What Is Teeth Whitening?
Whitening products contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which pass through the enamel and lighten the colour of the tooth structure beneath. In-chair whitening uses a higher concentration applied by a practitioner in a single appointment. Take-home whitening uses a lower concentration in custom-made trays over a period of days or weeks.
Whitening only affects natural tooth structure. Fillings, crowns, veneers and bridges do not lighten, so existing restorations on visible teeth may need to be reviewed after whitening if they no longer match.
Not all discolouration responds. Staining from tetracycline, fluorosis, trauma or an underlying dental problem may respond poorly or not at all, and in those cases other options are discussed.
When Whitening May Be Considered
Whitening may be discussed where there is:
Whitening is not appropriate where there is untreated decay, gum disease, exposed dentine or cracked teeth, and is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding, or for children. Suitability is determined at consultation.
The Treatment Process
What supervised whitening generally involves at our Brunswick practice.
Your teeth and gums are examined, the cause of the discolouration is assessed, and your existing restorations are reviewed. Radiographs are taken where clinically indicated.
Surface staining and deposits may be removed first. In some cases a clean alone produces a noticeable change in appearance.
In-chair whitening is completed at the practice with the gums protected. For take-home whitening, custom trays are made and you are shown how to use the product safely.
A review checks the result and any sensitivity. Top-up whitening may be discussed, as the colour will change again over time.
In-Chair And Take-Home Whitening Compared
General information only. The appropriate option depends on your individual clinical circumstances.
What Whitening May Achieve
For suitable cases, supervised whitening may:
Outcomes vary between individuals and depend on your clinical circumstances, your oral health and how closely aftercare instructions are followed. No particular result can be guaranteed.
Risks And Considerations
Whitening carries risks and limitations, including:
Your practitioner will discuss the risks relevant to your circumstances, along with the alternatives and their associated risks, before any treatment begins.
Caring For Whitened Teeth
Patients are generally advised to:
Instructions are tailored to your individual treatment plan. If you have concerns after treatment, contact the practice for assessment.
Why Choose Brunswick Dental Practice For Whitening?
Our Brunswick practice provides supervised whitening as part of a broader range of general and cosmetic dental services, with an examination before any treatment begins.
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Your teeth, gums and existing restorations are examined and the cause of the discolouration assessed, so whitening is only used where it is appropriate.
You receive a written treatment plan and an itemised quote before any treatment begins, so the fees are clear up front.
Payment plan options can be discussed at your consultation. Terms and conditions apply.
In-chair whitening is applied by a practitioner with the gums protected; take-home whitening uses custom-made trays after instruction.
Where sensitivity occurs, the product or schedule can often be adjusted rather than treatment simply being stopped.
Fees, Health Funds And Payment
Fees for whitening vary according to the method chosen and whether take-home trays are required.
A written treatment plan and itemised quote are provided following your consultation, before treatment begins.
Health fund rebates may apply depending on your level of cover — check directly with your fund.
Payment plan options can be discussed at your consultation; terms and conditions apply.
We accept all health funds and are a preferred provider for NIB.
Frequently Asked Questions
This varies between individuals and depends on diet, smoking and oral hygiene. The colour changes again over time, and top-up treatment may be needed. Your practitioner will discuss what to expect.
Supervised whitening with properly applied products is not generally expected to damage healthy enamel, though sensitivity is common. Unsupervised use, or use on teeth with untreated problems, carries greater risk.
Peroxide can temporarily increase the sensitivity of the nerve inside the tooth. It usually settles after treatment, and the schedule or product can often be adjusted.
No. Only natural tooth structure lightens. Restorations on visible teeth may need review after whitening if they no longer match.
No. They generally contain lower concentrations, are not fitted to your teeth and involve no examination, so problems can go undetected. Poorly fitting trays also increase the risk of gum irritation.
Whitening is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding. Discuss timing with your practitioner.
This cannot be predicted precisely and varies between individuals. No particular shade can be guaranteed.
Where discolouration does not respond, your practitioner will discuss the alternatives, which may include bonding, veneers, a crown, or no treatment.
Book A Consultation
If you'd like to know whether whitening is appropriate for you, contact our Brunswick practice to arrange an examination. Your practitioner will assess the cause of the discolouration and discuss the suitable options, their risks and the alternatives.
Call (03) 9386 7981 or use the enquiry form above. All treatment is provided by registered dental practitioners in accordance with Australian professional standards.
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The information on this page is general in nature and is not a substitute for individual clinical advice. Any dental procedure carries risks. Speak with a registered dental practitioner about your individual circumstances before deciding on treatment.
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