Teeth Whitening
Teeth Whitening
Regain your confidence with a brighter, whiter smile at Mickleham Dental.
Teeth Whitening is a very popular and highly sort after cosmetic dental treatment at Mickleham Dental, which achieves a brighter, whiter more aesthetic smile within a single in-chair session.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth Whitening is the process of lightening the natural colour of the teeth, without the need for invasive treatment. The ingredients used in our Phillips zoom white speed products break down the stains on your teeth, and the blue light accelerator penetrates the whitening gel for faster more effective results.
types of teeth whitening
What types of teeth whitening are available at Mickleham Dental?
At Mickleham Dental, we offer both in-chair and take-home whitening kits by Phillips zoom whitening.
Phillips Zoom In-Chair
If you choose Mickleham Dental for your In-Chair Whitening, One of our highly trained dentists will prepare your teeth by completing a dental scale and clean. We recommend having this performed within a month prior to commencing your whitening as this allows for optimum results.
Our dentist will then place a layer of protective gel around your gums, followed by a layer of whitening gel, which is then activated by the Philips Zoom Whitespeed Whitening LED Accelerator to achieve the desired results, which can take up to a hour to complete.
Once the desired result is achieved, a post-treatment gel is applied, this reduces sensitivity and provides protection to the tooth enamel.
Pola Day Take-Home Whitening Kit
If you choose for the in-chair whitening process, one of our highly trained dentists will prepare your mouth by completing a dental scale and clean. We recommend having a scale and clean done within a month prior of your take-home whitening as this allows for the optimum results.
Our dentist will then take moulds of your teeth to create custom-made whitening trays to complete your take home kit. We will explain how to use the take-home whitening kit and suggest a suitable daily wear time for best results.
Advice for Long Lasting Results after Professional Teeth Whitening
Staining Foods such as:
Tomato-Based Sauces: These are often rich in red pigments that can easily stick to your teeth.
Soy Sauce, Balsamic Vinegar, and Other Dark Sauces: These dark sauces can cause staining due to their strong colours.
Berries: Dark-coloured fruits like blueberries, blackberries, pomegranates, and raspberries contain pigments that can stain teeth.
Acidic Foods and Beverages such as:
Citrus Fruits: Lemons, oranges, and other citrus fruits are acidic and can temporarily soften enamel, making it more susceptible to staining.
Vinegar: High-acid foods and dressings can weaken the enamel and make your teeth more prone to staining.
Pickles: These are acidic and can also affect enamel integrity.
Highly Pigmented Foods such as:
Beets: Known for their strong colour, beets can stain your teeth.
Curries: These dishes often contain turmeric or other spices that can leave yellow stains on your teeth.
Candy and Sweets: Especially those with bright colours, like popsicles, gummies, or coloured candy, can stain teeth.
White and Light-Colored Foods: Chicken, fish, pasta, potatoes, rice, and white bread are good choices as they are unlikely to stain.
Non-Acidic Fruits and Vegetables: Apples (without skin), bananas, and cucumbers are excellent options. Be sure to avoid citrus fruits or those with strong pigments.
Dairy Products: Milk, yogurt, and white cheese are safe and won’t stain teeth.
By sticking to these recommendations and avoiding the listed foods and beverages, you can help maintain your newly whitened smile for a longer time.
After teeth whitening, it’s essential to avoid certain beverages that can stain or damage your teeth, especially during the first 48 hours when your teeth are more porous and vulnerable to staining. Here are the key beverages to avoid post-whitening:
Coffee
Why to Avoid: Coffee is a common culprit for staining teeth due to its dark color and high acidity. It can quickly undo the results of whitening treatments.
Tea (Especially Dark Teas)
Why to Avoid: Like coffee, tea contains tannins and pigments that can easily stain teeth. Black, green, and even herbal teas can cause discoloration over time, especially right after whitening.
Red Wine
Why to Avoid: Red wine is rich in tannins and anthocyanins (natural pigments) that can stain teeth. The acidic nature of wine can also weaken enamel, making teeth more susceptible to stains.
