TEETH WHITENING FAQ

Question 1

What is the purpose of teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that removes stains and discoloration from the teeth. Peroxide is present in all teeth whitening preparations, either as carbamide peroxide (CP) or hydrogen peroxide (H2O2) (HP).

You can whiten your teeth at home with an over-the-counter treatment, but our treatments often include a higher amount of peroxide and are less abrasive, resulting in superior results. This produces more effective outcomes while avoiding dental enamel damage.

Question 2

What Takes Place During Teeth Whitening?

A consultation with your Sydney Teeth Whitening technician is usually the first step in the teeth whitening process. It’s critical that your technician performs a comprehensive examination to identify which therapy is appropriate for your specific needs and desires.

You are supplied with high quality products, the whitening product will next be applied to your teeth. Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are the most common active ingredients in whitening treatments. The active components are broken down, and stains are removed as oxygen enters the enamel of your teeth, leaving you with a brighter smile. A light or laser may be used to activate the whitening product in some cases.

Question 3

Question 4

What is the Process of Teeth Whitening?

Teeth-whitening products contain peroxide, which dissolves organic stains in the tooth, changing the colour and resulting in a whiter appearance. This is accomplished by breaking up the stains that block light before entering the microscopic pores of the enamel and dentin. As the stains are broken down into smaller and smaller particles, more light travels through the teeth, making them appear lighter.

Internal stains can be removed with in-office methods, however surface stains can only be removed with over-the-counter solutions.

Question 5

What Are the Most Effective Teeth Whitening Procedures?

There are four different types of peroxide-based teeth whitening products on the market:

Products used in practise
Products to take home
Over-the-counter (OTC) drugs
Toothpaste available over the counter

A dental professional applies in-practice products. These chemicals have a high peroxide content and are administered directly to the teeth, sometimes with the help of heat, light, or a laser. This may be the ideal option for you if you desire quick results and don’t have any tooth sensitivity.

Take-Home Dentist Products

A take-home product has a lower peroxide content than in-office products and can be worn on a tray overnight or during the day at home.

The teeth whitening product is held directly against the teeth in a custom-fitted tray, minimising contact with the gums. Fluoride is included to several goods to assist prevent or cure mild tooth sensitivity. When the tray is worn overnight, the normal stains of ageing will fade in 7-14 days.

Over-the-Counter (OTC) Drugs

OTC whitening creams include only a little amount of peroxide, resulting in delayed and less effective results. Because many of these items contain an acidic solution that might harm dental enamel, they should be used with caution.

Over-the-counter medications can take up to six months to provide results. Because of the hazards and length of time required for results with these solutions, professional teeth whitening is the safer and more effective alternative.

Toothpaste available over the counter

Teeth-whitening toothpastes sold over the counter also contain a small amount of peroxide or a polishing agent. Although the toothpastes are efficient at eliminating surface stains and whitening teeth, some of them are somewhat abrasive.

The intense abrasive will progressively wear away the enamel and discolour the teeth with frequent use. A Cosmetic dentist can advise you on the safety and cavity-prevention properties of various toothpastes before you buy them.

Question 6

What Is the Cost of Teeth Whitening?

The cost of teeth whitening varies depending on the procedure you pick. A take-home teeth whitening kit (119 x 2 and 926 x 2) can cost up to $610, according to a nationwide Australian dental charge survey done in 2017. The cost of in-chair bleaching (118) can range from $200 to $260 per tooth.

You will get the most competitive pricing for the brightest teeth whitening procedure at sydneyteethwhitening.com.au.

Question 7

How Long Does Teeth Whitening in the Chair Take?

Cosmetic teeth whitening procedures in the chair normally last 45 minutes to 1.5 hours. The length of time depends on the product your technician employs, as well as your specific circumstances, such as whether your treatment utilises a laser or ultraviolet radiation.

Question 8

Is Whitening Your Teeth Harmful?

The level of discomfort varies from person to person and is dependent on the approach employed. Adults, in the majority of cases, experience just minimal discomfort that lasts 1-3 days following treatment. Over-the-counter pain relievers can be used to treat this.

The use of sensory toothpaste can also help to alleviate the pain associated with sensitive teeth.

Question 9

Is it Safe to Whiten Your Teeth?

