Why Do I Need Teeth Whitening?
The crown part of teeth is made of calcium and the outermost layer is known as enamel. Like all tissues, it is porous. Over time, colored foods and drinks are absorbed. Basically, any colored food affects the teeth. Within a few years, both food and drinks begin to show their effects and plaque also develops. Plaque is the residue that accumulates behind your teeth. When proper care is not taken, the enamel can wear away, exposing the yellowish dentin underneath. Yes, teeth whitening works when done by a trained dentist. Whitening uses a peroxide-based gel to lighten teeth. When these chemicals break down, they release oxygen. This enters the hard outer surface of your teeth (enamel) and whitens them.
Why is Dental Cleaning Important?
Regular dental cleaning is critical to maintaining your oral health. Professional dental cleaning removes plaque and tartar from areas that cannot be reached with daily brushing and flossing. Plaque is a sticky layer of bacteria that accumulates on your teeth and hardens into tartar over time. Tartar can only be removed with professional cleaning. Regular dental cleaning helps prevent tooth decay, gum disease and bad breath. It also preserves the natural brightness of your teeth and improves your overall oral health. At our clinic, our experienced dentists and hygienists use special tools to deep clean and polish your teeth. This procedure makes your teeth look whiter and helps prevent future dental problems.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, whitening is safe when done correctly. It is illegal for anyone other than registered dentists to perform whitening procedures.
Store-bought whitening treatments should only contain very low hydrogen peroxide (approximately 0.1%). These low peroxide levels do not achieve consistent results like professional whitening does. Whitening treatments performed by a dentist can contain up to 6% hydrogen peroxide, which must be administered by a trained dentist and your suitability must be assessed first. Some over-the-counter kits are abrasive and work by eroding enamel. Your teeth may initially appear whiter but can cause long-term tooth surface loss.
Whitening does not cause harm, but it is common to experience mild sensitivity during or after the first treatment. This should settle after a few days. To prevent this, we use high-quality whitening products with anti-sensitivity ingredients included in the gels.
Most people are suitable for treatment, but if you have gum disease or other dental health problems, our specialist dentists will determine the suitability of your teeth for teeth whitening treatment. Our consultations are FREE.
No, whitening only works on natural teeth. Restorations such as fillings, crowns and dentures cannot be whitened.
If you prefer in-office teeth whitening, it takes approximately ninety minutes to achieve results. Home teeth whitening kits take approximately two to three weeks to be effective.
The result of whitening varies depending on your individual teeth. Our dentists will be able to advise you on possible results after the initial consultation. In-office whitening products whiten teeth by two to six shades per hour.
When done well, whitening results should last 6-12 months.
