As the years roll by, our smiles often bear witness to the small joys and indulgences life brings. From that morning cup of tea or coffee to consuming highly pigmented food and other reasons, our teeth can sometimes lose their brightness. 

Enter teeth whitening – one of the most popular cosmetic dentistry procedures that breathe life back into your smile. Professional teeth whitening can remove even the most stubborn stains and discolouration from your teeth, restoring your pearly whites.  

Here at Purity Dental, we provide professional teeth whitening treatments tailored to your needs and preferences. It’s not just any whitening treatment; it’s a safe, reliable and effective way to whiten your teeth. 

What Causes Tooth Stains? 

Ever wondered why your once radiant pearly whites are beginning to lose their whiteness? The culprit is none other than tooth stains. These tooth stains are of two types:

• Extrinsic Stains – Stains or discolouration on the outer surface of your teeth are known as extrinsic stains. These stains could arise from highly-pigmented food and drinks you consume, such as coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and red sauces or habits such as smoking and alcohol consumption. Fear not because these are surface-level stains that don’t move past the tooth enamel, making them easier to remove. 
• Intrinsic Stains – Stains that occur inside the tooth structure are intrinsic stains. Internal stains are mostly from medications, dental trauma, metal fillings and root canal treatments. While these stains are harder to remove than extrinsic stains, they can be removed by treating the tooth from the inside.

Types of Teeth Whitening and How They Work 

At Purity Dental in Mulgrave, we offer two types of teeth whitening treatments. They are: 

In-Chair Whitening 

If you’re looking for a quick yet effective way to whiten your teeth, in-chair whitening is your best option. Performed by our dental professionals in our dental clinic, treatment usually takes around 60-90 minutes and gives you visibly whiter teeth. 

Unlike over-the-counter treatments, in-chair whitening treatments contain higher concentrations of whitening agents (hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). As a result, professional teeth whitening can effectively remove those pesky stains and discolouration more effectively. In-chair whitening is also one of the safest ways to whiten your teeth. 

Here’s how it works: 

• Initial consultation – When you visit our dental clinic for your whitening consultation, we will perform a comprehensive assessment of your mouth. This ensures that we address any lurking dental issues like tooth decay or gum disease before treatment begins.  
• Teeth cleaning – Next comes professional teeth cleaning, which we recommend doing before teeth whitening. A professional cleaning paves the way for the whitening treatment to work more effectively. We will also take records of the shade of your teeth to monitor your progress. 
• Tooth preparation – Using a retractor, we will expose the teeth, keeping the lips and cheek away. We will then apply a hardening resin or liquid rubber onto your gum tissue to prevent the bleaching gel from coming into contact with the gums and causing irritation. 
• Application – Our dentists will apply the bleaching gel onto your teeth in layers. It will be left for a few minutes before rinsing it away. Each layer will be activated using a special light, and this step will be repeated until we achieve the desired result. 

Take-Home Whitening  

For those who prefer to whiten their teeth in the comfort of home, at their own pace, our take-home whitening kits are for you. They include a custom-made whitening tray designed to fit your teeth comfortably. For that, we will first take impressions of your teeth before fabricating your custom-made whitening tray. 

Our friendly dentists will provide detailed instructions on how to use these at-home whitening kits. You will have to wear these trays daily for 15-30 minutes over two weeks. 

Am I Suitable for Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment? 

Want to whiten your teeth but not sure if you are a suitable candidate? A visit to our dental clinic is all it takes to know if teeth whitening is safe for you. When you come in for a consultation, our dentists will comprehensively assess your mouth and determine your eligibility. 

In general, however, teeth whitening treatments are suitable for most people. However, there may be instances where you may not be eligible, especially if you: 

• Have sensitive teeth 
• Have gum disease
• Have untreated dental problems 
• Have cracks or holes in your teeth 
• Are pregnant or breastfeeding 
• Have dental restorations 

What Are the Benefits of Teeth Whitening? 

• Professional teeth whitening is a quick and non-invasive treatment. 
• Professional teeth whitening isn’t a one-size-fits-all treatment. We customise the treatment to meet your needs and requirements.
• Restores your smile by removing stains and discolouration effectively in just one visit. 
• Improves oral health and overall well-being. 
• With proper care and maintenance, your whitened teeth can last longer. 
• Professional whitening treatments are designed to minimise sensitivity and prevent irritation and other side effects. 
• Boosts your self-confidence. 

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last? 

With proper care and maintenance, teeth whitening results can last 6 to 12 months or longer. Here are a few steps you can take to keep your teeth whiter for longer. 

• Maintain good oral hygiene – Your daily oral hygiene routine plays a huge role in keeping stains at bay. So, brush your teeth twice daily and floss at least once daily. 
• Be mindful of your diet – Avoid consuming highly pigmented or acidic foods and drinks. Pigmented food can stain your teeth, while acidic foods and drinks can weaken your enamel, making it easier for stains to penetrate your teeth. 
• Use a straw when drinking staining beverages – This prevents the drinks from coming into contact with the outer surfaces of your teeth.
• Avoid smoking and consuming alcohol – Say no to smoking and alcohol, as these habits can reduce the longevity of your results. 
• Visit us for follow-up appointments – Keep the brilliance of your smile by visiting us for follow-up whitening appointments.
• Regular dental check-ups – Don’t forget to visit your dentist for regular check-ups and cleaning every six months. 

There you have it – your guide to professional teeth whitening. If you think your smile could use some teeth whitening magic, our friendly team is just a call away. Schedule an appointment today!