose a much higher risk of accidental tooth damage.
Side effects of in-chair teeth whitening are incredibly minimal, with some individuals experiencing slight sensitivity post-treatment. This side effect is temporary, usually subsiding within a few hours. However, in rare cases, this sensitivity may last a couple of days.
As a means of negating the likelihood of irritation, we apply a gingival barrier to the gums to help protect them before the application of the peroxide gel. This barrier ensures painless and safe results that are still just as effective.
At Whiter Smiles Dental we offer different teeth whitening treatments requiring varying lengths of appointment time needed, all dependent on each individual patient’s needs and desired results. Depending on the type and/or strength of the peroxide gel –once applied by the registered dental professional it is left on the teeth for 8-10min and reapplied until effectiveness is achieved, this treatment usually takes between 20min to 1 hour when done in-chair. The overall appointment time also needs to factor in our before and after shade selection/matching, preparing/covering the oral tissue before the actual teeth whitening takes place and of course discussing your aftercare once your treatment is complete.
So overall, your appointment in the comfort of your own home may take between 45min-1.5hrs.
The costs of teeth whitening differ depending on the individual, the current state of the teeth and the desired results of the whitening procedure.
As only trained professionals are legally allowed to use high strength whitening gels in Australia, there is going to be a price difference.
Upon your complimentary consultation, we will be able to determine how much your treatment will cost as we are able to assess your oral hygiene and desired outcome. This will then inform your eligibility and the best treatment package and most suitable gel/solution to use on your teeth.
The whitening treatments are designed for long-lasting results, but this can vary between individuals, unfortunately teeth whitening isn’t permanent. The treatment chosen and lifestyle choices play a factor in how long the results last. The best results are achieved for patients who regularly maintain a high standard of oral hygiene and continued care.
If you are consuming an excessive amount of coffee, tea, coloured foods or smoking, you may find that your teeth will become discoloured again more quickly.
Most people find they like to top-up or touch up their whitening every 6-9 months.
Using the recommended Pola Light Kit is a cost-effective solution for both maintaining your optimal teeth shade or giving your teeth that extra boost in whitening them further. The Pola kit and its 9.5% hydrogen peroxide is ideal for people wanting whiter, brighter teeth for longer.
Advantages:
Consideration:
For a whiter and brighter smile, contact Whiter Smiles Dental and talk to our experienced Dental Therapist-Hygienist. We will evaluate the extent of your tooth discolouration and can suggest to you the most suitable options.
The Australian Dental Association (ADA) recommends a professional dental clean every 6 months. We strongly recommend a dental clean prior to your teeth whitening if you are due for one. Also having a dental exam to make sure you have no leaking filling margins, gum recession, exposed root surfaces or decaying teeth will allow for general better oral health outcome and help you achieve a better and longer lasting result.
Contact us at Whiter Smiles Dental today if you are also due for a dental check and clean.
Treatment for teeth whitening generally begins with a complimentary consultation with our registered and experienced Dental Therapist-Hygienist. It’s important for to complete a thorough check- up and dental clean or at least a consult with our staff to determine which kind of treatment is the best for your individual needs and wants.
For in-chair whitening, initially we take some pre-whitening photos to track your shade change after which we place either a rubber shield or gel on your gums. This protects your gums and other soft tissues from the effects of bleaching. We will then apply the whitening product to your teeth. Typically the active agent in whitening products is either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The active ingredients are broken down and as oxygen gets into the enamel on your teeth, stains are removed, leaving you with a brighter smile. Some treatment may also involve using a light to activate the whitening product. A photo is taken at the end of your treatment and thorough after care instructions and maintenance information is provided.
