TEETH WHITENING

Brighter, whiter smiles with Glebe Dental Group

At Glebe Dental Group we offer the world leading ZOOM® in-chair teeth whitening treatment. It’s safe and fast.

Once you are comfortable in one of our patient lounges, a specially formulated gel is applied to your teeth. When exposed to the ultraviolet light, the active ingredients in the gel break down years of stains and lighten your tooth enamel. This is a painless procedure but you may feel a slight warmth from the light.

Depending on your personal circumstance and desired shade, the gel may be re-applied every 15 – 20 minutes, with the entire procedure lasting between 45 minutes to an hour.

Following your procedure it’s recommended that you not drink tea, coffee, red wine or eat highly coloured foods for at least 72 hours. You should also refrain from smoking for at least four days as this will have a negative effect on your results.

At-Home Whitening:

Many of our patients at Glebe Dental Group would prefer to brighten their smile in the comfort and privacy of their own home at times to suit their busy schedule and lifestyle.

We choose to offer the KöR whitening system. A technologically advanced two tiered system that we have successfully used to remove tetracycline (antibiotic medication) stains. We are so sure of the success rate of this product that we are willing to offer our valued clients a full satisfaction guarantee or your money back.

We will create custom-made whitening trays, which look like fine mouthguards and are designed to fit the contour of your teeth precisely. This ensures better contact between the whitening gel and your tooth enamel is achieved, enhancing your result.

You will receive video instructions on the amount of gel to use and how long to wear your trays, which you must follow exactly. Achieving your desired smile will depend on your personal circumstances and colour of your teeth. It may take up to two weeks, however, some people notice a significant difference after only a few sessions.

If you have a special occasion, celebration or your smile isn’t as bright as you would like or it used to be, schedule a consultation appointment with the Glebe Dental Group and discover how teeth whitening can transform your smile.

What causes stained or discoloured teeth?

Firstly, it’s important to understand just what it is that causes stains and discolouration of the teeth. This may help you decide on the best whitening option for your teeth, and it can help you understand how to reduce the issue in future.

Most causes of tooth stains are extrinsic, which means that the discolouring comes from an outside source rather than from within the tooth itself. Much of this comes from your diet and lifestyle habits. For example, coffee, tea and red wine are all common causes of stains. If you regularly drink these hot drinks or enjoy a glass of red or two, the stains on your teeth could easily come from these sources. Other foods, including fizzy drinks, can also discolour teeth. Another major cause is that of smoking or chewing tobacco, which is known to discolour teeth over time. Finally, stains may be a simple result of poor cleaning techniques.

Other tooth stain causes are intrinsic, which means the discolourisation comes from within the tooth. In this case, the dentin – part of the tooth – will darken or take on a yellow tinge. Common causes here are from too much fluoride in early childhood, the use of tetracycline antibiotics as a child under the age of eight, trauma, or a birth condition known as dentinogenesis imperfecta.

How to tell if your teeth are suitable for whitening

The best way to tell if your teeth are suited for any kind of whitening treatment is to talk to your dentist. He or she will talk to you about the causes of the issue, and will be able to make an informed decision about which treatment option may work best.

Your dentist will also be able to inspect your teeth and gums to ensure they are in a good and healthy condition in order to receive treatment. Plus, as your dentist already knows you and your teeth, he or she will discuss specifics, such as whether or not you’re likely to feel any sensitivity during whitening.

Are there any risks associated with teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening does come with risks, but they can largely be minimised with the right advice from your dentist. Hydrogen peroxide is a chemical and it can have an adverse effect on the teeth or gums, which is why the Australian Dental Association recommends that any products with 6 per cent or higher of this agent are only applied by a trained professional.

The worst that most people will experience is a tingling sensation or sensitivity in the gums during or immediately following the whitening procedure. Should this happen, let your dentist know immediately – the symptoms should pass quickly or within a few days but he or she will be able to advise you further.

While rare, other side effects can include blistering of the mouth and gums, or uneven coloured teeth. It’s also possible that veneers, crowns and fillings won’t whiten in the same way as your natural teeth, which can leave uneven results.

It is always best to discuss what teeth whitening options are suitable for you. Contact us to book an appointment to discuss your options.