Teeth whitening; FAQs answered by our cosmetic dentist
One of the most popular and easiest of all cosmetic dental options is tooth whitening.
It brightens your smile, makes your teeth look healthier and. of course, has the added bonus of being customizable to whichever shade you wish it to be. Furthermore, the treatment is relatively quick and can even be topped up at home in your own time with trays and custom-designed gels.
But, as dental technologies have advanced, many patients find that what they thought they knew about having their teeth whitened has changed, leading to a myriad of other enquiries about this procedure.
In this blog, Dr Bobby Chhoker, an experienced cosmetic dentist, answers the most common questions that he and his team are asked about tooth whitening.
Who is suitable for tooth whitening?
If you have healthy teeth and gums, you can be suitable for dental whitening performed by cosmetic dentist Bondi Junction, Dr Bobby Chhoker.
If you have had extensive cosmetic procedures performed before having your teeth whitened, such as veneers, crowns or dental implants, then you may not obtain the results you desire from having your teeth whitened. Tooth whitening is designed to whiten enamel and may not be beneficial if you have porcelain veneers or crowns.
If you aren’t sure whether it can benefit you, please talk to Dr Bobby Chhoker during your consultation.
What are the methods used?
When Dr Bobby Chhoker, cosmetic dentist Bondi Junction, whitens your teeth, he will usually use a bleach-based system that utilises oxidizing gels to remove deeply set stains present just underneath the enamel.
However, the method used will depend on the type of stain. So, for more deeply set stains, an abrasive technique may be used initially, and you may require multiple trips to achieve the results you want.
Will it worsen sensitivity?
There is always a slight risk with tooth whitening that any already present sensitivity will worsen. However, Dr Bobby Chhoker will inquire about your sensitivity issues before proceeding with treatment.
Modern dental whitening gels do not cause the problems that they once did but, if you have concerns about sensitivity yet still want whiter teeth, you may be more suited for composite or porcelain veneers.
How long do the effects last?
Tooth whitening is not permanent, and many factors play into how long the effects of oral whitening will last.
If you smoke or consume coffee or red wine regularly, then you may notice the effects of having your teeth whitened starting to fade away as little as a month post-treatment. Still, for most patients, the teeth remain whitened for at least 3 months.
How often can I have whitening redone?
Generally, it is acceptable to have your teeth whitened roughly every 3 months. However, Dr Bobby Chhoker and his team may advise against such regular treatment if you have had a bad reaction to previous whitening procedures, especially if this relates to oral sensitivity.
If you are interested in tooth whitening and want to know what your options are, please contact Dr Bobby Chhoker and his team today for an assessment.
DISCLAIMER
All treatment carries risks. Individual consultation is required with one of our practitioners to ensure that the treatment is right for you.