Teeth Whitening in North Melbourne, VIC

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure aimed at enhancing the colour of teeth that may appear discoloured or stained. This treatment is designed to improve the shade of your teeth for aesthetic reasons. Dental professionals at Genesis Dentists can determine the cause of tooth discoloration and recommend the most effective tooth whitening treatments.

At Genesis Dentists, professional teeth whitening involves applying a dental-grade bleaching agent, usually containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The concentration of the whitening gel varies depending on whether the treatment is done in our clinic or at home, with higher concentration gels used in our practice.

Teeth whitening, conducted by our dental professionals, is a safe process. It involves the application of regulated whitening agents to the teeth, ensuring both the safety and effectiveness of the treatment.

An in-practice teeth whitening session at Genesis Dentists usually takes about an hour. This involves using a robust hydrogen peroxide gel, often accompanied by a special light to enhance the whitening effect, and offers immediate results. We might also suggest a follow-up with our at-home whitening treatment for sustained results.

The outcome of teeth whitening varies among individuals. Factors influencing the results include the initial colour of your teeth, the type of staining, and the chosen whitening method. Generally, our professional teeth whitening leads to a noticeable enhancement in the brightness of your teeth.

The longevity of teeth whitening results can differ. Professional in-practice whitening typically lasts from six months up to two years, influenced by dietary habits, oral hygiene, and tobacco use. At-home whitening kits tend to maintain the results for six months to a year. Regular dental care and avoiding staining substances can help prolong the effects.

It’s common to experience temporary tooth sensitivity and minor gum inflammation after vital tooth whitening. This sensitivity usually diminishes shortly after the treatment. We may recommend specific products to reduce sensitivity during and after the whitening process.

Most adults are suitable candidates for teeth whitening. However, it’s not advised for children or pregnant women. An initial dental examination, including a review of your health and dental history, is crucial before any whitening procedures to identify factors causing tooth discoloration and any history of tooth sensitivity.

Other than temporary tooth sensitivity and mild gum irritation, teeth whitening is generally safe under professional guidance. Following the dentist’s instructions can help minimise potential side effects.

Teeth whitening is most effective on external (surface) stains. It may be less effective on internal (deep) stains, discoloured restorations, or certain discolorations caused by medications or tooth injuries.

In-practice whitening at Genesis Dentists offers quicker and more pronounced results using stronger bleaching agents, typically in a single session. At-home kits provide a gradual improvement over a few weeks, using lower-strength whitening gels.

To maintain the whiteness of your teeth post-whitening, it’s important to practice good oral hygiene, avoid foods and drinks that stain teeth, refrain from smoking, and attend regular dental check-ups. Some patients may also need periodic touch-up treatments, as suggested by their dentist.

Teeth whitening does not alter the colour of dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, or veneers. If these restorations become noticeably different from your newly whitened natural teeth, they may need to be replaced to match.

The cost of professional teeth whitening at Genesis Dentists varies, depending on the chosen treatment method. For accurate pricing, we recommend scheduling a consultation with one of our dentists.

Teeth whitening is typically categorised as a cosmetic procedure and is not usually necessary for oral health. As a result, most dental insurance plans do not cover it. Patients can explore various financing options to manage the costs of teeth whitening treatments.

The frequency of safe teeth whitening depends on the method and individual sensitivity. For professional in-practice whitening, we generally recommend no more than once annually to avoid over-bleaching and sensitivity. For at-home kits, adhering to the manufacturer’s instructions and your dentist’s recommendations is essential.

While home teeth whitening is feasible with various over-the-counter products, consulting a dentist beforehand is advised. Our dentists can assess if your teeth and gums are suitable for whitening and recommend the most appropriate products.

Before a teeth whitening session at Genesis Dentists, we advise a dental check-up to address any oral health concerns. A professional cleaning is also beneficial for removing surface stains and plaque, enhancing the effectiveness of the whitening treatment.

Teeth whitening effectively removes many external stains from food, drinks, and smoking. However, it may be less effective against internal discolorations caused by certain medications, tooth injuries, or fluorosis. In such cases, alternative treatments like veneers might be more appropriate.

Smoking can significantly compromise the outcomes of teeth whitening. The stains from tobacco products can counteract whitening effects and quickly lead to re-staining. For lasting results, reducing or quitting smoking is highly recommended.