Home > left menu > Tooth Whitening > Tooth Whitening - FAQ

Tooth Whitening - FAQ

Tooth Whitening - FAQ

 
arrow.gifWhy do teeth darken?

arrow.gifWhat is involved?

arrow.gifIs Tooth Whitening Safe?

arrow.gifHow long does the Whitening effect last for?

arrow.gifDoes it work for everyone?

arrow.gifHow much does Home Bleaching Cost

arrow.gifHow many visits are required?

Why do Teeth Darken?

Teeth can become darker for a number of reasons including:
 
  • Certain medication taken during childhood
  • Trauma
  • Teeth are sometimes naturally darker than we would prefer
  • Ageing causes yellowing of teeth
  • Coffee, tea and certain foods cause staining
  • Smoking affects the colour of teeth

Over the counter "bleaching" systems are of questionable value since any bleaching relies on a very closely fitting tray to hold the material to the tooth.

DIY systems fail to do this and the bleaching agent may well not have been scientifically tested for safety and effectiveness.

Back to Tooth Whitening FAQ
 
What is involved?

home tooth whitening kits

 

Professional tooth whitening systems involve taking very accurate impressions of the mouth. These are then used to make very thin, customised clear plastic trays for use with the bleaching product. A small amount of whitening agent is applied as directed by the dentist. The tray is worn for 30 minutes twice every day.



Within 3 to 4 days a noticeable improvement in the shade is achieved, and in 10 to 14 days the teeth are usually several shades lighter.
 
teeth whitening before photo teeth whitening after photo

The process is repeated separately for the upper and lower teeth. It is possible to do the whole mouth at once but the method of doing upper then lower demonstrates the effectiveness of the shade change.

Back to Tooth Whitening FAQ
 
Is Tooth Whitening Safe?

Extensive research and consumer trials in the USA and Europe have demonstrated that professional bleaching systems are safe to use. As with many procedures, it is not advised during pregnancy.

Approximately 1 in 10 people may complain of sensitivity to cold during the bleaching process. This is temporary and is not a contra-indication against the bleaching process.

It is important to let us know if you have sensitivity, so we may prescribe a de-sensitising agent and change the regime. It usually entails a slower process but the end result is just as successful.

Back to Tooth Whitening FAQ
 
How long does the Whitening effect last for?

If your tooth whiteness is 70% of  your ideal, after 10 to 14 days of whitening you will have attained ideal white which is 100%. After 2 to 3 years the whiteness may become 80-90% of  your ideal.

This however, can easily be topped up back to 100% ideal. Topping up can be done using the original tray and remaining bleaching material for 2 to 3 days. The bleaching material has a shelf life of approximately 4 years

Back to Tooth Whitening FAQ
 
Does it work for everyone?

There are some conditions of deep discolouration, or patches of deeply discoloured enamel, that will not change very much in bleaching.

This process will not whiten old fillings or porcelain work, only the original tooth.

We will undertake a full assessment of your needs and advise you accordingly.

Back to Tooth Whitening FAQ
 
How much does Home Bleaching Cost

Around $725 for a full mouth treatment including the review appointments. We currently are running a special promotion for $525, saving you $200. This includes the desensitising Tooth Mousse enhancer.

Back to Tooth Whitening FAQ
 
How many visits are required?

Approximately 2 to 3 visits.

Back to Tooth Whitening              Contact Us