Teeth whitening by
Dr Duncan Copp

Teeth Whitening

What Is Teeth Whitening? 

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry treatment that can brighten teeth by several shades, enhancing the overall look of your smile. Whether performed at the dentist or at home, whitening treatments utilise a bleaching agent to lighten stains and discolouration that naturally occur over time. With professional teeth whitening, advanced bleaching systems are used to lighten the natural colour of the teeth. 

A generally very easy process, teeth whitening can give you a significantly brighter, more confident smile. Our cosmetic dentists and the experienced dental team at The Paddington Dental Surgery offer both in-office and at-home whitening treatments to achieve great results.
 

Who Is a Candidate for Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening can be a great option for those looking to tackle discolouration. Teeth are naturally porous, so they can absorb staining agents from the things we eat and drink. While everyone starts with a different level of natural whiteness, daily habits can have a big impact on how bright your teeth stay over time. For instance, if you’ve noticed stains from coffee, tea, soda, or even healthy foods like berries and beets, professional teeth whitening might be a good solution. Smoking or using tobacco products is another common cause of yellowing. In addition, certain medications can lead to darkened or dulled teeth.

Otherwise, it’s important for those interested in teeth whitening to have relatively healthy teeth and gums.* During your consultation, we’ll perform a thorough exam to make sure this option is right for you and help you achieve the glowing smile you crave.

Natural vs. Professional Teeth Whitening

We understand that you have many options for teeth whitening, and we want you to make the best decision for your goals, needs, and budget. Over-the-counter and natural teeth whitening methods may work for some, but you should be very careful which approach you use. 

  • Charcoal teeth whitening is not recommended. Charcoal, even finely ground, is too abrasive for teeth and can lead to wear, damage, and sensitivity. 
  • Coconut oil pulling likely won’t cause damage, but as yet there is no scientific evidence this technique can whiten teeth, so employ caution. 
  • Teeth whitening strips and pastes can brighten teeth a shade or two, but they are much weaker than professional treatments. 
  • Some toothpastes are also more abrasive than we like to see, so please ask us about what method you would like to use. We can help you identify the best products for your oral health.

Teeth Whitening vs. Porcelain Veneers

When it comes to achieving a bright, radiant smile, both teeth whitening and porcelain veneers are popular options; however, they serve different purposes and are suited for different needs. While teeth whitening treatments use bleaching agents to enhance the shade of the smile, porcelain veneers are custom-made restorations that cover the front surface of teeth. Veneers can address discolouration as well as a plethora of other aesthetic concerns, from gaps to chips to misalignment. A consultation with one of our dentists in Sydney can help you decide which option aligns best with your goals and budget.  

What Does the In-Office Teeth Whitening Treatment Involve?

We offer two in-office whitening treatment options—Zoom!® WhiteSpeed and KöR® Whitening—because everyone’s teeth are unique. We will work with you to find the whitening treatment that is right for you.

Zoom!® WhiteSpeed

Zoom!® WhiteSpeed offers fast, dramatic results. First, the proprietary whitening gel is applied to your teeth; then a special light is used to activate the gel. The solution reacts with the light penetrating your teeth through the clear layer of enamel to remove stains and reveal whiter teeth. WhiteSpeed is the only in-office whitening product to offer a customisable intensity setting, maximising patient comfort. WhiteSpeed also includes a special desensitiser to protect your enamel and minimise sensitivity during the procedure. Because the procedure is quick, results are usually achieved in just one visit. For more stubborn stains, a follow-up may be necessary.

KöR® Whitening

The KöR® Deep Bleaching™ System allows people with even the most stubborn stains to achieve optimal results. Even people with dark, tetracycline-stained teeth can benefit from this product. After your initial visit to our office, we will create custom moulds for you to use for at-home maintenance. After two weeks of wearing the trays at home, we will conduct a follow-up appointment. With this product, you will experience little to no sensitivity, unlike with many other whitening agents. The KöR® Whitening Deep Bleaching™ System can give you beautiful, long-lasting results that may even be permanent with simple, occasional at-home maintenance.

Is There an At-Home Teeth Whitening Option?

For your convenience, we also offer an at-home whitening product. More advanced and effective than over-the-counter whitening products, this is a great way to gradually whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home.

Zoom!® DayWhite is an at-home whitening system that you will apply once a day for at least seven days. You will be able to see results after your first treatment, but your new radiant smile should be most apparent after one week. With an improved formula, DayWhite now works to reduce sensitivity while using the treatment, in addition to improving the lustre and smoothness of your teeth’s enamel.

