What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is the process of lightening the existing colour of teeth. A range of teeth whitening treatment options are available on the market today, from the use of take-home whitening treatment trays, which you can carry out yourself in the comfort of your home, to more professional procedures like Philips Zoom!® teeth whitening, which are completed in-chair by a teeth whitening dentist.
These teeth whitening procedures involve the application of a whitening agent, like hydrogen peroxide gel, to the teeth to remove stains from the enamel, leaving the structure of the teeth.
At Cambridge City Dental, your oral health is our top priority. Please book an appointment with one of our dentists for advice on the right teeth whitening treatment for you and to ensure you are a suitable candidate for a teeth whitening procedure.
Call Our Dentists or Book an Appointment Online to Enquire About Teeth Whitening Services!
How Teeth Whitening Treatments Can Improve the Colour of Your Teeth
With teeth whitening treatments, the dentists at Cambridge City Dental can help brighten your teeth stains and transform your teeth from yellow to white, restoring confidence and enhancing your natural smile.
We have two main types of dental treatments we can perform to help whiten your teeth.
Philips Zoom!® Teeth Whitening (In Chair)
Philips Zoom!® Teeth Whitening is a professional tooth whitening treatment that can only be carried out in-chair by a dentist. The procedure is preceded by a regular teeth clean and check-up by your dentist, followed by a brief preparation of the mouth. This is to protect the gums and lips while leaving the teeth exposed. The teeth are then painted with the Philips Zoom!® whitening gel, which is activated by ultraviolet light or laser to expedite the process.
It is a highly effective teeth whitening procedure that is clinically proven to whiten teeth, remove surface stains, and provide effective results. For those seeking drastic teeth whitening results, we recommend a professional in-chair teeth whitening treatment carried out by a dentist.
Teeth Whitening (Home Kits)
If you are interested in whitening your teeth but would prefer not to commit to an in-chair appointment, you can also improve your smile from home with a take-home tooth whitening kit.
This involves placing a custom-made bleaching tray filled with active carbamide peroxide gel over your teeth for 1-2 hours daily for 10 days. The process can also be repeated if desired.
It is an incredibly easy and effective way to whiten teeth for those looking to carry out teeth whitening at home with less risk than an over-the-counter DIY kit. Our teeth whitening dentists will also take you through the process of carrying out the teeth whitening at-home treatment step-by-step to ensure optimal results.
What You Should Know Before Starting Teeth Whitening Treatment
Before starting teeth whitening treatment, there are several important factors to consider to ensure safe and effective results.
Consultation with a Teeth Whitening Dentist to Determine Overall Dental Health
We recommend consulting with a dentist before beginning any teeth whitening treatment. Your dentist can assess your oral health, identify any underlying issues that may affect the whitening process, and recommend the most suitable whitening option for your specific needs.
Teeth whitening may not be suitable for everyone, especially those with gum disease, tooth decay, or sensitive teeth. Your dentist will evaluate your overall dental health to determine if you're a good candidate for whitening and address any underlying issues before proceeding.
For example, your dentist may find a cavity that needs filling. Cavities are a sign of tooth decay, which can weaken the structure of the tooth. Whitening products can penetrate through the enamel and reach the inner layers of the tooth where cavities may be present. If cavities are not treated before whitening, it can lead to further damage and potentially exacerbate tooth sensitivity or pain.
Different Types of Teeth Whitening Procedures Available in Perth
There are various whitening options available on the market, including in-office dentist teeth whitening, at-home whitening kits prescribed by a dentist and much more. It can be overwhelming trying to figure out what the best option for you is. Your dentist will be able to ensure the safest and most effective teeth whitening options for your teeth.
Understand the Potential Risks and Side Effects of Teeth Whitening Treatments
While teeth whitening is generally safe when done under the supervision of a dentist, all procedures carry risk, and for teeth whitening, this could involve side effects such as tooth sensitivity or gum irritation if not done correctly. Your dentist will discuss potential risks and side effects with you and provide recommendations to minimise discomfort.
Manage Expectations Surrounding Teeth Whitening Results
Managing expectations surrounding teeth whitening results is vital to ensure that you have realistic goals and are satisfied with the treatment outcomes. Teeth whitening results can vary based on factors like initial tooth shade, treatment type, and individual factors such as enamel thickness. Darker teeth may not lighten as much as lighter ones, and certain discolourations may not respond to whitening. It is also important to note that teeth whitening isn't permanent and the time it lasts can be affected by lifestyle habits. Realistic goals are crucial, consulting your dentist helps set expectations and allows for treatment tailored to your unique needs.
