for a brighter and more radiant smile

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Teeth whitening is the process of lightening the colour of teeth. This treatment is best performed by a dental professional, such as a dentist, dental hygienist or oral health therapist. Teeth whitening involves bleaching your teeth with chemicals such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which usually come in a gel form. Sometimes a light is used to activate the gel.

Teeth can become discoloured or stained for various reasons, such as food and drinks, tobacco, age, medications, and trauma. Some stains are on the outside surface of the tooth (extrinsic stains), while others are inside the tooth structure (intrinsic stains). Depending on the type and cause of the stain, different whitening methods may be more or less effective.

Treatment for teeth whitening generally begins with a consultation with our dentist in Wheelers Hill. It's important for our dentist to complete a thorough check-up to determine which kind of treatment is the best for your individual needs and wants.

For in-chair whitening, our dentist will first place either a rubber shield or gel on your gums. This protects your gums and other soft tissues from the effects of bleaching. They will then apply the whitening product to your teeth. Typically the active agent in whitening products is either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The active ingredients are broken down and as oxygen gets into the enamel on your teeth, stains are removed, leaving you with a brighter smile. Some treatment may also involve using a light or laser to activate the whitening product.

You can also receive take-home products from our dentist in addition to (or separately from) in-practice products. For this treatment, our dentist will take an impression of your mouth to create custom-fitted trays. These trays are made specially to place the whitening product directly against your teeth while minimising contact with your gums. Depending on your dentists' instructions and specifications, this form of whitening treatment can usually be done in 3 - 4 weeks. 

The best candidates for teeth whitening are:

• Mature enough to fully understand the procedure
• Experiencing stained and discoloured teeth
• Knowledgeable about the procedure
• Realistic in their expectations

This is only a partial list of the criteria that cosmetic dentists will consider in determining whether or not this procedure is appropriate for you, and it may also depend on your individual circumstances.

The peroxide in teeth-whitening products dissolves the organic stains in the tooth to change the colour and produce a whitened effect. This is achieved by entering the tiny pores of the enamel and dentin before breaking up the stains that block out light. More light passes through the teeth and makes them look lighter as the stains are broken into smaller and smaller pieces.

In-practice procedures are more effective as they can remove internal stains, whereas over-the-counter options are only able to remove surface stains.

There are four types of peroxide-containing teeth whitening products available:

1. In-practice products
2. Take-home products
3. Over-the-counter products
4. Over-the-counter toothpaste

In-Practice Products

In-practice products are applied by a dental professional. These products contain a high percentage of peroxide and are applied directly to the teeth, sometimes activated by heat, light, or laser. If you are wanting fast results and you don't have tooth sensitivity, this may be the best option for you.

Take-Home Products

A take-home product that is supervised by a cosmetic dentist contains a lower percentage of peroxide than in-practice products and can be worn in a tray overnight or during the day at home.

A custom-fitted tray is made to hold the teeth whitening product directly against the teeth while minimising its contact with the gums. Some products have fluoride added to help prevent or treat mild tooth sensitivities. The typical stains of ageing will whiten in 7-14 days when the tray is worn overnight.

Over-The-Counter Products

Over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products contain a small percentage of peroxide, leading to slower and less effective results. A lot of these products contain an acidic solution that can damage tooth enamel, so they should always be used with caution.

It can sometimes take up to 6 months for over the counter products to show results. The risks involved and time needed for results with these products makes whitening by a professional dentist the safer and more effective option.

Over-The-Counter Products

Over-the-counter teeth-whitening toothpastes also contain a small percentage of peroxide or a polishing ingredient. The toothpastes are effective in removing surface stains and whitening teeth, but some can be very abrasive.

With repeated use, the harsh abrasive will gradually wear away the enamel and make the teeth look yellow. Cosmetic dentists can advise you about the safety and cavity protection of specific toothpastes before you make a purchase.

There are some risks to teeth whitening - it is not suitable for everyone. The safest, most effective treatment will be given by our dental practitioner. Before you have your teeth whitened, our dentist or dental practitioner should check for any cracks or decay in your teeth. Teeth whitening products sold over the counter in Australia may not contain more than 6% hydrogen peroxide or 18% carbamide peroxide, as higher concentrations can carry a risk of chemical burns. Higher strength products may only be used by a registered dental professional.