Is Teeth Whitening Painful?

Many teeth whitening methods are known for causing pain or what is known as “zingers,” which is a feeling characterised by sudden, intense pain in the teeth. Our team believes everyone deserves beautifully white teeth and takes special steps to minimise any discomfort during and after treatment. The advanced teeth whitening systems we offer are specially formulated to reduce sensitivity when getting treatment. In addition, we ensure the bleaching agent is carefully applied to not cause gum irritation. 

If you are concerned about tooth sensitivity during or after whitening, our dentists may recommend spacing out your treatment sessions, reducing the amount of bleaching material being used, and avoiding hot or cold beverages at first. You can also prepare for your whitening treatment by using a desensitising toothpaste before and after treatment.

How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?

Most people who take good care of their teeth can expect their teeth whitening results to last about six months. We wish your results could last forever, but since food, beverages, and the natural process of ageing cause staining, this is not possible. Touch-up treatment twice a year can keep your smile looking beautiful with minimal effort through every season.

How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?

The price of teeth whitening at our office ranges from about $350 to $1,500. Teeth whitening remains one of the most affordable ways to enhance your smile while providing a dramatic improvement in appearance. If you have any questions about the cost of teeth whitening, we can help you develop a customised program that best suits your budget and preferences. After all, everyone deserves to love their smile. Let us help you find your way to a look you love.

Additional Frequently Asked Questions

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Take?

The length of the teeth whitening process will depend on a few factors, namely the whitening strategy being used and the extent of discolouration. Quality in-office treatments can produce dramatic results after just a single visit, while the effects of at-home whitening trays tend to appear more gradually. For optimal results, be sure to follow your personalised instructions.

How Many Teeth Whitening Sessions Will I Need?

Your ideal number of teeth whitening sessions can be influenced by the techniques being applied and your desired level of whitening. If your teeth have mild to moderate staining or yellowing, you may need fewer sessions to achieve the desired results; however, if your teeth have more severe discoloration or deep stains, it may take more sessions to whiten them effectively.

What Causes Sensitivity After Teeth Whitening?

Tooth sensitivity, or dentin hypersensitivity, is a common side effect from many teeth whitening methods. It is caused by bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide reaching the tooth nerve through small channels in the dentin. Certain factors may increase your chance of sensitivity, such as how often you undergo whitening, the strength of the whitening formula, and the unique qualities of your tooth structure. Rest assured that our dentists prioritise your comfort before, during, and after your treatment, and will go out of our way to mitigate any of the pain that sometimes accompanies teeth whitening. 

Will My Teeth Whitening Results Look Natural?

Our dentists use celebrated teeth whitening treatments like Zoom!® and KöR® because these products are known to consistently create natural-looking effects. Additionally, when administering these techniques, our dentists will consider the natural shade of your teeth in order to produce results that flatter your smile’s organic beauty.

Can I Whiten My Crowns or Veneers? 

Patients with porcelain dental veneers or crowns often wonder if their restorations will be affected by the bleaching agents in teeth whitening. Unfortunately, crowns and veneers are designed to maintain their custom-designed appearance and, as a result, are resistant to stains and also whitening. If you would like a brighter smile and want any restorations to match, as well, you can ask your dentist about replacing your crown or veneers with a lighter-coloured version.

Which Teeth Whitening Treatment is Right For Me?

The right teeth whitening treatment for you will depend on your preferences and overall oral health. For instance, if you have sensitive teeth or specific dental concerns, one treatment may be more ideal for your needs than another. Rest assured that we will examine your dental health, discuss your goals, and formulate a plan to brighten your smile during your initial appointment.

What Should I Eat After Teeth Whitening?

In the first couple days after your teeth whitening treatment, your teeth will be more susceptible to stains, due to your enamel becoming more porous from the bleaching process. As a result, you may want to avoid foods and drinks that are dark in colour, such as tea, wine, berries, and tomato sauce. After this initial period, you can resume your normal diet, but keep in mind that staining foods can make your whitening results wear off faster. To prolong your results, you may still want to limit these items. 

How Long Should I Wear My At-Home Whitening Trays?

Zoom! DayWhite whitening trays should be worn for about 30 to 60 minutes every day for one to two weeks. Depending on your level of sensitivity, degree of tooth staining, and desired level of whiteness, this time frame may be adjusted. Your dentist can provide you with more personalised instructions on how long to wear your at-home whitening trays.

Medical References*

Colgate

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