Teeth whitening is used to improve the colour of your teeth if they have been dulled by the accumulation of stains from food and beverages and other factors like cigarette smoke. For many people, this procedure results in brighter teeth, and the results can often be achieved quickly.
Before undertaking a course of teeth whitening, it is important to have your teeth examined by your dentist to ensure that teeth whitening is a suitable option. Some teeth staining is due to factors that cannot be improved using whitening: stains may be internal, or may be due to cavities or even fillings. In such cases, the dentist will recommend treatments that will be more successful in removing the unwanted discolourations.
Please call us on 6282 2605 to schedule a Teeth Whitening Consultation appointment
At Corinna Dental, you have two teeth whitening options: an in-office method using the Colgate System, or a Take-Home system.
In-Office Colgate Whitening System
This is a dentist-supervised whitening procedure using a stronger solution of whitening gel. This system achieves maximum brightening usually within a single appointment.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
Take-home whitening is a cost-effective way of achieving the same result as the in-office procedure: it just takes longer to achieve the result. Firstly, custom-fitted trays are fashioned to fit closely over your teeth. You will be supplied with a kit containing a carbamide peroxide whitening gel, which is put into the trays and worn over the teeth for as little as one hour. It takes around 10 days to achieve the final outcome with a once-daily application of the gel.
With both systems, touch ups can be done in the future at minimal cost by purchasing additional syringes of whitening gel.
How does the whitening work?
With each system the active ingredient penetrates deep into the tooth to chemically dissolve stains. Unlike whitening toothpastes, professional tooth whitening is non-abrasive and gentle on teeth.
Extensive research confirms that these whitening formulas are perfectly safe and do not weaken or damage the teeth in any way.
What kind of results can I expect?
In most cases we see excellent results. Teeth will often become several shades lighter. Yellowish stained teeth in particular whiten very well.
In rare cases, some people’s teeth may be difficult to whiten. For example, greyish stains trapped within the tooth caused by the antibiotic tetracycline may involve a very long treatment time.
How long should I whiten for?
With a course of take-home whitening, normally results can be seen after the first few days of treatment, with most people achieving the maximum result after about 10 days. You can whiten for as long as you wish, but be aware that there is a natural limit to the whiteness you can achieve. If your teeth are already very white, they are unlikely to noticeably improve any further.
During the course of whitening…
Minor irritation of the gums can develop due to the whitening gel. This is not painful and clears up within a few days.
Sensitivity may occur during the whitening process and for a short time afterwards.
During your whitening treatment, is best to avoid the kinds of foods and drinks that might stain the teeth. These include tea, coffee, red wine and curries. Smoking will certainly stain the teeth.
How long will my teeth remain white?
Pigmented foods and drinks, and smoking can cause your teeth to become re-stained. Touch ups of about 2 to 3 applications every year with the take-home kit is normally all that is needed to keep teeth looking as bright as possible.
A build up of plaque and tartar will also cause the teeth to discolour over time. Regular cleanings by the Corinna Dental Hygienists to remove plaque and tartar from your teeth will also keep your smile looking its best.
Please call us on 6282 2605 to schedule a Teeth Whitening Consultation appointment.
