Queries about teeth whitening answered
It is one of the most common complaints that our team receives from our patients; they simply feel that their teeth are not white enough!
Many people want to have the Hollywood smile and as dentists, we are more than happy to help you reach that aesthetic goal. But it is worth noting that such a goal cannot be achieved at home using over-the-counter whitening treatments or kits and you will need to see a professional to get your teeth sparkling or head-turning white.
At the Dental Retreat, our teeth whitening Macleod is a comfortable and easy process that you take the lead on. We will whiten your teeth to the shade you require and will offer you advice and tools to maintain your bright, white smile at home for as long as possible. Perfect!
But if you have never had teeth whitening Macleod before, you may have some questions about the process and associated issues such as dental sensitivity.
Here, our team answers common queries that we receive from patients who wish to have their teeth whitened.
How do dentists whiten teeth?
When it comes to teeth whitening Macleod, our team typically offers 2 whitening treatments which depend on the type of staining that you have.
If your staining is due to issues such as smoking or drinking black coffee, then we will offer a bleach-based whitening system, which will involve the painting of bleach and the use of an oxidising gel to remove the stains from the surface of the enamel. If your staining is due to early exposure to fluoride or medication, then we will typically use an abrasion based whitening which can be a bit more complicated and may require additional procedures to ensure that your enamel is not damaged.
Will it cause sensitivity?
The bleaches that we use at the Dental Retreat have built-in anti-sensitivity systems, so there may be a bit of a twinge for a few days following whitening using these bleaches but this should be temporary.
If you have sensitive teeth and are concerned about how whitening may heighten this, please talk to our team and we will explore options with you.
Can I have my teeth whitened if I have composite fillings?
Yes, you can have your teeth whitened if you have composite fillings, however, it is worth noting that composite fillings cannot be whitened in the same way as enamel. So you may also need to have your fillings replaced to match the colour of the surrounding tooth.
Alternatively, there are options for whitening your teeth such as porcelain veneers which may be more suitable if you have composite fillings on your front teeth.
How long will the effects last?
The effects of professional dental whitening can last anywhere from 3 months to 3 years depending on if it is maintained in the home and on your lifestyle.
For instance, if you smoke cigarettes, drink red wine or coffee, then it is unlikely that you will retain the whitening effect for as long as somebody who does not engage in these activities.
Are there alternatives to whitening?
There are a few alternatives to traditional whitening and one of them was mentioned earlier. Veneers can be made in any shade you wish and rather than using bleaches or gels, they are simply placed over the front of the tooth and secured there using dental cement creating an instant whitening effect.
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.