- Suite 4B/5 Cottonwood Place Oxenford QLD 4210
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure used to reduce certain types of staining and discolouration affecting natural teeth. At Advanced Dental Care Clinic, whitening treatment may include take-home whitening systems or in-chair whitening procedures following a clinical assessment by the dentist.
Not all tooth discolouration responds in the same way to whitening treatment. Individual results vary depending on factors such as the nature of staining, age, existing dental restorations, enamel condition, smoking, dietary habits and oral hygiene.
A dental examination is recommended before whitening treatment to assess oral health and determine whether the procedure is appropriate for you. Existing conditions such as tooth decay, gum disease, enamel wear, exposed root surfaces, cracked teeth or defective restorations may require treatment before cosmetic whitening is considered.
As with all dental procedures, teeth whitening has potential risks and limitations, including:
Some patients may experience temporary sensitivity during or after treatment. The degree and duration of sensitivity varies between individuals.
Most patients can continue their usual daily activities following whitening treatment. Some temporary sensitivity or gum irritation may occur for several hours or days after the procedure.
Patients may be advised to avoid foods and drinks with strong colour pigments for a period following treatment. Maintaining regular oral hygiene and dental reviews may assist in maintaining results.
Teeth whitening is an elective cosmetic dental procedure and may not be suitable for everyone. A consultation is required to discuss treatment options, expected outcomes, risks, maintenance requirements and alternative options before proceeding.
Note: *Please note the results of this treatment may vary from patient to patient. Be sure to consult with your dentist for an individualised treatment. For more information and considerations, please refer here.
Whitening your teeth is much more predictable when visiting the dentist and having them whitened professionally. Over-the-counter products are not regulated and so the active ingredients are not as strong and therefore do not give the desired results in most cases. Depending on the method used for whitening the cost can be quite varied. Costs range from a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars. Consult your dentist to find out more.
Professional whitening gives reliable results and brightens your smile. If, for any reason, you could not achieve your desired result, then speak to your dentist and find out why.
Some health funds cover a portion of the dental whitening, however if you are in doubt, ask for an estimate and see if your health fund gives any rebates.
Most dentists will use any of the following methods: 1. Take home tray whitening, 2. In-office/in-chair whitening or 3. Laser whitening. Any of these methods will work.
Most tooth whiteners use one of two chemical agents: carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide (the same stuff that will bleach your hair). When used in the mouth, carbamide peroxide breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea, with hydrogen peroxide being the active whitening ingredient.
In-chair whitening uses a much stronger formula of whitening agent and needs to be monitored closely so the gel doesn’t touch the gums.
Laser whitening uses a pigmented gel and then the laser activates the bleaching ingredient to penetrate further into the tooth.
This is a time-consuming and expensive method but has less sensitivity postoperatively.
Professional teeth whitening costs vary widely depending on the method used, the materials used and how stubborn the stains are. They can cost between a few hundred to a couple thousand dollars. Be sure to consult your dentist to find out more information.