It is absolutely safe to get your teeth whitened by a cosmetic dentist. During in-chair operations, your technician will have you wear protective goggles and employ gels and rubber shields to protect your gums from the active bleaching components. Likewise, in the uncommon event of an emergency or allergic reaction, your technician is a qualified clinician who can help you immediately and calmly.

Question 10

Is Teeth Whitening a Long-Term Solution?

Teeth whitening is not a long-term solution. It can endure anywhere from a few months to three years, depending on your particular circumstances. If you smoke or drink dark beverages like red wine, tea, or coffee frequently, the treatment’s effectiveness will be harmed.

Question 11

What’s the Difference Between a Teeth Whitening Treatment at Home and a Teeth Whitening Treatment in a Chair?

When teeth whitening isn’t done by a professional, there’s a larger risk of undesirable side effects, according to the Australian Dental Association. Additional safeguards, including as gel and rubber barriers, will be used by your technician to protect your gums from the bleaching agent.

The bleaching chemical intensity varies between tooth whitening treatments offered by your specialist and store-bought items. The bleaching chemical in store-bought or over-the-counter tooth whitening treatments is usually weaker than the bleaching agent used by your expert.

Teeth whitening procedures, likewise, are not a one-size-fits-all method. Your technician guarantees that you receive the right whitening treatment adapted to your unique needs by doing an oral exam and taking into account your medical history.

Question 12

Do Teeth Whitening Procedures Pose Any Risks?

Tooth sensitivity and gum and tongue soreness are common side effects of teeth whitening. There’s also the risk of over-whitening, which can result in a translucency that appears grey in the mouth’s shadows. This is extremely unusual and only happens if the whitening process is prolonged too long. There is a slight risk of eating the whitening gel used at home, which could cause nausea, burning, and vomiting. Because your teeth-whitening tray should fit almost exactly around your teeth, the possibilities of this happening are minimal. Teeth-whitening products include peroxide, which can burn your gums if not adequately covered, which is another reason to put your mouth in the hands of a skilled dentist.

Question 13

Who Can’t Benefit from Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening treatment has hazards linked with it, hence it is not suggested for pregnant or breastfeeding women. If you’re allergic to peroxide, it’s also not a good idea. If your gums are receding, you may be more prone to dental sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity, on the other hand, usually goes away within a few days. Cavities must be repaired before teeth whitening, and if you have poor restorations or damaged enamel, you should speak with an accredited dentist to determine the best treatment option for you.

Question 14

Will Whitening My Teeth Make Them Sensitive?

Tooth whitening might cause temporary irritation, particularly if you have decay or receding gums. With-the-counter medicines can be used to treat this sensitivity, and it is reversible over time.

Question 15

How Can I Make My Teeth Less Sensitive?

Using a toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth after teeth whitening can help to lessen sensitivity. It’s also a good idea to stay away from really hot or cold foods for the first few days after therapy.

Question 16

Is it Possible for Teeth Whitening to Harm Your Teeth?

Patients frequently enquire, “Does teeth whitening harm my teeth?” “Will bleaching my teeth damage the enamel?” and “Will bleaching my teeth damage the enamel?” No, teeth whitening products used by our technician will not affect your enamel. Enamel is one of the most durable tissues in the body. While whitening treatments may produce temporary tooth discomfort, they will not harm your tooth enamel permanently.

Question 17

What Effect Does Whitening Have On Fillings And Crowns?

No, tooth whitening has no effect on fillings or crowns; they will remain the same colour as the rest of your teeth. If you want all of your teeth to be the same colour, tooth-colored fillings and crowns will need to be changed following whitening.

Question 18

Is Teeth Whitening Harmful to Gums?

Although tooth whitening procedures can cause transient gum irritation, they do not cause long-term harm.

Question 19

What Should I Expect After a Teeth Whitening Procedure?

After teeth whitening, it is recommended that you avoid staining things for roughly a week, such as tobacco and red wine. This is because after your teeth-whitening procedure, the pores in your teeth are open, and your teeth are more sensitive to staining elements. Extremely hot or cold foods and beverages may also cause mild sensitivity in your teeth.

Question 20

When it comes to teeth whitening, how long does it last?

