Teeth whitening is one of the most common cosmetic dental procedures today and it’s easy to see why. Teeth whitening offers fast and non-invasive way to enhance your smile in just a few hours.
When used correctly, teeth whitening is a safe and effective procedure which can produce satisfying results. With an abundance of whitening products and services available on the market, it pays to be cautious when choosing the type of treatment that suits your specific needs. For this reason certain types of teeth whitening treatments are considered illegal in Australia, unless carried out by a registered dental professional.
Side effects of tooth whitening
Although teeth whitening is a safe, straight forward procedure, the most commonly reported side effect of whitening can be sensitivity and mild gum irritation. It should be noted that both of these side effects are not permanent and completely reversible.
Patients may experience tooth sensitivity at the time of treatment, which usually last several days. Gum irritation may occur within 24 hours of the treatment and last several days as well.
The degree of the above side effects is largely associated with the concentration of the peroxide bleach component. Teeth whitening generally uses one of two active ingredients: carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.
Both hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide are known to produce the same high-quality results. However, carbamide peroxide is considered the milder of the two, and thus ideal for those with sensitive teeth.
Hydrogen peroxide is a faster acting agent but also the more aggressive. Some aggressive teeth whitening regimens can damage the tooth through dehydration and demineralisation.
Teeth whitening is generally not recommended if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, have cracked teeth or gum disease. That’s why you’re advised to consult your dentist before starting any whitening procedure.
Uneven whitening results
Some people complain about uneven whitening results. One of the fundamental reasons why you may end up with patchy results has to do with improper application of the whitening agent.
This is especially true for those who use whitening strips which do not cover the whole tooth and can cause patchy marks.
You may also experience this issue with take-home whitening kits that are purchased over the counter (OTC). The stock dental trays supplied with the OTC products are usually loose fitting and don’t sit well on the tooth, causing the material to mix with saliva and move out of the trays.
If you’re thinking of bleaching your teeth at home, ask your dentist for a custom-fitted dental tray. The dental tray is what keeps the bleaching solution against your teeth during the whitening process. Custom-fitted trays are made specifically for your mouth and adapt perfectly to the teeth to provide an even coat of the whitening gel.
Whitening your teeth at NSDP
North Sydney Dental Practice offers a specialised take home whitening kit so that you can whiten your teeth in the comforts of your own home, at your own time.
Using our customised retainers and special whitening gel – with carbamide peroxide as the active ingredient – you can take advantage of one of the safest and most effective products with proven whitening results.
Our bleaching trays hold the whitening agent against the surfaces of the teeth without risk of displacing the gel to the gums, which can cause irritation. The carbamide peroxide solution is designed to whiten teeth effectively without causing damage to your tooth enamel.
To help alleviate tooth sensitivity, we provide sensitive toothpaste to use before and during teeth whitening. The discomfort will go away when you stop whitening.
Our take home whitening kit also makes your whitening ‘top-up’ a breeze. Whenever you require a refresher, you’ll only need to purchase the whitening gel, which we keep in ready supply.
Brighten your teeth with a safe, evidence-based cosmetic whitening treatment at NSDP.
To book a tooth whitening session at North Sydney Dental Practice, call 02 8074 5320.
