How to Achieve a Brighter Smile
We all dream of having a beautiful white “Hollywood” type of smile and think it is only for the movie stars.
We want our teeth to be dazzling bright white.
It may be possible that achieving a beautiful white smile is more straightforward and cost-effective than you think!
Of course, most of our movie stars have invested in having crowns or veneers placed on their teeth to give them a gorgeous smile.
Our Passion Family North Lakes dentists are happy to discuss these treatments with you at your next appointment.
Often, a more accessible and more affordable way to brighten our smiles is by having a teeth whitening treatment.
Over-The-Counter Whitening Treatments
All over-the-counter toothpastes promise to whiten our teeth, but their effect can sometimes be limited.
These toothpastes might be too abrasive and can damage teeth if used longer.
We also sometimes see pop-up stalls in our shopping centres, advertised on television or Facebook, selling various teeth whitening brands.
Though some of these systems appear okay, our concerns lie in the whitening delivery system.
There is a vast difference between the over-the-counter trays and the special laboratory-made trays that your North Lakes dentist would make for you.
Trays made using a model made from impressions of your mouth will fit much better and work more effectively than trays made to fit anyone’s mouth.
In Chair Whitening
This might be the way to go if you need to obtain bright white teeth quickly, as the effects are immediate.
Firstly, we need to make sure your teeth are nice and clean. We then apply products that protect your gums, lips, etc.
Avoid contact with the whitening gel. Your North Lakes dentist will then carefully apply the gel to your teeth and let it do its job.
After some time, the gel is washed off, and the patient is shown the effect after treatment. If necessary, this process can be carried out several times until the desired level of whitening is achieved.
This whitening gel has a much stronger concentration than other whitening products, and as a result, the effects are quicker to achieve. A dentist applies it.
The drawback of the quickness of this type of whitening treatment is that patients sometimes experience teeth sensitivity afterwards.
Take Home Whitening Kits
Take-home whitening kits are the most popular, long-term, and cost-effective way to whiten teeth.
Your North Lakes dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create a mould. From this mould, whitening trays are fabricated to fit your teeth perfectly and comfortably.
You will be given some tubules of the whitening gel to apply to the trays. Depending on the gel concentration, you wear the trays once a day for fifteen to forty-five minutes.
You will gradually see the whitening effects on your teeth. This more gradual whitening is gentler on the teeth than the In-Chair system, so teeth sensitivity is less likely.
If you experience some sensitivity, you can simply apply sensitive toothpaste to the trays and wear them like a whitening gel.
The most significant advantage of this system is that after you have achieved the whitening effect you want, you simply care for your trays (store them in a cool, dark drawer), and six or twelve months later, you can whiten your teeth again at minimal cost.
Things To Be Aware Of If Considering Whitening
If you are thinking of doing a whitening treatment of any sort, there are a few things you need to be aware of:
- Sensitivity: Teeth whitening can cause sensitivity. Always follow the instructions carefully to minimise discomfort.
- Pre-Whitening Care: Before starting any whitening treatment, a complete dental exam and cleaning are recommended. Decay or plaque can impact results, so it’s best to address dental issues first.
- Soft Tissue Care: Protect your gums and lips during whitening, especially when using higher-concentration gels.
- Existing Dental Work: Remember that fillings, crowns, and veneers won’t respond to whitening treatments. You may need additional treatments to ensure an even appearance if you have these.
- Gum Health: Those with significant gum disease should avoid whitening treatments until their condition is under control.
- Pregnancy: If you’re pregnant, it’s best to consult your doctor before starting any whitening treatment.
How Long Will It Last?
Every teeth whitening system has its limitations. Your teeth will not remain that perfect shade of white forever. (This is why the Take-Home Kits are so popular.)
Food and drink pigments can cause whitening relapse, which is teeth staining.
Try to avoid drinks and food that will stain your teeth. A good rule of thumb is that if something stains your nice white shirt, it will also stain your teeth.
Some food and drinks to avoid include:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red Wine
- Tomato Sauce/paste
- Curry
- Balsamic Vinegar
- Soy Sauce
- Some Berries
These foods should be avoided, particularly during the whitening process and for a short time after completion, as teeth are the most susceptible to re-staining.
What Else You Should Know
If stained or discoloured teeth prevent you from smiling, a teeth whitening system might be the solution for a dazzled smile.
Research has shown that smiling releases happy endorphins, which help us feel and look younger. They can also improve self-confidence and brighten our mood.
Our experienced team at Passion Family Dental North Lakes is happy to answer any questions you may have about which whitening system is best for you.
Teeth Whitening in North Lakes
Ready to transform your smile?
At Passion Family Dental North Lakes, we believe that putting our clients first is the best way to provide them with high-quality dental care.
Promotions (Terms and conditions apply)
Customised Take-Home Whitening Kit
– Teeth Whitening take-home package for $329 only
Includes two customised individual whitening trays, whitening gel, and case for both upper and lower teeth
To book an appointment, call us on (07) 3465 1199 or visit us online here.
We are located at Unit 4/6 Endeavour Boulevard in North Lakes.
