Teeth Whitening in Hervey Bay
Smile Dental Hervey Bay (formally White Dental Co.) offers two effective methods for teeth whitening: in-chair treatments and convenient at-home kits. Teeth whitening has become a popular cosmetic dental procedure, often paired with other treatments like porcelain veneers.
Various whitening treatments are available, each differing in effectiveness, cost, and safety. Many patients start with over-the-counter solutions, such as whitening toothpaste, which can effectively remove surface stains caused by coffee, wine, and other foods. Popular whitening toothpaste brands are generally safe and affordable.
However, if whitening toothpaste doesn’t achieve the desired results, it’s crucial to avoid unverified internet remedies that claim to be safe—many are not. If you find that over-the-counter options are insufficient, it’s time to consult a dentist.
At Smile Dental Hervey Bay (formally White Dental Co.), we encourage you to reach out with any questions about safe and effective teeth whitening options.
Will whitening work for you?
Before attempting teeth whitening, it’s essential to identify the cause of any discolouration. The first step at Smile Dental Hervey Bay (formally White Dental Co.) is to thoroughly examine the patient’s teeth to determine the source of the loss of brightness.
During this examination, our dental professionals look for factors that may contribute to increased tooth sensitivity during treatment. Common causes include:
- thin or worn enamel
- receding gums
- tooth decay
- broken teeth or fillings
- existing tooth sensitivity.
If such conditions exist, we will recommend treating them before embarking on any whitening procedure. It’s essential to begin with a healthy smile!
In most cases, professional teeth cleaning will precede a whitening treatment. Sometimes, cleaning alone makes teeth brighter!
Teeth Whitening Options at Smile Dental Hervey Bay
Smile Dental Hervey Bay (formally White Dental Co.) offers two methods of teeth whitening: in-chair treatments and at-home kits.
In-Chair Whitening Treatments
In-chair teeth whitening is an effective method conducted at Smile Dental Hervey Bay. We use Colgate’s White Light-Up 10% In-Office Kit. Colgate’s serum contains 10% hydrogen peroxide, which is strong enough to irritate gums and cause soft tissue damage. For the safety of patients, this strength serum is only available for in-office application by professional dentists.
During treatment, our dentist will apply a whitening serum to the front of each tooth. Next, an LED device is used to amplify the whitening effect. Results are typically seen after just 30 minutes of treatment.
We have chosen the Colgate Whitening System because it effectively whitens teeth in a relatively short period. The system is designed to minimise post-whitening sensitivity, a common issue with earlier in-chair whitening systems.
After treatment, patients can take the LED device home for occasional whitening touch-ups. They can also purchase the Colgate Whitening Pen, which contains a 6% whitening solution. We will explain how (and how often) to use the pen safely at home.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening Treatments
At-home whitening kits offer a gradual, regulated approach to whitening. We prefer Colgate’s Optic White Light-Up Dentist-Exclusive Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kit (with 6% hydrogen peroxide) for a more comfortable patient experience at Smile Dental Hervey Bay.
Unlike other whitening kits, Optic White Light-Up doesn’t require impressions, custom-fitted trays, whitening gels, or extended wearing times. Instead, patients are shown how to paint their teeth with the whitening serum using a precision pen. They then wear an LED whitening device for 10 minutes for up to 10 days.
Most people experience little or no sensitivity with Colgate’s take-home whitening kits, but our instructions must be followed carefully to achieve the best results.
Before you begin whitening treatment, we will explain the fees, timelines, benefits, and risks associated with each option, so you can decide which best suits your needs.
Keeping your smile bright after a teeth whitening procedure
Teeth will stay brighter for longer after whitening if you follow some simple guidelines. Avoiding coffee, red wine, and other tooth-staining foods and beverages can help maintain your whitening results. Daily brushing and flossing, drinking plenty of water, choosing a tooth-friendly diet, and scheduling regular dental check-ups at Smile Dental Hervey Bay (formally White Dental Co.) will help keep your teeth and gums healthy and looking their best.