Aftercare and Maintenance
Don’t forget about the aftercare! Maintenance after a teeth whitening treatment is necessary for preserving your results and keeping your smile bright. Your dentist will take you through any recommended steps based on your specific treatment; however as a general rule of thumb you can expect to steer clear of staining foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, and red wine, to prevent discolouration.
Practising good oral hygiene by brushing your teeth twice daily with a whitening toothpaste, flossing regularly and maintaining regular dentist check-ups, helps remove plaque and prevent new stains from forming. Depending on the type of whitening treatment received, occasional touch-up treatments may be necessary to maintain the results you want.
Frequently Asked Questions
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The cost of teeth whitening at a dentist can vary depending on several factors, including the type of teeth whitening treatment and any additional services necessary, such as a dental clean or filling, to carry out the treatment. At-home products purchased from a dentist are generally more affordable than a teeth whitening session in the dental chair, but they involve more time and effort. Your dentist will help you weigh up all the pros and cons and can help recommend a treatment suitable for your budget.
If you have private health insurance, you may be able to cover some of the cost of in-chair treatment depending on your level of coverage.
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Tooth discolouration is part of the natural aging process. Our teeth gradually become yellower as we grow older.
In addition, certain coloured foods and drinks are more likely to cause teeth to stain when we consume them. Clinical studies have shown that red wine, sugary drinks, tea and coffee are the most common culprits for tooth discolouration, but it’s not dietary habits, lifestyle habits such as smoking also stain teeth, especially if the habit has been going on for a while.
Old fillings, nerve degeneration, excessive amounts of fluoride and certain antibiotics are other causative factors that may result in teeth discolouration.
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Many people opt for teeth whitening due to its aesthetic appeal. Some may desire a brighter smile to feel more confident in their appearance. Other patients may also want a teeth whitening treatment from a dentist after the removal of braces or if they’re planning to undergo a complete smile makeover with other various restorative dental treatments.
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Everyone is unique when it comes to possible risks or side effects of using bleaching agents in the mouth. However, teeth whitening procedures carried out by a dentist are generally less risky than alternatives on the market. Without correctly following instructions from a dentist, a self-administered DIY home kit treatment can pose a risk of chemical burns or permanent damage to the teeth and gums.
Professional teeth whitening also has other advantages. For one, the results last - it leverages the capability of modern technology to accelerate colour change, thereby reducing the number of sessions required to whiten teeth. In addition, you can selectively whiten one tooth at a time, if a tooth is more discoloured than others. Meaning, your dentist can also tailor the treatment to you as an individual as opposed to other one-size-fits-all treatments that may be available elsewhere.
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The effects of teeth whitening can last up to three years provided you stay away from smoking or consuming coloured food or drinks that can stain teeth. However, as every patient is unique, results will vary. You can also repeat the procedure as often as necessary, depending on your lifestyle.
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Teeth whitening toothpaste can help remove surface stains and slightly lighten the shade of your teeth over time, but it typically cannot achieve the same level of whitening as professional treatments carried out by a dentist. Whitening toothpaste contains mild abrasives and low concentrations of whitening agents, which may not penetrate deep enough to address stubborn discolouration. Professional whitening treatments, customised to your needs by your dentist, offer more potent whitening agents and immediate, noticeable results. If you're seeking a significant improvement in the whiteness of your teeth, professional treatment is often the preferred option for instant results.
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We’ve been seeing increasing interest in natural teeth whitening remedies and baking soda is often seen as a popular choice due to its mild abrasive properties. However, it is unlikely to produce any dramatic results. What makes dental teeth whitening effective, is the chemicals, hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide.
Additionally, using baking soda excessively or too aggressively could potentially damage the enamel of the teeth, leading to increased sensitivity and other oral health issues. For this reason, we don’t recommend baking soda or any other form of DIY teeth whitening solution.
Want to Know More About Our Teeth Whitening Services at Our West Leederville Dental Clinic?
Frustrated with discoloured teeth or simply wanting to achieve a brighter smile? Our Perth dentists can help you restore your smile and confidence with our highly effective in-house and take-home tooth whitening treatments.
The team at Cambridge City Dental carry out a wide range of services across general dentistry, restorative dentistry and cosmetic dentistry. With 21+ years of experience servicing Perth, we’re dedicated to helping you safely transform your smile with quality dental treatments.
For the best teeth whitening results, contact the Cambridge City Dental team to learn more about teeth whitening treatments. Get in touch with our team or book a dentist appointment online today!
Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.