Tooth Whitening
Whitening Treatment Package includes:
Whitening Treatment Plan
Custom made whitening trays
Primary whitening kit
T&C's apply
Tooth whitening is one of the most popular procedures done is dental aesthetics. It is less invasive and more cost effective than crowns and veneers where appropriate.
Whiter teeth and a pretty smile boost self-confidence, self-image, and employability.
Tooth whitening products are often advertised and sold as a "one size fits all" solution. This is not true and each person's mouth is very different therefore a detailed diagnosis and a customised treatment plan is needed to ensure the best results and the least side-effects.
Whitening must be professionally supervised to ensure safe use of whitening products and prevent abuse that could weaken tooth structure. It is important to have a thorough check up done to diagnose any underlying dental issues eg cavities and gum disease before whitening proceeds.
How do we start the whitening process?
We need to assess if you are a candidate for whitening first. If there are cavities or gum disease present, we will treat these conditions to avoid irreversible damage to your oral health. Your oral hygiene techniques will be reviewed to ensure that the whitening treatment is successful and lasts longer.
Impressions are taken of your mouth for the manufacture of the whitening trays. Custom made trays are required as the effectiveness of the whitening gel is dependent on the fit of the tray. We will provide you with your custom whitening kit which will be used for a few weeks and in specific complex cases a boost procedure is done in the dental chair.
The whitening products we use are different to the bleach used on clothes. We use carbamide peroxide in low concentrations over an extended period of time. Carbamide peroxide is stable and has a higher pH therefore safe to use with less sensitivity. Research has shown that low concentrations over an extended period, results in whiter teeth that stay whiter for longer.
Over the counter chlorine dioxide based products have a lower pH, making them more acidic and this will result in weakening of the tooth structure.
While sensitivity can occur, there are effective ways to manage this and we automatically include desensitising treatments with our procedure. We will provide you with the whitening products that cause the least sensitivity during treatment.
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Before whitening |
After whitening |
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Does tooth whitening cause sensitivity?
In some individuals there may be sensitivity. This is the exception, not the norm. We do advise all our patients what to do if sensitivity does occur. We do, however, ensure we use products with excellent clinical evidence.
Most common tooth whitening sensitivity will occur during "single visit light assisted whitening shocks". This occurs due to the high concentration of the materials used during these protocols. Whitening materials with lower concentrations over a couple of weeks help avoid sensitivity and possible pulp damage.