How Does Teeth Whitening Work? Ways To Maintain The White Smile

How Does Teeth Whitening Work 1

[et_pb_section fb_built=”1″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_row _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_column type=”4_4″ _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”][et_pb_text _builder_version=”4.16″ _module_preset=”default” global_colors_info=”{}”]

Modern technology has made teeth whitening an exceptionally safe and effective cosmetic dental treatment that can be performed by your dentist or from the comfort of your own home using professional custom whitening trays and gel. Whatever your budget and preference, Radiant Smiles Dental Group has a teeth whitening solution to dramatically enhance your smile and boost your self-confidence.  

If you are contemplating brightening your smile, you may be wondering, how does teeth whitening work? Teeth whitening methods vary between dental practices based on the strength of the whitening agent. At Radiant Smile Dental Group, we offer the most requested professional teeth whitening brand, Philips Zoom, for our in-chair and take-home whitening treatments.

 

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Although teeth whitening products work differently, the common active ingredient is the whitening agent. Whitening treatments contain either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which are what create the appearance of a brighter smile after treatment. 

The difference between the two agents is that hydrogen peroxide is a standalone whitener, while carbamide peroxide contains 10% hydrogen peroxide to every 30% carbamide peroxide. While hydrogen peroxide releases most of its whitening agent within the first 15-30 minutes of application, carbamide peroxide remains active up to six hours following application. It releases only 50% of its whitening agent in the first 2 hours. 

They’re equally effective, but the longer active timeframe for carbamide peroxide makes it ideal for overnight use, which is why it’s the active agent in Philips Zoom take-home trays for nighttime use. 

Teeth are porous, so the gel containing a whitening agent is absorbed into the dentin and enamel layers of your teeth. The activated whitening agent breaks down the staining pigments into smaller molecules before dispersing them and leaving your smile looking brighter than before. 

With Philips Zoom in-chair teeth whitening, the process is accelerated using ultraviolet light following the gel application. The light activates the bleach for a smile that is up to 8 shades whiter in just one hour.

 

Options for Teeth Whitening Treatments

How does teeth whitening work at your Bundoora dentist? Radiant Smiles Dental Group offers two options for whitening treatments, so you can choose the teeth whitening method that suits your schedule. 

Our in-chair whitening treatment is the most popular cosmetic dentistry solution we offer. Using Philips-Zoom whitening technology, your smile will be noticeably whiter in less than an hour, making in-chair teeth whitening a quick and result-driven solution for tooth discolouration. 

If you prefer a more convenient option to administer on your schedule, we also offer Philips Zoom take-home whitening kits. These are more effective than off the shelf options from your local store; since the treatment is still monitored by a professional and uses custom trays, the whitening agent is stronger for a better result.

possible risks is teeth whitening safe gordonThe take-home kits come in various concentrations, allowing you to select how many hours a day or night you want to wear your custom whitening trays. The percentage of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide in the gel directly correlates to the number of hours you need to wear the tray to see an improvement in the brightness of your smile. 

Carbamide peroxide is the active agent in the Philips Zoom nighttime whitening kits because of its slow release. You can enjoy daytime whitening with fewer hours wearing the tray with a gel containing hydrogen peroxide. 

Before you take your kit home, the dentist takes dental impressions of your upper and lower arch so that your custom trays can be fabricated at a lab. When your trays are ready and take the kit home, you simply fill the tray with one drop of gel in each of the tooth wells and place it in your mouth. Because your trays are designed for your unique smile, they won’t leak or spill, so your gums are protected. If you wear the trays according to your dentist’s directions, you’ll see noticeable results after 14 days.

 

What to Expect from In-Chair Whitening Treatments?

When you arrive on the day of your teeth whitening treatment, your dentist begins by polishing your teeth to remove plaque so they’re clean and ready for the whitening gel application.

Next, your dentist may use cheek retractors to pull your lips and cheeks away from your teeth. They might use gauze to isolate the teeth and keep them dry from your saliva. The dentist also covers your gums with a rubber shield or a protective gel to ensure none of the whitening gel irritates your gums.

When used to repair decaying teeth, dental fillings keep bacteria from entering the cavity and causing further damage. Talk to your dentist about whether a composite resin filling is the right solution for your chipped, misshapen, or decaying tooth.

When your mouth is fully prepped, your dentist applies the whitening gel to the front surfaces of your teeth. Next, a light is used to activate the whitening agent for 15 minutes. 

Your dentist monitors the teeth whitening process and rinses your teeth after 15 minutes before repeating the process twice to achieve the desired shade.  

 

Maintaining Your Smile

At-home tooth whitening treatment is an excellent option for preserving your brightened smile between visits to the dentist. However, there are several other ways you can keep your teeth looking whiter for longer. 

  • Avoid heavily pigmented foods and beverages, including coffee, tea, red wine, chocolate, and tomato sauces.
  • Reduce the amount of acidic and sugary foods in your diet, as they weaken the tooth’s enamel, making it absorb stains more easily.
  • Quit smoking and using tobacco products.
  • Brush and floss twice per day, and use a mouthwash once per day. 
  • Visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleaning. 

 Get affordable teeth whitening in Bundoora.

Make Your Smile Radiant 

Tooth discolouration can affect your self-confidence and desire to socialise, but it doesn’t have to hold you back. At Radiant Smiles Dental Group, we have whitening treatments for every budget, timeframe, and smile. 

To book your appointment or find out more about our cosmetic dentistry treatments, contact us today on (03) 9000 0537 or fill out our online form to begin your journey to a radiant smile. 

[/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]