There are essentially 2 main forms of tooth whitening (also refer as tooth bleaching) used by dentists
Take-Home Bleaching
A custom-made whitening trays are made to fit accurately against your upper and lower teeth.
You need to fill the trays with a special whitening gel and wear them once or twice a day usually for a set period of time (about 5-14 days), depending on the system used.
In-office Bleaching
The whole whitening process is performed mainly in the surgery. This involves the carefully controlled application of bleaching agents to the teeth by the dentist, followed by the application of strong lights to the teeth to activate and enhance the bleaching process.
This whitening option is completed in a much shorter time than the take home option.
We offer the popular ZOOM whitening system (the same system as seen on the TV show Extreme Makeover)
What are the side-effects of bleaching?
Tooth bleaching had not been shown to cause any damage or weaken the tooth. It is an extremely well-established procedure in cosmetic dentistry. Hydrogen Peroxide is usually the main active chemical used and has also been safely used for many years.
There will be some degree of tooth sensitivity as expected with any whitening gels. This is mainly to cold and/or hot fluids or sometimes even air. These side-effects usually subside within a few days.
If there is sensitivity, wear times can be reduced or made less frequent
We will provide you some desensitising toothpastes or gels to help to relieve this discomfort.