There is a proliferation of whitening treatments to help you achieve a whiter smile, but how does teeth whitening work?
While teeth whitening is commonplace, you should not overlook the safety and effectiveness of each treatment.
Teeth whitening is the procedure of removing stains from your teeth to make them look whiter and more attractive.
The safest and most effective whitening treatments are performed by a dentist using either an in-office or at-home product to achieve the desired results.
How does teeth whitening work from My Local Dentists Leichhardt?
We offer two forms of teeth whitening procedures. Laser teeth whitening (often called power whitening) is carried out in the dental chair at our clinic.
We also offer at-home whitening treatments, which you can use to whiten your teeth at home.
Teeth whitening procedures remove stains on the teeth’s outer layer—the enamel.
If the discolouration of your teeth is from the inside (as a result of antibiotic staining, for example), whitening treatments will have little effect.
Hydrogen peroxide is the most aggressive bleaching agent used in whitening procedures.
However, carbamide peroxide is a gentler alternative that acts more slowly for anyone with sensitive teeth.
Both bleaches work by breaking down the stains on the surface of the teeth to make the discolouration less concentrated, improving whiteness.
Laser whitening
Laser whitening treatments are highly effective and give the most noticeable results, whitening teeth up to 14 shades.
The treatment takes around an hour in our clinic. After using a laser to activate the whitening chemicals, we apply the bleaching gel to the teeth.
Take-home whitening kits
So, how does teeth whitening work with at-home kits compare to laser whitening? Typically, the results offer a more natural-looking, gradual whitening over a couple of weeks.
Two visits to our dental clinic are required. The first is for our dentist to take impressions of your teeth to create moulds from which a dental lab fabricates your custom whitening trays.
The second is to collect the trays and receive a supply of whitening gel.
Treatment usually lasts two weeks (or until you have achieved your desired degree of whitening). It involves placing the whitening gel into the trays, which you then wear overnight while you sleep.
The benefit of at-home whitening treatment is that you can top-up the whitening effect by obtaining more gel from us.
Tips for ensuring the effectiveness of teeth whitening treatments
Safety first
Prioritising safety is crucial when it comes to teeth whitening procedures.
It’s important to remember that these treatments are medical interventions and should only be undertaken when your dental health is in good shape.
Attempting to whiten teeth that are already compromised can worsen existing issues and lead to heightened sensitivity or discomfort.
Moreover, improper whitening techniques can damage tooth enamel and irritate gum tissues, resulting in adverse effects such as chemical burns or inflammation.
Consulting with a qualified dental professional before undergoing any whitening procedure is essential for ensuring safety and effectiveness.
Dentists can evaluate your oral health status, address any underlying concerns, and recommend the most suitable whitening approach tailored to your needs.
By seeking professional guidance, you not only minimise the risk of potential harm but also maximise the likelihood of safely achieving a brighter, healthier smile.
Have your teeth professionally cleaned before you have teeth whitening.
Before whitening your teeth, it’s essential to have them professionally cleaned by a dentist.
Professional cleaning removes tough stains and hardened plaque, enhancing the effectiveness of whitening treatments.
This process ensures a brighter smile and improves overall oral health by addressing underlying issues like gum disease and tooth decay.
By starting with clean teeth, whitening treatments can penetrate deeper into the enamel, providing more consistent results.
Regular professional cleanings are essential for maintaining dental health and preventing oral issues in the long term.
Dental restorations
Dental restorations like crowns and fillings don’t respond to whitening treatments like natural teeth do.
Porcelain restorations keep their colour well, while composite ones can stain over time.
If composite fillings no longer match your whitened teeth, replacing them may be necessary.
This simple procedure restores uniformity to your smile. Opting for porcelain restorations can prevent future staining issues.
Understanding these differences helps maintain a radiant smile after whitening treatments.
Teeth Whitening in Leichhardt
Teeth whitening is an inexpensive and effective way of creating a brighter smile and works well on suitable candidates.
If you’d like to brighten your smile and find out more, contact us today at (02) 9171 0840 to schedule an appointment online.
We are located at Shop 48, Leichhardt Marketplace Shopping Centre, 122-138 Flood Street in Leichhardt.