Cola and Dark Sodas
Why to Avoid: Sodas, especially dark ones like cola, are not only acidic but also contain artificial colors and sugars that can contribute to staining. The acidity can also erode enamel, making teeth more prone to discoloration.
Dark Juices
Why to Avoid: Juices like grape juice, cranberry juice, and tomato juice are high in natural pigments and acidity, both of which can stain your teeth.
Energy Drinks
Why to Avoid: Energy drinks often contain artificial colors and high acidity, which can cause staining. The sugar content can also promote plaque accumulation, which could lead to yellowing.
Alcoholic Beverages (Especially Dark Liquors)
Why to Avoid: Alcoholic drinks like dark rum, whiskey, and dark beers are highly pigmented and acidic, which can contribute to staining and enamel damage. Even white wine can have an acidic effect, making teeth more susceptible to stains from other sources.
Safer Beverage Options:
Water: Always a safe choice that won’t stain or affect your teeth.
Milk: Low-acid and typically won’t stain teeth.
White Juice: Apple juice or pear juice, for example, are lighter and less likely to stain teeth.
Herbal Teas (Non-Pigmented): If you want a warm beverage, opt for lighter herbal teas like chamomile or peppermint, which are less likely to stain.
By avoiding these staining and acidic beverages for at least 48 hours after whitening, you’ll help ensure your whitening results last longer and maintain a bright, white smile.
Teeth Whitening FAQ
Teeth can turn yellow for several reasons, including:
Poor Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to the buildup of plaque and tartar, which can cause teeth to appear yellow over time.
Dietary Factors: Certain foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark berries, can stain teeth. These foods contain tannins and pigments that can adhere to tooth enamel.
Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can contribute to yellowing of the teeth due to the nicotine and tar content.
Aging: As people age, the enamel on their teeth naturally wears down, exposing more of the yellowish dentin underneath. This is a natural process.
Genetics: Some people may naturally have more yellow or off-white teeth due to the thickness and color of their enamel and dentin.
Medications: Certain medications, such as tetracycline antibiotics taken during childhood or some antihistamines, can cause staining of the teeth. Additionally, certain antihypertensive drugs or chemotherapy treatments may also contribute.
Excessive Fluoride: Overexposure to fluoride during childhood, especially in areas with high fluoride levels in drinking water or excessive use of fluoride toothpaste, can cause a condition called dental fluorosis, which can lead to yellow or brownish staining.
Health Conditions: Some medical conditions, like liver disease, can cause teeth to yellow due to changes in the body’s chemical balance.
Injury or Trauma: Trauma to the teeth, such as a fall or blow, can lead to internal damage, causing the tooth to appear discolored, often yellowish.
Yes, teeth whitening is generally considered safe when used as directed by a dentist. It is a popular professional whitening treatment that has been extensively tested and used for years in dental offices. Here are some points to consider regarding its safety:
The effects of professional teeth whitening like Philips Zoom typically last between 6 months to 2-3 years depending on your habits and care.
Diet choices such as staining foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and sauces, and lifestyle choices such as smoking or chewing tobacco can significantly shorten the lifespan of whitening results.
The primary differences between professional in-chair whitening (like Philips Zoom Whitening) and over the counter at-home whitening products lie in their effectiveness, speed, safety, and results.
In-Chair Whitening: Professional treatments use higher concentrations of whitening agents, such as hydrogen peroxide (typically 25%-40%). These stronger agents are applied under the supervision of a dentist, allowing for more significant and faster results in a single session. Professional treatments are performed by trained dental professionals who can ensure that the whitening agent does not come into contact with your gums or other sensitive areas. The procedure is monitored, and any discomfort can be managed immediately.
At-Home Whitening over the counter products contain lower concentrations of whitening agents, usually around 3%-10% hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The lower concentration means they work more slowly and may require multiple applications over weeks to see noticeable results. While over the counter products are generally safe if used as directed, there’s a greater risk of misuse, such as overuse or improper application. This can lead to gum irritation, increased tooth sensitivity, or uneven results. If the whitening gel isn’t applied properly, it can cause damage to soft tissues in the mouth.
