Tooth discolouration affects a lot of people, because it can easily occur when your enamel and dentine get stained. Discoloured teeth have a dull shade and can leave people feeling unwilling or anxious about smiling and showing their teeth. But your radiant smile isn’t gone for good — it just needs a little help to be found again. Thankfully, whitening treatment helps us to fix discolouration and bring some dazzle back to your smile.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure to lighten the colour of teeth after they have become discoloured and dark. The aim of whitening is to remove stains on or inside the enamel and restore brightness. Teeth whitening is often achieved through the process of bleaching. This involves using hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to break down both superficial stains and those within the tooth.
Types of teeth whitening
As whitening has become more popular, professionals have developed different variations of treatment to improve accessibility and convenience. However, each type of treatment comes with different advantages and drawbacks.
In-chair teeth whitening
Qualified dentists complete professional teeth whitening treatment in the dental clinic. In-chair teeth whitening is the most effective treatment, as well as the most recommended to treat significant issues. Treatment begins with a bleaching solution that is applied to the teeth, with a laser light then breaking down the specific bleaching agent of hydrogen peroxide. This allows oxygen to enter the enamel, bleaching away discolouration while leaving the tooth structure unaffected.
At Oakleigh we use a specific type of in-chair treatment: Philips Zoom Teeth Whitening. Zoom uses the same fundamental principles as other laser treatments but is typically quicker — where other whitening may focus on one tooth at a time, Zoom whitening can improve all teeth at once. Treatment is no longer than 90 minutes.
At-home teeth whitening treatment
At-home teeth whitening is typically used as an adjunct treatment to in-chair whitening. Patients are provided with a custom mouthguard developed from impressions of your upper and lower teeth, and a week’s worth of gel which is applied into the mouthguard tray and then worn overnight.
Take-home whitening treatments typically have a much lower concentration of hydrogen peroxide, to ensure that treatment remains safe. The duration of at-home bleaching depends on the existing colour of your teeth and the colour you want to achieve. Teeth will naturally only bleach so much, so we recommend not exceeding three weeks of treatment unless specifically advised. We typically recommend at-home treatment as a follow-up maintenance procedure after undergoing in-chair teeth whitening.
Teeth whitening toothpaste
Another option for at-home whitening are whitening toothpastes, which do not contain bleach but use mild abrasives that help remove surface stains. However, they are unable to change the natural colour of your teeth.
While all toothpastes contain abrasives, whitening toothpastes also have extra polishing ingredients that improves the outer look of enamel. Unfortunately, they are more abrasive than a dentist would recommend, and patients should use them with caution. Make sure to consult with a professional about the type of toothpaste you’re using.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products
Alongside whitening toothpastes, people can also purchase products without a prescription including special whitening mouthwashes, whitening strips and even full kits. While they often do lead to some whitening, they are far less effective than professional whitening treatment. Typically these products take far longer to be effective, and the results last for a significantly shorter period.
How does teeth whitening work?
Teeth whitening involves placing a high-concentrate bleaching gel onto the teeth, which contains peroxide agents and is then activated by a UV or ‘laser’ light. The light helps to release the peroxide to enter the enamel of the teeth and begin removing the chemical compounds that make up stains. This allows the natural molecules of your teeth to begin reflecting light again, as they no longer have chemicals attached, which gives the teeth a whiter appearance.
It’s important to note that fillings, crowns or veneers will not have their colour changed by whitening treatment, as they do not contain these natural molecules. However, whitening treatment will not damaged these dental works.
Who can get whitening?
Teeth whitening treatment is sadly not suitable for everyone. As a general rule, if you fall into one of these categories, you should avoid it:
- Children under 13 years old
- People wearing fixed braces
- Those with existing dental issues, such as tooth decay, gum disease and severe sensitivity
Very importantly, we encourage pregnant women and new mothers to avoid whitening, as the ingredients in the whitening gel can end up in breast milk and the placenta, which can be dangerous.
Teeth whitening procedure
The in-chair procedure typically involves the same process of steps, whether it is traditional treatment or Zoom teeth whitening.
- Check-Up: Your dentist examines your teeth for cavities and other dental issues that may affect treatment, and then a hygienist cleans them to remove plaque and calculus.
- Protection: We place covering over your gums and lips so that only teeth are visible, and provide you with protective eyewear.
- Application: We place the gel onto the teeth carefully, ensuring that none spills over onto other areas.
- Laser Light: The laser light is turned on and placed over the gel for 15 minutes at a time. After each phase, the dentist will check progress and potentially add more gel.
- After Care: We finish by applying a sensitivity-reducing gel immediately after treatment, and teach patients how to take care of their teeth and what to expect in the coming weeks.
How long does it take?
Most teeth whitening treatments are around 90 minutes in length, but a typical course of Zoom is completed in around 45 minutes, with the gel applied for 15 minutes at a time. This is not the case for everyone: more severe discolouration may require a longer treatment process with the whitening gel applied more frequently. A full Zoom whitening process should not take longer than 90 minutes to complete.
Is teeth whitening permanent?
Unfortunately, no treatment can permanently keep your teeth bright without appropriate dental health practices. However, with good oral hygiene and aftercare, whitening effects can last for years.
Laser and Zoom in-chair teeth whitening should last for 2 or 3 years, and at minimum six months, but it relies heavily on how well you look after your teeth at home. To ensure longer-term effects, patients should aim to renew their whitening every 6 to 12 months in the chair. At-home whitening treatment can last for around months if completed without in-chair whitening, whilst over-the-counter treatments will typically only last for a few weeks at maximum. Some may only last for a day!
Teeth whitening after care
For a few days after in-chair treatment — or whilst doing take-home treatment — patients must use white toothpaste to brush and clean their teeth. Bleaching opens up the tooth enamel tubules and the tooth can absorb coloured substances, which creates stains. Using white toothpastes will keep your teeth bright while also ensuring their health. Similarly, keep up with your flossing — removing any extra debris from your teeth will give them the best chance of staying clean.
We also recommend making use of the sensitivity-reducing gel we provide. Some patients will experience an increase in sensitive teeth after treatment, but this gel can help the discomfort of tooth sensitivity subside. Above all, make sure to carefully read and follow the instructions provided by your dentist when trying to whiten teeth.
What can I eat after Zoom whitening?
Thankfully, you are still able to eat after getting teeth whitening, but it is important to eat the right kinds of foods to maintain your new colour. During and for a little while after treatment, people should refrain from eating and drinking coloured foods and liquids.
After about a week it is safe to resume your normal diet, but until then, specific foods to avoid include: chocolate, caramel, soy sauce, berries, red wine, black tea, coffee and beer. On the other hand, foods that we recommend include: eggs, bagels, non-sugary cereals, basic sandwiches, poultry, potatoes and rice. We also recommend drinking beverages like milk, apple juice and green tea if you need a fix other than water. Check out our comprehensive guide on what to eat after whitening.
Get whiter teeth at Oakleigh
The best teeth whitening in Melbourne is more than just a treatment — it’s a wonderful service from dedicated and passionate dentists. We love helping you get that smile you’ve always wanted. Doing whitening at a dental practice also ensures that we will be able to deal with tooth sensitivity and any other issues that may arise. For even more affordable teeth whitening, check out our Tuesday and Wednesday special and save $150 on your treatment!
To find out whether whitening would be the right treatment for you, book an appointment with us. We look forward to helping you smile.
