Teeth Whitening Sydney
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a safe and proven way to brighten your smile and significantly boost your confidence and how other people view you.
The appearance of your teeth is an integral part of your smile and the way you look overall.
Your smile is your greatest asset, so why not let it shine?
Cosmetic Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening can be a simple, safe and quick way to refresh your smile. We pride ourselves on our incredible reputation for safe, long-lasting treatment and outstanding results providing you with a healthy, confident smile.
It’s one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures, and the results can dramatically enhance your appearance.
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that is used to lighten the color of the teeth and remove stains and discoloration. It can be performed in Dr Alps’s office or at home using over-the-counter products.
There are two main types of teeth whitening: bleaching and non-bleaching. Bleaching involves the use of a peroxide-based solution to remove deep stains and discoloration, while non-bleaching whitening uses mild abrasives to remove surface stains.
In-office teeth whitening is the most effective and quickest way to whiten teeth. It typically involves the application of a whitening gel to the teeth, which is activated using a special light. The procedure can take anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, and the results are immediate.
Over-the-counter teeth whitening products, such as whitening strips, gels, and toothpastes, are also available. These products typically contain a lower concentration of peroxide and take longer to produce results.
It is important to note that teeth whitening is not a permanent solution and will require maintenance to maintain the results. Some common causes of tooth discoloration, such as smoking and drinking coffee, can also reapply stains over time.
Overall, teeth whitening can help to improve the appearance of the teeth and boost self-confidence. It is a safe and effective way to brighten the smile and remove stains and discoloration.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
All teeth whitening products contain peroxide, either as carbamide peroxide (CP) or hydrogen peroxide (HP). The peroxide in teeth-whitening products dissolves the organic stains in the tooth to change the colour and produce a whitened effect.
This is achieved by oxygen entering the tiny pores of the enamel and dentin and breaking up the stains that block out the light. More light passes through the teeth and makes them look lighter as the stains are broken into smaller and smaller pieces.
The structure of the tooth is not changed, it is only the enamel of the tooth that appears whiter.
Is Teeth Whitening right for me?
To be able to deliver the best teeth whitening results we will perform a thorough dental examination to determine whether you’re an appropriate candidate for whitening, or if there’s a reason for your teeth’ discolouration that needs to be addressed first.
After all, you may have an underlying dental problem that needs treatment rather than a course of teeth whitening. Whitening is unlikely to cause any serious side effects.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic treatments requested by patients. We can help patients achieve a whiter smile that looks natural, enhancing their overall facial aesthetic. People with whiter, brighter smiles tend to smile more and feel better about their overall appearance.
Whether you are preparing for an upcoming company function, anxious about a future blind date or even more exciting, you’re about to get married, having “white and shiny” teeth will go a long way towards making the right impression for that all-important event.
Teeth whitening is a simple, minimally invasive, accessible cosmetic dentistry option, that can help you look and feel more youthful.
Ask us about teeth whitening options for a more confident and beautiful smile.
Types of Teeth Whitening Treatments
In-Office Teeth Whitening or Vital Whitening
An hour in a dental chair can transform stained or discoloured teeth into a whiter smile. If you want fast results and you don’t have tooth sensitivity, this may be the best option for you.
A whitening treatment at our dental surgery can usually be completed in one visit.
A gel is used to protect the gums, and a solution containing hydrogen peroxide is applied to the teeth. The teeth are then exposed to a special bright light that causes oxygen to be released. Stains are lifted off the surface of the teeth and the tooth is whitened.
In laser whitening, the same procedure is followed but a laser is used to activate the oxygen in the compound.
Take-Home Products
A whitening kit may allow you to lighten your teeth in the comfort of your own home.
The active ingredient is high-quality 18% carbamide peroxide – the highest legal grade in Australia.
The home whitening kit includes a custom-made ultra-thin mouth tray minimising its contact with the gums and whitening gel. The tray hugs the teeth and ensures the gel is kept where it should be and is evenly applied.
Full instructions on the correct way to use the kit will be provided. For the best and safest results, we recommend you closely follow the instructions provided with your kit.
Over-the-Counter Whitening Products
Over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products contain a small percentage of peroxide. These can include strips, gels and whitening trays.
A lot of these products contain an acidic solution that can damage tooth enamel, as one-size-fits-all trays to hold the product, providing a poor fit against the teeth so they should always be used with caution.
Over-the-Counter Toothpaste
Over-the-counter teeth-whitening toothpaste also contains a small percentage of peroxide or a polishing ingredient. The toothpaste is effective in removing surface stains and whitening teeth, but some can be very abrasive.
With repeated use, the harsh abrasive will gradually wear away the enamel and make the teeth look yellow and feel sensitive.
Internal Non-Vital Whitening
Vital whitening may not improve the appearance of a tooth that has had root-canal treatment because the stain is coming from the inside of the tooth.