The cost of teeth whitening in Australia depends on the type of treatment, the location of the dental clinic, and the dentist’s expertise. The average cost of teeth whitening in Melbourne is as follows:

• In-chair teeth whitening at a dental clinic: This is the most effective and fastest way to whiten your teeth, but also the most expensive. It involves applying a high-strength whitening gel to your teeth and using a light or laser to activate it. The estimated cost of this treatment can range from $500 to $1,500 per session.
• Take-home teeth whitening kits provided by dentists: This is a more affordable and convenient way to whiten your teeth, but it may take longer to see the results. It involves wearing custom-made trays and gel for a certain amount of time each day, usually for a few weeks. The estimated cost of this treatment can range from $300 to $600.
• Over-the-counter teeth whitening products: These are the cheapest and easiest to use, but they may not be very effective or reliable, and they may have some risks or side effects. They include whitening strips, pens, toothpastes, and kits. These products may contain lower concentrations of whitening chemicals or other ingredients, such as charcoal or bicarbonate of soda. The estimated cost of these products can vary from $10 to $100.

According to the Australian Dental Association, there is a higher risk of experiencing negative side effects from teeth whitening when it isn't performed by a registered professional. Our dentist in Wheelers Hill will use additional protective measures, such as gel and rubber shields, to protect your gums from the bleaching product.

The strength of the bleaching agent is also not the same for teeth whitening treatment provided by a dentist and products available in-store. Products bought in-store or over the counter often contain a weaker bleaching agent than the professional tooth whitening products your dentist applies.

Our dentist also takes an impression of your teeth to ensure your tray is a perfect and customised fit. The customised fit allows for maximum contact between your teeth and the whitening product. Customised trays also protect your gums by minimising contact between them and the bleaching agent. Store bought products, however, are generally one-size fits all and do not guarantee a perfect fit. If your trays are ill-fitting, you may experience irritation from any whitening product seeping onto your gums.

Similarly, teeth whitening treatments are not a one-size fits all procedure. By performing an oral exam and considering your medical history, our dentist ensures that you receive the appropriate whitening treatment tailored to your personal requirements.

If a whitening treatment is not performed correctly, you could risk injury or uneven results. If the bleaching agent comes into contact with your gums or other soft tissues in your mouth, there may be a risk of chemical burns. Some people find that their teeth and gums feel more sensitive for a few days after teeth whitening, especially during in-chair treatments. Your dental practitioner can advise you on possible side effects and what to expect. 

Generally, it’s best for pregnant women and new mothers to avoid teeth whitening - chemicals from the treatment can enter the placenta and breast milk.

There are potential risks associated with teeth whitening treatment, so it is not recommended for pregnant or lactating women. It is similarly not recommended if you are allergic to peroxide. If you have receding gums you may be more likely to experience tooth sensitivity. However, tooth sensitivity typically disappears within a few days. Cavities need to be treated prior to teeth whitening treatment and if you have defective restorations or worn enamel, it is important to consult with our dentist in Wheelers Hill on the best treatment available for your situation.

You can reduce teeth sensitivity following teeth whitening treatment by using a toothpaste made for sensitive teeth. It is also recommended to avoid very hot or cold foods for the first few days after you have received treatment. 

Often patients will ask "does teeth whitening damage my teeth?" and "will bleaching my teeth ruin the enamel?" The answer is no, teeth whitening products administered by a registered dentist will not harm your tooth enamel. Enamel is one of the hardest tissues in the human body. While whitening treatment can cause temporary tooth sensitivity, it will not permanently damage your tooth enamel.

No, tooth whitening does not have any effect on fillings or crowns – they will remain the same colour. Tooth-coloured fillings and crowns will need to be replaced after whitening if you wish all of your teeth to be the same colour.  

While teeth whitening treatments can cause temporary gum irritation, this treatment does not cause permanent damage. Having your dentist custom fit your mouthpiece tray can help reduce the risk of gum irritation or sensitivity. 

