Teeth Whitening Treatment
A white bright smile is something that most people want to have, however, depending on our everyday choices over the years; our teeth begin to become worn down which leads to the tooth’s core being exposed.
The tooth’s core is yellow in colour and gives the teeth that discoloured or stained appearance as time goes by.
Reasons why teeth discolour:
- Teeth can discolour over time because of age, environment or genetics.
- The enamel can get worn down causing the yellow dentin to expose itself.
- Stains could also be caused by the foods we eat, such as, cherries or blueberries.
- The beverages we consume, such as, coffee, tea, sodas or red wine can cause teeth to discolour.
- Smoking or the use of tobacco is another reason why teeth become discoloured.
- Poor oral hygiene and the build-up of plaque and tartar can cause teeth to discolour.
Teeth whitening is one of the options that can help to remove stains from your teeth, resulting in your teeth becoming whiter in time.
Types of teeth whitening treatment
At Murwillumbah Dental, we offer different options in our teeth whitening range. Below are a few options that we offer.
In office teeth whitening
This type of teeth whitening treatment takes place at our dental surgery and can normally be completed in a single dental visit.
Our dentist will give your teeth a quick check-up and clean before beginning the procedure.
A gel is then applied to protect the gums followed by a solution of hydrogen peroxide which is applied to the teeth.
A special light is used on the teeth thereafter, to release oxygen.
The stains are then removed from the surface of the teeth and the dentin becomes whiter.
In some instances, a laser light can be used to make the treatment more long lasting.
The Home Whitening Kit
The Home Whitening Kit is safe and easy to use in the comfort of your own home.
The kit consists of bleaching products, such as, whitening gel and custom made trays that look similar to a mouth guard.
The whitening gel is applied onto the trays which are secured onto the teeth for about 30 minutes a day. The gel whitens the enamel of the teeth.
For optimal results, this process should be done over a period of two to three weeks or more.
How long does the teeth whitening treatment last?
Teeth whitening isn’t permanent, however, it can last between 6 months to two years maybe more if you:
- Maintain good oral hygiene.
- Attend regular check-ups and cleaning at the dentist.
- Avoid smoking and consuming too much of alcohol.
Some risks involved in the teeth whitening treatment:
- If the teeth whitening treatment is not performed correctly, you may have uneven results.
- If the bleaching agent touches your gums or soft tissues it might cause chemical burns.
- There could also be hypersensitivity and irritation of the gums.
If you require any further information on our teeth whitening products or would like to book an appointment, please contact us at Murwillumbah Dental.
Teeth Whitening FAQs
Yes, absolutely. It is important to note, however, that you should always opt for a professional whitening treatment as recommended or administered by your dentist. It is also very important that you adhere to your dentist’s instructions if you choose to use an at-home whitening kit, because if the teeth whitening treatment is not performed correctly, you may have uneven results. Also, if the bleaching agent touches your gums or soft tissues, you may experience chemical burns or irritation of the gums, so it is essential that you use the product correctly.
Teeth whitening, although highly effective, is not a permanent solution to discolouration and stains. For this reason, we recommend that you come in for regular follow-up treatments. Depending on the type of treatment that you choose, you can expect your results to last anywhere between six months and two years. You can maintain your results for longer if you maintain good oral hygiene, attend regular check-ups and cleanings, and avoiding smoking and drinking too much alcohol.
No, we don’t recommend that you whiten your teeth if you are suffering from oral health issues like decay. It is better for issues like gum disease and tooth decay to be treated before you undergo a whitening treatment as whitening solutions can penetrate into areas of decay and cause sensitivity. For this reason, we recommend that you come in for a check-up first, so that your dentist can check for any issues. If any problems are detected, your dentist will advise you on the best course of treatment to address the issue. Once any problems have been resolved, your dentist will let you know if a whitening treatment is right for you.
There are a number of factors that can cause teeth to discolour. These include genetics and ageing—as we get older, the enamel on our teeth often wears down, causing the yellow dentin underneath to become visible. Certain foods and drinks, like cherries, blueberries, coffee, tea, soft drinks and red wine, can also cause stains and discolouration, while smoking is also a contributing factor. In some cases, poor oral hygiene may be the cause of discolouration as plaque and tartar build-up on the teeth can cause the teeth to appear dull and yellow over time.
Yes, we do! During our in-office treatment, you’ll undergo a quick check-up and clean before a gel is applied to the gums for protection. Then, a solution of hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth and a special light is used to release oxygen and activate the bleaching process. The treatment works by removing stains from the surface of the teeth and lightening the overall shade of the teeth so that they look whiter and brighter. With good oral hygiene and regular dental check-ups and cleans, you can expect to enjoy the results of your whitening treatment for between 6 months and 2 years.
Yes, we do! We offer the home whitening kit, which is a very convenient whitening treatment because it is easy to use in the comfort of your own home. The kit includes a whitening gel, as well as custom-made trays that are designed to fit your mouth comfortably. The trays are fabricated at our dental office, and look much like mouthguards. When you use the whitening kit at home, you will need to apply the whitening gel onto the trays before you secure them to your teeth. We recommend that you wear the trays for around 30 minutes a day for a period of two to three weeks for optimal results.
No, although the results of a teeth whitening treatment are usually very effective, they are unfortunately not permanent. It is possible, however, for your results to last between six months and two years if you maintain good oral hygiene and attend regular check-ups and professional dental cleans. It’s also a good idea to avoid smoking as tobacco can cause discolouration, as well as excessive amounts of alcohol. To maintain a bright, white smile, we recommend that you come in for follow-up whitening appointments on a regular basis.
Yes, teeth can continue to whiten a few shades after the whitening treatment stops. The amount that your teeth will whiten by depends on how your teeth respond to the treatment, and the kind of treatment you’re getting.
When you get your teeth whitened a solution of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide is applied to the teeth, and then a special light is used on the teeth thereafter, to release oxygen.
As the stains are removed from the surface of the teeth and the dentin becomes whiter. An at-home whitening kit treatment is done over a few treatments, and that can lead to the teeth whitening after the treatment.
