What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a commonly used method to change the colour of teeth. A cosmetic dentistry procedure called teeth whitening may lighten the shade of your teeth.

Professional teeth whitening options are available at Moama Dental Clinic, following appropriate clinical assessment. Teeth whitening is intended to address tooth discolouration.

What Causes Your Teeth to Discolour?

Most people do not have naturally white teeth. In addition, ageing and other factors might cause teeth to become dull and discoloured. A quick list of the most common foods and beverages that can stain teeth:

  • Tea and Coffee, especially black tea & coffee
  • Red wine
  • Fizzy drinks like Colas
  • Cordials
  • Soy Sauce
  • Turmeric-based food & drinks
  • Brightly coloured soft drinks
  • Juices
  • Tomato-based sauce
  • Balsamic Vinegar
  • The list goes on…….

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A professionally supervised teeth whitening procedure using modern dental equipment is available, where clinically appropriate.

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What Does Teeth Whitening Do?

Teeth whitening may be used to improve the brightness of teeth. It is a cosmetic procedure that can lighten tooth shade in suitable cases. The principal effects of teeth whitening are:

  • Lightening the colour of teeth
  • Non-invasive treatment option in many cases
  • Reversible in some situations, depending on the method used

In Chair v/s Take-Home Teeth Whitening

Delivery of professional teeth whitening can be done in two ways – in the dental chair or at home. The outcome of the treatment depends on the age of the person, extent of discolouration, correct application of the whitening agents, smoking status, and continued use of other discolouring agents.

The most commonly done whitening is take-home whitening. It can be done in the leisure of your own home and is less expensive but may take longer and can be less effective in some cases compared to in-chair treatment.

On the other hand, in-chair whitening may provide more controlled and predictable outcomes in some cases because of the use of a higher concentration of the whitening agent and the use of a light or activation system where appropriate. Changes in tooth colour may be noticeable after treatment, although results vary between individuals. A take-home whitening kit may be offered to assist with maintenance, where suitable.

To make sure there are no hidden dental problems and to support safe treatment, we recommend a full exam and professional cleaning before the procedure. Our in-chair therapy is professionally supervised, which helps support safety and appropriate use of whitening products.

Looking for Teeth Whitening Options near Moama?

Get in touch with our team of Dentists and Oral Health Therapists to receive information and advice about suitable whitening options based on your individual needs.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How painful is teeth whitening?

Usually, it is a gentle procedure and considered generally pain-free. However, some people may experience temporary tooth sensitivity as a result of teeth whitening. Using desensitizing agents, which may be recommended by a dental professional, can help manage this transient sensitivity.

Do take-home trays outperform Phillips Zoom whitening?

On average, Zoom whitening may provide faster results. It is often chosen by those who prefer shorter treatment times compared with take-home trays. Zoom whitening can also be suitable for managing heavily discoloured teeth in some cases. In the right hands, both methods can produce noticeable improvements, although results may vary depending on individual factors and lifestyle.

Is tooth whitening harmful?

We use only TGA-approved products for teeth whitening. The products are considered safe when used as directed, and currently there is no clear evidence of significant long-term adverse effects.

Can I use toothpaste and whitening gels that are sold over the counter?

Teeth whitening products are available in pharmacies and supermarkets. Although they may be safe to use, the lower-concentration bleaching gel they contain is less likely to produce results similar to professionally dispensed or administered whitening gels.

Since over-the-counter bleaching trays are not custom-made for each individual, the trays may not fit properly, and the whitening solution may not be evenly distributed across teeth. If the trays do not fit well, there is a risk that the bleaching gel could contact the gums or other soft tissues and cause possible irritation or chemical burns.

Is it a good idea to have a dental cleaning before or after whitening?

A dental clean is often suggested before whitening to help remove surface deposits. Timing may vary based on individual oral health.

Should a 16-year-old have their teeth whitened?

Teeth whitening is generally not recommended for anyone under 16, as teeth are still developing.

Is whitening treatment permanent?

No, whitening isn’t permanent. Tooth colour can change over time due to natural ageing, diet, and oral habits.

I drink a lot of coloured drinks. Will whitening keep my teeth white?

Drinks like coffee, tea, or soft drinks can stain teeth, so results may vary depending on habits and oral care.