How Teeth Whitening Works
There are many different teeth whitening products out there. But they all use the same basic active ingredient – peroxides such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide. Most teeth whitening products from whitening toothpastes to home whitening kits, whitening mouthwashes and professional teeth whitening systems use peroxide to whiten your teeth.
The way it works is simple. Hydrogen and carbamide peroxide contain volatile oxygen molecules. When they contact an organic stain on your tooth enamel, they react violently and “break” the chemical bond that holds the stain onto your teeth. In turn, this bleaches the stain away, and restores the natural white appearance of your enamel.
Depending on the amount of peroxide used and the length of the treatment, you may be able to whiten your teeth up to 5-8 shades or more in just a single appointment at Mouda Laser & Skin Clinic.
What Can I Expect From The Teeth Whitening Process?
The process of teeth whitening treatment at Mouda Laser & Skin Clinic is quite simple. First, you can choose between a 60 or 90 minute session. Then, one of our beauty technicians will apply a special compound to your gums to protect them from the peroxide, which can irritate them with prolonged exposure.
Next, your cheeks and gums will be retracted using plastic retractors. Then, we’ll apply
whitening compound directly to your teeth using a whitening tray. This will be left in place for several minutes as the peroxide bleaches away the stains on your teeth.
Then, the whitening compound will be rinsed away and removed, and your trays will be loaded with fresh whitener, and replaced in your mouth. This process will be repeated several times, depending on the level of your staining and your desired level of brightness. We’ll work with you before your appointment to determine the results that are right for you.
Does Teeth Whitening Have Any Side Effects?
Tooth sensitivity is the only common side effect of teeth whitening. Your teeth may feel a bit sensitive for a few days after your treatment, but this will subside in time. However, if you have naturally sensitive teeth, this effect could last up to a few weeks.
Tooth sensitivity is a completely normal side effect and is not a cause for concern. The best way to address this issue is by using an anti-sensitivity toothpaste such as Sensodyne. These products help reduce the effect of sensitivity when eating and drinking hot and cold foods and beverages, and you can continue using an anti-sensitivity toothpaste until your teeth recover and begin to feel normal.
Am I A Good Candidate?
While I’m sure we’d all love the supermodel-white smiles(who-wouldn’t?!) its important to note that not all teeth are suitable for whitening. Whilst completely safe teeth whitening is not suitable for pregnant or breastfeeding mothers, or for those under the age of 14.
Besides this, as long as you have healthy teeth and gums that are free of issues like tooth decay and gum disease, you are likely a good candidate for teeth whitening.
If you have good dental health but you have issues like teeth stains and yellowing that are making you feel self-conscious and embarrassed about your smile, teeth whitening is a great way to restore your appearance and feel great about your smile once again.
Will Teeth Whitening Affect My Dental Work?
Teeth whitening is an appropriate treatment for just about every person with serious teeth
staining. However, you should note that it will not change the colour or affect the appearance of any dental work you have, such as veneers, dental crowns, dental implants, and other such prosthetic teeth. The materials used to create these dental prostheses do not respond to whitening. If you have dental work, the best option is to whiten your natural teeth to match the shade of your dental work, as this will provide you with a beautiful and even smile.
Maintaining your whiter, brighter smile
As with any cosmetic treatment – dental or otherwise – what happens when you leave the clinic can be just as important as what happens in the chair. To maintain your new whiter teeth and achieve optimal dental hygiene, we recommend you:
- Continue to brush your teeth properly, twice daily
- Floss every day
- Avoid smoking
- Drink plenty of water and avoid drinks and foods likely to stain your teeth (coffee, black tea, red wine – anything that can stain a white shirt can stain your teeth especially post whitening) or consider drinking them through a straw.
Schedule Your Teeth Whitening Consultation In Greater Sydney Now!
Compared to using an at-home whitening kit, professional teeth whitening from Mouda Laser & Skin Clinic provides faster results, and is safer and more effective. If you have stained teeth in the greater Sydney area and are interested in restoring your smile, we’re here to help.
To learn more and find out if you’re a good candidate for teeth whitening, you can contact us online, give us a call at (02) 9636 3123, or stop by in person at our office, which is located at Shop 1a/52 Dunmore Street Wentworthville 2145. We hope to see you soon!