If you’re not happy with the colour of your teeth, professional teeth whitening might be worth considering. Teeth whitening is the process of making teeth appear whiter after they’ve become stained over time. But how does the teeth whitening process work? Bundoora Family Dental Clinic explains how this treatment works and what options are available.
How Teeth Staining Occurs
Although enamel, which is the hard outer surface of the teeth, seems solid, it is actually very porous and absorbent. The staining and discolouration that appears on teeth often occur when the compounds of certain foods and drinks infiltrate the porous enamel and build-up there. These foods and drinks can include pasta sauce, wine, and tea and coffee.
How Teeth Whitening Works
There are two chemicals that are commonly used in teeth whitening treatments: hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. These chemicals generate a chemical reaction that breaks apart the compounds causing the staining and discolouration, helping to lighten the appearance of teeth.
Teeth Whitening Treatments
In-Office Teeth Whitening
A dentist can perform a teeth whitening procedure that’s carried out within the dentist’s chair. This treatment starts with the dentist cleaning the patient’s teeth and afterwards applying a gel that contains between 10-35 per cent hydrogen peroxide. A high powered light may be used to help generate the desired chemical reaction. After the gel has been on the teeth long enough to achieve results, the dentist will remove it and then re-apply it again. This procedure usually takes approximately 45 minutes to an hour to complete.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Products
A dentist will take an impression of their patient’s teeth that will be used to construct soft dental trays that the patient will take home with them. The patient will fill the trays with a thin layer of gel that contains 10-20 per cent carbamide peroxide and wear these trays for either a few hours during the day or while they’re asleep.
Book an Appointment at Our Clinic Today
If you’re interesting in getting your teeth whitened, contact Bundoora Family Dental Clinic today. Call us on (03) 8560 1697 or use our online contact form to book an appointment.