477 Napier street, White hills 3550
1800 KIND DENTIST (1800 546 333)

Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a common and relatively cheap procedure to improve the appearance of discolored teeth. The safest, most effective treatment will be given by your dentist. Over-the-counter treatments can be less effective and riskier.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening involves bleaching the teeth to lighten their colour. After treatment, the teeth look a few shades whiter, but not usually bright white.

Teeth whitening is an optional procedure — it is very rarely a necessity.

Whitening products typically use the chemicals hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Only registered dental practitioners can legally use the most concentrated — and thus most effective — whitening solutions.

The bleach soaks through the tooth’s enamel top layer and into the dentine, the main part of the inside of the tooth which is slightly softer than the enamel. The bleach reacts with the coloured molecules that cause discoloration. The dentine then becomes lighter and the teeth look whiter. Bleach can also make the enamel surface more reflective, which looks whiter too.

When might someone need teeth whitening?

Teeth can be discoloured by:

  • tea, coffee, red wine or cola
  • smoking
  • excessive fluoride or tetracycline (an antibiotic) when the teeth are forming

If you are considering teeth whitening, you should consult your dentist to see if your teeth are suitable.

Teeth whitening is not recommended if you:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • have sensitive teeth
  • have gum disease or shrinkage
  • have cracks or exposed dentine

Note that whitening treatments will not whiten existing Crowns, fillings or Veneers.

What happens during a teeth-whitening procedure?

Bleaching

Your dentist will first create moulds of your top and bottom teeth. These are used to make customised trays (somewhat like a mouth-guard, but thinner and smaller) that fit over your teeth.

At your next appointment, the bleaching gel is put into the trays, which you wear in your mouth for 15 to 30 minutes. The dentist might also shine a light to speed up the whitening process. Often, the treatment is repeated at home, following the dentist’s instructions. You’ll probably notice a difference in 2 to 4 weeks.

Another option is to get a kit with the customised trays from your dentist but carry out the treatment at home.

Power bleaching

Power bleaching, also known as laser whitening, is done in the clinic. The dentist covers your gums and then paints a bleaching agent on the teeth. Laser light is shone to activate the whitening. This takes about 60 minutes, and often only needs one treatment.

What to expect after a teeth-whitening procedure

Whitening is generally successful and can last for several years, but it isn’t permanent: for example, tea, coffee, and red wine can stain your teeth again.

Benefits and risks of a teeth-whitening procedure

Teeth whitening can improve the appearance of discoloured teeth. It is also cheaper than some other restorative procedures. However, make sure you find out about the cost, risks, and likely outcome before going ahead with the treatment.

The most common side-effects, which are often temporary, include:

  • tooth sensitivity, especially from power bleaching
  • irritation of the gums

How much does it cost to get teeth whitened?

  • bleaching at the dentist’s clinic with home follow-up costs $250 to $500 each for the top and bottom arch
  • bleaching at home with trays supplied by the dentist costs $150 to $300 per arch
  • power bleaching costs $30 to $50 per tooth

Alternatives to teeth whitening

If you’re not happy living with your teeth just as they are, alternatives include:

  • having your teeth cleaned by the dentist
  • dental restoration, such as veneers or crowns

At Whitehills Dental practice we can help you to achieve the kind of teeth that you want, by Bleaching/ Teeth-whitening or other techniques, as appropriate for your circumstances.

We are your local Bendigo Dentists and are based in Whitehills 3550.   We are located on the Midland Highway which comes from Melbourne, going to Epsom

Please contact us via our website www.whitehillsdental.com.au or call 1800 546 333 to make an appointment, wherein we can discuss what are the best options in your situation.

MEET OUR TEAM

At this moment we are a small team, comprising of

Dr Anshul Gupta

Dentist

Having worked as a dentist since 1999, I have had the opportunity to serve in a vast variety of dental-practices. Having accumulated a huge amount of experience of the ‘good’, ‘not so good’ and out rightly ‘bad’ services and experiences which are provided to our patients in this industry, I am trying to attempt to change the perception and opinion that people have about ‘The Dentist’.
It is sad that Dentists have managed to earn so much hatred over the years, and are a feared species in today’s society.
This needs to change…..
We are trying to make our humble, but sincere effort towards thus noble cause.

Besides general dentistry , I like to do wisdom tooth extractions , Smile makeovers , Replacement of missing teeth using various techniques including implants and full mouth rehabilitation. I especially like to treat elders who are missing teeth. To me, there’s nothing more satisfying than seeing the smile on their faces after they get back their missing teeth

I have a special interest in implant dentistry as well as specific training for this from the prestige Royal College of Surgeons of England which is called as- Diploma in implant dentistry, Royal college of surgeons of England.

Miss Stacee Burns

Receptionist /Dental Assistant

I’m a local Bendigo girl who has been here all my life, I love spending time with my family and friends. Having experience as a Medical receptionist, I am very excited to create a new career in the Dental world.

Whitehills Dental Practice