Brushing and flossing on a regular basis will assist to keep your teeth white, and the results should last approximately 1-3 years – or even longer if you are a nonsmoker and avoid foods that discolour teeth. Because teeth whitening isn’t permanent, you’ll need to keep up with treatments to keep your brilliant smile. This upkeep might be pricey for regular patients, but thanks to smile.com.au member discounts, sydneyteethwhitening.com.au clients can keep their beautiful smiles with affordable re-treatments.

Question 21

Can I Smoke After My Teeth Have Been Whitened?

If you smoke, the results of your teeth whitening treatment will be quickly reversed. Tobacco causes extensive discoloration of the tooth enamel and should be avoided for at least a week following your treatment. To keep their colour, smokers will need more frequent re-treatments than non-smokers.

Question 22

Can I Drink Coffee After Whitening My Teeth?

After you’ve had your teeth whitened, it’s best to stay away from acidic and tannin-rich foods and beverages. It’s crucial to stay away from coffee and black tea following your treatment, especially right afterwards. Drinking with a straw will help you retain the results of your teeth whitening treatment by limiting any discoloration.

Question 23

Can I Drink Alcohol After Whitening My Teeth?

It’s recommended to avoid wine and other dark-colored foods and drinks for the first few days after your teeth whitening procedure. If you don’t avoid these acidic and tannin-rich foods and beverages, the whitening effects will be reversed. Teeth whitening temporarily opens the pores of your teeth, therefore as soon as you have teeth whitening treatment, your teeth are likely to discolour. At the absolute least, refrain from drinking red wine or other dark-colored beverages for 48 hours following therapy. White wine, unlike red wine and fizzy drinks, will not discolour your teeth and will leave you with a dazzling grin.

Question 24

What Can I Eat Right After a Teeth Whitening Procedure?

It’s critical to avoid dark-colored foods and beverages to avoid undoing your teeth whitening procedure. For the first 48 hours, it’s best to eat foods that aren’t brightly coloured. This could involve the following:
Pasta with plain chicken and rice
Cauliflower\sPotatoes
Bananas on bread White low-fat yoghurt

Question 25

What Should I Avoid Following a Teeth Whitening Procedure?

For the first 24 to 48 hours after receiving in-office teeth whitening treatment, you should avoid dark staining foods and beverages. Tea, coffee, red wine, and fruit juice are examples of dark-staining beverages.
Because your teeth are more susceptible to staining just after whitening, it’s vital to avoid dark-staining foods like:
Bolognese
Soy sauce
Chocolate
Sauce made with tomatoes
Beets
Spinach
Except for bananas, all fruits

Question 26

What Can I Do to Keep My White Teeth?

Avoid staining foods and beverages including coffee, tea, red wine, soft drinks, and smoke to help your teeth-whitening treatment last longer.
If you can’t live without your morning coffee or afternoon wine, drink through a straw to avoid direct contact with your teeth. Brushing and flossing your teeth on a regular basis is very vital.

Question 27

What Causes Tooth Discolouration and How Can It be Prevented?

Teeth that are dull, yellow, or even dark grey in colour can be caused by a variety of circumstances, including:
Smoking
Coffee
Red wine and tea
a sugary beverage
Antibiotics of a certain type
If you’ve been smoking for a long time or drink a lot of coffee, chances are your smile isn’t as bright as it once was..

To Whiten Your Teeth, How Old Do You Have To Be?

Anyone 10 years or older can usually whiten their teeth, as this is when all of the permanent front teeth have grown in. Unless a color-changing incident occurs, baby teeth normally remain brilliant white, in which case whitening may be explored to avoid embarrassment for the youngster.

Question 28

Question 29

What Will My Teeth Look Like When They’re Whitened?

This is dependent on your specific situation. Whiteners may not be able to remove all types of discoloration. Yellow teeth, for example, are likely to whiten well, while brownish-colored teeth may not whiten as much, and greyish-hued teeth may not whiten at all. In most situations, in-office treatments can provide sparkling white teeth that are several shades brighter than the original colour.

Question 30

Are There Any Treatments Other Than Teeth Whitening?

There are various methods for improving your smile and whitening your teeth. Porcelain veneers, composite bonding, and dental implants are some of the options. These options may be more successful than whitening if your stains are deep within the enamel.

Question 31