In this case, we will use a different procedure that whitens the tooth from the inside. We will place a whitening agent inside the tooth and put a temporary filling over it. The tooth will be left this way for several days.
You may need this done only once, or it can be repeated until the tooth reaches the desired shade.
In some cases, external teeth whitening may be necessary along with the addition of internal teeth whitening.
Does Whitening Work for All Teeth?
No, whiteners may not correct all types of discolouration. For example, yellow teeth will probably bleach well, brown teeth may not respond as well, and teeth with grey tones may not bleach at all. Whitening will not work in caps, veneers, crowns or fillings. It also won’t be helpful if your tooth discolouration is caused by medications or a tooth injury.
Discuss with us alternative cosmetic solutions such as dental veneers to treat such staining.
How long will the whitening last?
Results will vary from person to person and will depend on your lifestyle choices.
While whitening can last for years, it’s dependent on which product and technique you use.
Teeth whitening isn’t permanent – stains will build up again over time.
Those who avoid foods and beverages that stain may be able to wait one year or longer before another whitening treatment or touch-up is needed
Good oral hygiene and regular dental cleans will help keep your teeth white for as long as possible.
However, diet, ageing, alcohol, smoking, medication, and many other factors can change the shade of your teeth over time.
The good news is that when the inevitable happens, just contact us to help you touch up to maintain your smile.
Teeth Whitening Side effects?
Some people experience sensitivity when whitening their teeth, and this is normal and an expected side effect.
It happens when the peroxide in the whitener gets through the enamel to the soft layer of dentin and irritates the nerve of your tooth.
The teeth become temporarily dehydrated which reduces their ability to insulate the nerve from temperature changes.
Our In-Office treatment includes a desensitisation gel, which will reduce your sensitivity after whitening.
In most cases, the sensitivity is temporary and lasts no more than 24-36 hours.
Some of the other side effects include tooth discomfort or pain, sore & irritated gums, mouth ulcers, sore throat or nausea if the gel is accidentally swallowed.
Side effects tend to be mild and usually do not require treatment.
However, let us know if the side effects do not resolve in a few days.
How many shades whiter can I get?
Results vary from person to person depending on the makeup of their enamel and their lifestyle choices.
We have developed a range of treatments that deliver great results while being gentle to patients, discuss with us your exceptions on how many shades you desire to go lighter. For most of our cases, we can go lighter by 3-7 shades.
Teeth Whitening Post-Treatment Care
Following your teeth whitening treatment, you may experience some tooth sensitivity and gum irritation.
To reduce the effects of these, we recommend that you abstain from consuming any highly acidic foods or beverages until the sensitivity begins to subside.
You might choose to use toothpaste like Sensodyne for a few days after the procedure.
To prevent the onset of re-staining, particularly immediately after the teeth whitening treatment, lifestyle changes such as drinking less caffeine, red wine, and tea, and stopping smoking, can help keep your smile clean and white for longer.
Teeth Whitening - Take-home Kit
Take-home whitening kit allows you to lighten your teeth in the comfort of your own home.
We use high-quality active ingredient 18% carbamide peroxide – the highest legal grade recommended in Australia for Take-home whitening.
Our home whitening kit includes a custom-made ultra-thin mouth tray minimising its contact with the gums and whitening gel. The tray hugs the teeth and ensures the gel is kept where it should be and is evenly applied.
Full instructions on the correct way to use the kit will be provided.
For the best and safest results, we recommend you closely follow the instructions provided with your kit.
Teeth Whitening DIY vs. Dentist Supervised
Do-it-yourself whitening kits like Over-the-Counter Whitening Products or Over-the-Counter Whitening Toothpaste offer high-level whitening at a much lower price point than professional treatments.
With their low price tag, OTC kits are good options for patients who want something they can just pick up OTC to boost their smile before a big event or save costs on visiting the dentist!
However, the key to teeth whitening is the delivery device. There is a risk of using these kits incorrectly. As these are not custom-made, the bleaching solution could contact the gum line leading to gum recession and dental sensitivity.
Also, the results don’t last as long as professional treatments.
These days, there are so many teeth-whitening products on the market that the very idea of brightening your smile can become more overwhelming than exciting.
Be aware of companies that offer whitening treatments claiming it as of “professional grade” but that aren’t regulated and are not what they seem.
Teeth whitening products containing concentrations of greater than 6% hydrogen peroxide and higher than 18% carbamide peroxide can only be dispensed by registered dental practitioners as part of their dental practice.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
The price of teeth whitening depends on your circumstances and the desired results.
Patients are required to have a consultation before undertaking the teeth whitening procedure to check the health and suitability of teeth and gums.
If you have a health fund, check with them about the following item number rebates:
015: Consultation – extended
111: Plaque/ Stain removal
118x No of teeth: Bleaching, external – per tooth
Check out the rough estimate on our pricing page
