Teeth whitening is a fast and easy way to brighten your teeth and make your smile more attractive. At Alphington Dental Care we offer take-home teeth whitening services using custom trays that we will prepare for you.

What causes teeth to darken?

Over the years, the enamel which is the hard, top layer of the teeth can get discoloured or stained due to several reasons. Here are the most common ones.

• As you age, the enamel becomes more porous due to normal wear and tear and the underlying darker dentine starts showing through.
• Genetics is another reason why the teeth can appear dark. Some people have a slightly dull tooth colour.
• Smoking is a leading cause for staining of the teeth.
• Dark coloured foods such as sauces, berries, coffee, red wine, and black tea may also stain the teeth.

Teeth whitening can help make the teeth look whiter, and the procedure can safely be performed at home.

How does at-home whitening work?

Impressions are taken of the teeth so that we can make special trays to fit on your teeth. The peroxide based whitening material can then be placed in the trays to whiten the enamel without causing damage to the surrounding gums. The trays are worn for about 30 minutes 2-3 times each week for a few weeks until the desired colour improvement is achieved.

We advise against in-office whitening because the high strength bleach used during treatment can cause significant post-operative sensitivity and discomfort. At-home whitening achieves the same result but through a more gentle and safe method.

It is essential you have a dental examination prior to treatment because teeth whitening may not always be the best option for everyone. If you have very sensitive teeth or your gums have receded significantly the whitening gels may cause irritation. Those with active gum disease or tooth decay must have these problems treated before proceeding with any whitening treatment. Bear in mind that the colour of crowns and fillings cannot be made whiter with this treatment.

Once the teeth are whitened, you need to be careful not to get back to habits that will stain them again. Tobacco usage and stain-causing food and drinks will need to be avoided as much as possible. The longer these substances are avoided, the longer you will be able to retain the improved colour of the teeth.

Get in touch with our friendly dental team to schedule an appointment for your teeth whitening and you will have a more beautiful smile before you know it!