Do you want your teeth whitened but have some questions about the procedure?
At Melbourne East Prosthodontics, we have expertise in all areas of cosmetic dentistry Kew, Melbourne and know about the most up-to-date teeth whitening technologies.
In this blog, our dentist answers questions about teeth whitening. This is one of the most popular forms of cosmetic dentistry Kew, Melbourne.
How does tooth whitening work?
As one of the most sought after forms of cosmetic dentistry Kew, Melbourne that we can offer, you will probably want to have a basic idea of how it works.
In short, tooth whitening works by oxidising the teeth; in the bleach, there are oxygen molecules that, when exposed to discoloured molecules, cause them to come loose and lift the stain off of the enamel.
Is tooth whitening dangerous?
Many myths can make tooth whitening seem dangerous, such as that it strips the enamel from your tooth or that it heightens sensitivity.
However, studies have found that if the whitening is performed correctly and under the care of a trained dentist at predetermined time intervals (usually every 6 months to a year), it should not cause damage to your teeth, gums or general health.
Can I get the same results using over-the-counter whitening gels?
Over-the-counter gels are usually good at removing very simple surface stains, but if you have extensive staining or a dark tooth that you have never been able to whiten, you should probably talk to our team about undertaking professional whitening.
Also, if you intend to use an over-the-counter bleaching kit, this can be hazardous, especially if you mix it incorrectly; this can create ulcers and sores on your gums, not to mention being problematic for the enamel on your teeth.
So, for results that will last, contact our team at Melbourne East for tooth whitening.
Will it make my teeth sensitive?
In some cases, whitening teeth with gels or bleaches can heighten sensitivity.
However, if you suffer from sensitive teeth before having your teeth whitened, our team will aim to determine what the underlying cause is.
Our team can also change the strength of the bleaches that we use, ensuring that any potential sensitivity issues that you may experience will be minimal.
If you have very sensitive teeth, however, we may recommend an alternative to standard whitening in the form of dental veneers.
I have a persistent dark tooth; can it be whitened?
There are many causes of a darkened tooth, and before our team can commit to whitening it, we will need to determine the cause.
In some cases, the darkened tooth may be a result of medication taken at a young age, excessive acid staining or the presence of crowns and deep fillings. However, our team is equipped well enough to handle all of these and can use one of our whitening systems to obtain great results.
Remember, in-chair whitening can lighten your smile up to 18 shades, so let us know which shade you want and we will aim to achieve it! Great stuff!
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.