Whitening
Teeth whitening treatment is the process of removing stains and discolouration from teeth and improving their colour.
Importance of whitening
Teeth may become discoloured for a number of reasons. Every day activities, such as your dietary and social habits, can have a significant impact on the colour of your teeth. Caffeine, soft drink, red wine, tea, smoking and antibiotics; will all cause tooth discolouration. Is it right for you?
Treatment may not be as effective for some as it is for others. Your dental practitioner can determine if you are a suitable candidate for this procedure through an oral exam, including shade assessment.
What is involved?
Teeth whitening can be achieved in one of two different ways:
1. In the dental chair, intensive one hour treatment. Zoom is a patented technology that uses the combination of a solution and bright light to your teeth and whiten them shades brighter whilst you sit in the chair. This may not be suitable for people with sensitive teeth.
2. Take home whitening kit tailor made for you. A dental team member will take an impression of your mouth and make a tray (similar to a mouth guard) that you can use at home to whiten your teeth.
What is the difference between tooth whitening by a dentist and a non-dental care provider?
According to the Dental Practice Act of 2001 any treatment conducted in the mouth of a patient must be performed by a registered dentist, medical practitioner or registered dental student conducting clinical studies i.e. Tooth whitening should only be conducted by registered professionals. The reason for this is because the procedures involved when using a bleaching agent can potentially be hazardous to patients if not administered correctly.
Hydrogen peroxide is one of the active bleaching agents used when professionally applied. The percentage of this agent is significantly lower when a take home whitening kit is made for you by your dentist (which is why it takes longer to whiten the teeth). Due to the high concentration of hydrogen peroxide when administering it in chair is the reason it is essential that a registered professional completes the procedure.