A smile can tell a lot about the health of your teeth as well as the appearance. Poor oral hygiene, acidic drinks and smoking can all cause your teeth to dull and discolour. Without the proper care, they may get permanently damaged. Having teeth that are yellowed and stained can cause embarrassment and increased self-consciousness when around other people.
Having a teeth whitening service along with a thorough dental exam in our Ivanhoe dental clinic can give you a healthy and brighter whiter smile.
Here is some information you should know before having your teeth whitened.
Teeth whitening can be delivered in a few ways. We mainly use the Philips Zoom! whitening technology. Other methods may include wearing a tray with bleaching liquid.
Philips Zoom! is a bleaching process which is popular across Australia and around the world to lighten the tooth enamel and dentin. Discolouration may result from drinking soft drinks, coffee, tea and red wine, or from smoking. As we age, teeth may naturally stain.
The Zoom in-office teeth whitening procedure uses a Phillips Zoom Advanced Power Chairside Lamp, which accelerates the bleaching process and activates the hydrogen peroxide whitening. As the hydrogen peroxide breaks down, oxygen moves into the enamel and dentin to bleach the stained material without harming the structure of the tooth.
Does Teeth Whitening Hurt?
Some people may experience temporary tooth sensitivity following their whitening treatment, and nothing to be concerned about. During your treatment, our dentists take all the necessary precautions to make sure you have the best experience and results possible.
Can Anyone Have Tooth Whitening Treatment?
Dentist supervised whitening treatments may not be for everyone. It’s important you receive a full exam from one of our dentists before receiving treatment. If you have excessive white spots, tooth decay or infected gums we’ll need to address those concerns first before recommending a course of whitening.
Extrinsic vs. Intrinsic Stains
Extrinsic stains appear on the outer tooth surface, and are caused by things like coffee or other dark drinks such as red wine. Tobacco and certain types of food like curry also contribute to staining. To reduce the chance of extrinsic stains, we advise you to have a solid oral hygiene routine and regular dental cleanings. Teeth whitening can usually help with stains which are resistant to normal brushing and cleaning. Lack of proper dental care can lead to stains that penetrate deep into the tooth and may be impossible to treat, even with professional teeth whitening.
Intrinsic stains are a bit more difficult to prevent and treat. Stains form on the interior of teeth as a result of childhood medication such as tetracycline, excessive exposure to fluoride, aging or trauma. As whitening technology progresses, certain intrinsic stains can be treated.
What Kind of Results Can I Expect?
We typically see a 5-10 shade improvement in a visit that is completed in just over an hour.
To get more information about our teeth whitening service, please call our office and meet with one of our dentists. We will perform a thorough examination of your mouth and teeth and let you know which option is best for you. If you’re coming to our clinic on the train, we are a 2-minute walk from the Ivanhoe railway station. There is also a car park right by the practice.
