One simple treatment to dramatically change your smile.
Most people want a whiter, brighter smile. Unfortunately, no toothpaste by itself can guarantee a whiter smile; they only remove external stains. That’s why we are pleased to offer our patients a safe, cost-effective way of getting a whiter, better smile in the shortest possible time using ZOOM teeth whitening.
Enamel stains or discolouration; trauma to baby teeth which has stained permanent teeth; and a general discoloured pattern in teeth, can all benefit from teeth whitening procedures. It can also be the next step prior to cosmetic treatment to provide a uniform appearance.
This cosmetic whitening process makes it easy to whiten the teeth. First, you come for an examination to make sure there are no restoration problems and to ensure bleaching is appropriate for you. We’ll then examine your mouth and take any necessary x-rays for safety’s sake.
Take-home whitening:
The whitening gel is applied to your teeth by a whitening tray (a thin plastic flexible mouth guard) so only the teeth to be whitened are covered by the gel. We measure your mouth and take an impression of your upper and lower teeth. This impression will be used to make a bleaching tray to specially fit your mouth exactly. This usually takes about a week to make. When the tray is complete, you’ll come back for instructions and supplies.
We will show you how to use the gel, and how to apply it correctly when you undergo at home teeth whitening. We usually advise wearing them for a period of one to two hours at a time, once to twice a day, over a two-week period. Whitening results usually last a long time, but will gradually fade; therefore, we usually recommend a 6 or 12 monthly “touch up” treatment lasting 1-2 days. Your mouth is unlikely to change, so your trays will still fit. Should you run out of whitening gel, we can sell you a top up syringe if needed.
In-office whitening:
Some people desire a faster result, in which case you can do an in-office whitening. It takes about 1-2 hours of your time in the dentists’ chair to lighten your teeth one or two shades. For best long-term results, we recommend you follow up with an at-home whitening routine.
Are there any side effects?
The whitening gel we use has been proven to be a safe and effective treatment. It does not damage or weaken the enamel of teeth. Some patients may experience a temporary increase in teeth sensitivity, although the gel concentration we use in our teeth whitening system makes this unlikely. Should it occur, we suggest stopping the whitening process for 1-2 days to give your teeth a rest, and then continue your teeth whitening treatment.
Gum irritation may also occur, especially if you have gingivitis and bleeding gums to start with. For this reason, we recommend thorough teeth and gum cleaning prior to commencing the bleaching process. This also helps to remove any stains from your teeth and thus makes the whitening process more effective. Applying too much gel may also cause this.
Whitening will change the colour of your teeth to be several shades whiter, but it will not change the colour of your fillings. For this reason, after your teeth have been satisfactorily whitened, it may be necessary to replace some old fillings to better match the colour of your teeth. Severe tetracycline stains may not improve enough and an alternative treatment procedure such as porcelain veneers may be required.
How long does the procedure take?
As it is for most procedures, you will need to go in for a consultation with a dental practitioner to check-up on your teeth, discuss what options are available to you and what procedure would be best for you, then book an appointment.
Excluding a short consultation before the procedure where your dentist will explain the process and answer any of your questions, the in chair teeth whitening procedure itself takes, on average, 45 minutes. You will most likely be at the practice for just over an hour.
Is the process harmful to teeth?
Is the process of teeth whitening harmful to a patient’s teeth is a commonly asked question. In short, there has not been any evidence that would indicate that professional teeth whitening systems have either a short-term or long-lasting negative impact on the teeth or gums.
In fact, the opposite is true, since most teeth whitening formulas are devised to improve and boost dental health. The effect of teeth whitening does not differ from common dental procedures or ingested foods and so you can be confidently assured that the health of your teeth enamel and dentin, as well as your gums, are safe.
Who can benefit from teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening can be an effective way to quickly and easily improve your smile. It is best suited for those with healthy teeth and gums who have surface stains or discolouration. Mild to moderate discolouration, cosmetic reasons, or a desire to boost confidence are all great reasons to consider teeth whitening. However, it's important to consult with a dentist first to ensure that it is a safe and appropriate option for you. People with sensitive teeth, gum disease, or tooth decay may need to address these issues before undergoing treatment.
Can sensitive teeth be whitened?
Professional teeth-whitening treatments, performed by a dentist, can be the best choice for those with sensitive teeth. This option allows you to be under the care of a trained professional who can safely and effectively whiten your teeth while taking into account any existing dental issues.
How many shades whiter can I expect my teeth to get?
In general, most people can expect their teeth to be whitened by 2–6 shades through professional teeth whitening procedures, such as in-office whitening or take-home kits provided by a dentist.
The number of shades your teeth can be whitened depends on several factors, including the current colour of your teeth, the cause of the discolouration, the method used to whiten your teeth, and your individual response to the treatment. Many patients achieve even greater levels of whitening.
Teeth Whitening Melbourne
Whitening will change the colour of your teeth, but will not change the colour of your fillings. For this reason, after your teeth have been satisfactorily whitened, it may be necessary to replace some old fillings to better match the colour of your teeth.