After teeth whitening, it is advised that you avoid substances that stain, such as tobacco and red wine, for about a week. This is because the pores in your teeth are open and your teeth are more receptive to staining factors after your teeth-whitening treatment. Your teeth may also feel slightly sensitive to very hot or cold foods and beverages.

It’s best to have realistic expectations before undergoing any whitening treatment. Your dentist should be able to explain what you can probably expect. Not all whitening treatments are equally effective on all people, and not all teeth will whiten to the same degree. Teeth whitening can change a tooth’s colour by several shades, meaning teeth that are more stained or discoloured won’t whiten to the same degree as teeth that were whiter originally.

The results of teeth whitening are not permanent. They can last from a few months to a few years, depending on your lifestyle and oral hygiene habits. To maintain your whitening results, you should avoid or limit the consumption of staining foods and drinks, such as coffee, tea, wine, and berries. You should also brush your teeth twice a day, floss daily, and visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. You may need to top up your whitening treatment from time to time, depending on the method and product you used.

Smoking will rapidly reverse the results of your teeth-whitening treatment. Tobacco causes deep staining within the tooth enamel and should be avoided completely for at least a week after your treatment. Smokers will require more regular re-treatments than non-smokers to maintain their colour. 

It is recommended that you avoid acidic and tannin-rich food and beverages after you have teeth whitening treatment. It is important to avoid drinking coffee and black tea, especially immediately after you receive your treatment. To help maintain the results of your teeth whitening treatment, you can drink with a straw to limit potential staining.

For the first few days following your teeth whitening treatment, it is important to avoid wine and other-dark coloured foods and drinks. The whitening results can be reversed if you do not avoid these acidic and tannin-rich foods and beverages. As teeth whitening temporarily opens the pores of your teeth, your teeth are most likely to stain as soon as you have teeth whitening treatment. At the very least, avoid red wine and other dark coloured beverages for 48 hours after you have received treatment. While red wine and carbonated drinks can stain your teeth, white wine will not affect your bright smile. 

To avoid reversing your teeth whitening treatment, it is important to avoid dark coloured foods and beverages. It's recommended to eat plain coloured food for the first 48 hours. This could include:

• Plain chicken
• Fish
• Rice
• Pasta
• Cauliflower
• Potatoes
• Bread
• Bananas
• White low-fat yoghurt

It is recommended that you avoid dark staining foods and beverages for the first 24 - 48 hours after you receive in-practice teeth whitening treatment. Dark staining drinks may include tea, coffee, red wine, and fruit juice.

As your teeth are particularly vulnerable to staining directly after whitening treatment, it's important to avoid dark staining foods such as:

• Bolognese
• Soy sauce
• Chocolate
• Tomato sauce
• Beets
• Spinach
• All fruit but bananas

Dull, yellow and even dark grey stained teeth can be the result of many everyday factors, including:

• Smoking
• Coffee
• Tea
• Red wine
• Soft drink
• Certain antibiotics

If you have spent years smoking or are an avid coffee drinker, chances are your smile is not as white as it used to be.

Maintaining your white teeth after treatment is important to keep your smile bright and beautiful. Here are some tips based on the search results:

• Avoid foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, wine, dark sauces, dark chocolate, and acidic fruits. If you do consume them, rinse your mouth with water or use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
• Brush your teeth at least twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste, floss daily, and use a mouthwash to remove plaque and bacteria. You can also use a whitening toothpaste once or twice a week to remove surface stains, but avoid using it too often as it may damage your enamel.
• Visit your dentist regularly for check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist can also advise you on the best whitening products and methods for your needs and expectations. You may need to use a touch-up kit every six months or so to maintain your results, depending on the type of treatment you had.
• Avoid smoking or using tobacco products, as they can cause yellowing and staining of your teeth, as well as other oral health problems.

There are several options available for brightening your teeth and improving your smile. Some methods include porcelain veneers, composite bonding and dental implants. If your stains are deep within the enamel, these options may be more effective for you than whitening.