Teeth Whitening

Are You Suitable For Teeth Whitening? 

You may be suitable for teeth whitening in Geelong if you have most of your permanent teeth and good oral health. However, you may not be suited for teeth whitening treatments if you:

• Have inadequate gum health, such as bleeding and receding gums
• Have multiple fillings on your  teeth as the fillings will not whiten
• Have crowns, caps, or tooth replacement solutions on your teeth as they will also not whiten

Some types of stains are also more difficult to treat than others. You can always ask your dentist for advice and treatment alternatives if teeth whitening is unsuitable for you.

The Teeth Whitening Process

Professional teeth whitening starts off with an examination by a dentist to see whether you are a suitable candidate for treatment. Your dentist will then discuss  the most suitable course of treatment for you. Usually, the dentist will recommend that your teeth be thoroughly cleaned and dental issues be managed before treatment can commence.

Teeth whitening treatment can be done in two ways: in-house whitening or whitening at home.

In-House Whitening

In-house whitening involves placing bleaching gel on your teeth and then using a Zoom whitening light. Protective barriers are placed on your inner cheeks and gums to protect them from the gel.

• 1-1.5 hours per appointment
• Almost immediate results
• Up to 8 shades whiter (individual results may vary)
• May be suitable for first-time whitening treatment

Whitening at Home

Whitening at home consists of custom-made whitening trays and gels that you can apply at home. It is usually recommended for the maintenance of in-house whitening.

• Generally done for 30 to 45 minutes 
• May be helpful for maintenance of whitening results
• May give optimal results when used together with in-house whitening

Teeth whitening aftercare and recovery

Avoid any foods that can cause  teeth staining for at least 48 hours after teeth whitening. Also avoid smoking and chewing tobacco products, as these activities can also leave stains on your teeth.

Some sensitivity is to be expected in the first 24-36 hours after teeth whitening. Avoid anything too cold or hot during this period.

Possible risks and complications

Tooth Sensitivity

As mentioned, this is usually temporary and should improve once the whitening agents are removed from the teeth.

Try using sensitive-relief toothpaste when brushing your teeth. Over-the-counter pain relievers may be considered to help relieve any discomfort. Discuss with your dentist if your tooth sensitivity persists.

Gum Irritation

Gum irritation can happen when the whitening agents are in contact with your gums, making them become red, swollen and sore. It usually resolves after a few days. Rinsing with salt water or using a topical numbing gel may help relieve any discomfort.

If you have gum disease, you may be more prone to gum irritation after getting your teeth whitened.

Burns And Blisters

In some cases, the whitening agents can cause burns or blisters on your gums due to improper placement in the bleaching trays. Please follow directions of use and ensure your bleaching trays are custom made by your dentist.

If you suffer from the burns or blisters on your gums, you may rinse your mouth with cold water and apply a topical numbing gel. If the pain persists, please see your dentist.

Allergic Reactions

In some cases, you may also have an allergic reaction to the bleaching agents used in teeth whitening. This can cause symptoms like hives, difficulty breathing, and facial swelling.

Contact your dentist or doctor as soon as possible if you experience any of these symptoms after teeth whitening.

Teeth Whitening At Geelong West Dental

Teeth whitening should be done under the care of qualified dental professionals who can advise you and keep track of your progress.

Here at Geelong West Dental, we have a team of dedicated dentists who will provide you with the professional guidance that you need. We are ready to answer any questions you may have and offer a proper assessment on teeth whitening treatments and options available. We offer a complimentary smile design consultation to discuss your concerns. (https://www.geelongwestdental.com.au/terms-and-conditions/)