Teeth Whitening by your Dentist

In the last post, I introduced teeth whitening and how optimal oral hygiene and regular hygiene continuing care can improve the brightness of your teeth.

However, the most effective method of teeth whitening involves the use of whitening gels which contain oxidising agents in concentrations ranging from 5-35%.

Teeth whitening is safe and poses no serious risk if performed correctly.

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) believes that having your teeth whitened by anyone other than a dentist is risky.

Furthermore, Worksafe Australia lists hydrogen peroxide concentrations above 5% as a hazardous substance and one that should be administered by a trained dental professional.

The main problems and possible side-effects of whitening are:

• A temporary heightened sensitivity to cold
• Chemical burns, blistering and damage to the gums.

The two techniques dentists can prescribe are:

• Take home whitening
• Chairside whitening

Take home whitening has the benefit of being the more inexpensive option, however, it takes many applications to achieve the optimal result, whereas the chairside whitening is largely instantaneous.

With the take home whitening, an impression is taken of your teeth and a customised whitening tray is fabricated over your teeth. The tray is then loaded with a whitening gel and worn for several hours at home.

Chairside whitening involves a dentist placing a protective gel over the gums and then the whitening gel is applied to the teeth.

In some whitening systems, a light is used to activate the gel and accelerate the whitening process.

The procedure takes approximately 1.5 hours and the results are immediate.

The brightness of your teeth can be maintained in the future by also providing the patient with take home whitening trays.

Although the results can be variable due to the varying natural colours of teeth, everyone will surely notice your new found confidence as you feel and look your best.