Latest Teeth Whitening Advances In Melbourne
We all want whiter, brighter smiles, and the advancements in modern whitening technologies make that easier than ever to achieve.
Tooth Whitening
5 September 2022
We all want whiter, brighter smiles, and the advancements in modern whitening technologies make that easier than ever to achieve.
Over time, various factors can cause our teeth to become discoloured and appear unattractive. While our genetics and the natural ageing process do play a part, it’s usually diet and lifestyle related factors that have the most significant impact. Regular drinkers of black coffee and red wine will be no strangers to tooth staining, as it’s these sorts of deeply coloured, highly acidic liquids that are quick to tarnish our teeth. Smoking, as many of us know, is also a contributing factor. The harsh chemicals present in cigarettes stain our teeth and increase our risk of poor oral health in general.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
In essence, the whitening process is relatively simple. