Teeth whitening is one of the top beauty concerns for Australians, not just because it evens out discoloured teeth and brightens a smile, but also because it reduces gum inflammation, bleeding gums and sensitivity. It’s one of the easiest and quickest ways to get a smile makeover without the cost or inconvenience of having your teeth professionally whitened.
However, this procedure isn’t always covered by Medicare or even by some private insurance companies so it’s often an out-of-pocket expense for the patient. Get to know more about teeth whitening, Melbourne, so you can decide whether it’s an investment for you or not.
What can you expect from professional teeth whitening
Professional teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure. In-office teeth whitening is more expensive than at-home kits, but it’s also more effective. The results are immediate. You can expect your teeth to be several shades lighter after just one treatment. Maintain your results with at-home care and regular touch-ups.
At-home teeth whitening kits are becoming more and more popular as well. These kits use lower concentrations of bleaching agents than what you’ll find at the dentist, so they take longer to work.
The results of either are not permanent, and with professional whitening, you may need to touch up your teeth every few years. Still, far better and longer lasting than the first.
If you want to give it a try on your own, do some research first and make sure that the teeth whitening product is FDA approved. Most people will notice some change in their teeth colour after using an at-home kit for a couple of weeks.
Finding your best option
With recent innovations, teeth whitening is not only effective but done in different ways. Living in a big city like Melbourne gives you many options! It can get overwhelming. Here’s how you can narrow them down:
Know your budget: If you’re looking for an affordable option, it is best to go for a DIY kit. However, if you want something professional and more reliable, opt for a dentist-run clinic or even a dental practice that offers the service.
No matter where you live or what dental practice you use, tooth whitening costs money. But depending on the dental treatment type, there are ways to save money. For instance, if you’re paying for private health insurance that includes dental cover, ask if they cover cosmetic treatments like tooth whitening before committing to anything else. You could also look online for deals on Groupon vouchers or similar discount sites.
Know what you want: Do you want to lighten your teeth only slightly or do you want them to be as white as possible? What about sensitivity? Do you want your teeth to look natural or will they be better off with veneers? These are all factors that play into the decision-making process when choosing where and how to whiten your teeth.
If you just want to whiten your teeth, you can take a trip to the dentist or get a home kit. If you have sensitive teeth, you can look for products that contain potassium nitrate.
If you have yellowing from medication use or smoke, you need a professional treatment that can break up the stains. This is often done in-office with a laser or light.
If you want whiter teeth but also want to address other issues, like sensitivity or plaque build-up, a dentist might recommend an in-office treatment followed by a prescription mouthwash and toothpaste.
A professional teeth whitening, Melbourne, treatment can take 30 minutes to an hour depending on how many teeth need whitening and how severe the staining is. A home kit takes two hours to complete and results last longer than in-office options because they involve no chemicals being placed directly on your gums and enamel (which could cause sensitivity).
Consider your comfort level: The method of whitening chosen should be one that makes you feel comfortable with the procedure being done on your mouth. Ensure that all instructions are followed carefully so that no harm comes to your mouth during the process but also ensure there is minimal discomfort during the process itself.
Location: Are you an inner-city dweller or do you live farther out? In the city, there are more options close by and some offer same-day service. Out in the suburbs and regional areas, it may take longer to get an appointment with a dentist who offers this service and they might not be as efficient at getting you on your way. So how far do you want to travel?
What do I need?: If this is your first time trying teeth whitening, then I suggest going with the most basic treatment plan first and seeing how well it works for you. If you are happy with the results, then try something a little more advanced next time. If not, then stick with a basic treatment plan or ask your dentist for suggestions on what might work better for you.
Do You Offer A Warranty?: Some dentists offer their patients a warranty on their teeth whitening treatments; others don’t. If this is important to you, find out whether your dentist does provide it and what kind of warranty they provide, before making your choice.
The teeth whitening procedure
The teeth whitening procedure is relatively simple. The dentist will first use a light to examine your teeth and determine the level of tooth discolouration. They will then clean your teeth, apply a protective layer on them and place a gel containing hydrogen peroxide onto your teeth.
The gel is activated by the light and causes a chemical reaction that releases oxygen molecules into your teeth. This process breaks down stains and other deposits on your teeth, making them whiter.
After several minutes of applying the chemical to your teeth and gums, most people feel a warm sensation as the peroxide works its magic. Once you’ve had enough time with the peroxide, your dentist will rinse it off with water and then apply a fluoride treatment to help strengthen and protect your enamel.
Now, dentists can also whiten your teeth using laser treatment. In this procedure, they have to whiten each tooth, which takes longer than the usual method, but gives better results.
FAQs
Teeth whitening is one of the most sought-after cosmetic dentistry procedures. Modern advances in teeth whitening technology have made it an affordable and convenient procedure. Here are some quick answers to the most common questions.
How long does professional teeth whitening take?
One session can take anywhere between 30 minutes to two hours. It depends on the colour of your teeth, the method used, and your oral health. Multiple sessions may be necessary. An in-office consultation is the best way to assess what your teeth needs.
Does professional teeth whitening hurt?
You may experience some sensitivity or discomfort during and after the procedure, but it should go away within hours or days. The pain is usually caused by sensitivity to the whitening agent.
The professional whitening procedure should be painless, but your dentist may apply a cold pack or other numbing agents to reduce sensitivity. If the pain persists, call your dentist.
What should I do after professional teeth whitening?
You can eat and drink normally after the procedure. Be sure to avoid any foods with high acid content (such as lemons, limes, tomatoes and vinegar) for at least 24 hours after treatment.
Can I get the same results as professional whitening at home?
Yes! You can buy over-the-counter (OTC) products that contain hydrogen peroxide for at-home use, but these don’t always work as well as professional treatments or last as long before fading.
Professional whitening treatments typically use a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide and also include other ingredients that help to speed up the process. Your dentist can recommend an OTC product if you prefer not to use professional products.
They also may not be as safe and effective. If you’re considering using an OTC product, ask your dentist for advice before purchasing one. He or she can tell you if it will work well for you and provide tips on how to use it properly.
Are teeth whiteners safe?
Yes, teeth whitening is safe when done by a dental professional. Home kits don’t include protective measures like fluoride varnish or dental sealants that help keep your teeth strong and prevent cavities.
What should I do if my teeth start to turn blue?
If your teeth begin to turn blue from whitening, try to find an alternative treatment. If you’re using a whitening strip or gel that contains hydrogen peroxide, stop using it and contact your dentist immediately.
How much does teeth whitening cost in Melbourne?
The cost of teeth whitening varies from person to person, with the price generally falling between $250 and $500 per application. That said, the total cost can depend on several factors, including how many applications you need and how much time you spend getting them done.
Post-treatment care tips
The most important thing to remember is that teeth whitening is a process. Getting your teeth professionally whitened is only the first step in a long-term plan to keep them looking their best.
After you’ve had your teeth whitened, you’ll want to follow a few simple steps to keep your smile looking its best. These include:
Maintaining a healthy diet and lifestyle. Your teeth will be more sensitive for about two days after treatment, so it’s important to eat carefully and avoid hard or crunchy foods. You should also avoid smoking for 24 hours after your treatment, as smoking can cause staining on your teeth.
Using a soft-bristled toothbrush and gentle toothpaste. Brushing and flossing with this type of toothbrush and paste will help prevent any sensitivity or gum irritation that may occur after treatment. If you notice the sensitivity is unchanged, try a different toothpaste.
Visiting the dentist regularly. As with all cosmetic treatments, it’s important to visit your dentist regularly for checkups and professional cleanings — at least once every six months — so that they can catch any problems before they become serious issues. You may also want to consider taking a maintenance treatment every three years, which can include scaling, polishing and fluoride treatments.
Is Teeth Whitening For You?
Teeth whitening is not a one-time process, but rather a series of treatments that must be repeated periodically. At minimum, it can cost a couple of hundred dollars out of your own pocket per session, so it’s not a cheap one-time expense but it’s worth the investment in yourself.
If you’re considering teeth whitening, Melbourne, it’s important to know what you’re getting into before making any decisions about whether it’s for you or not. Ready to start with a consultation? Book an appointment with us at BlueSpa Dental.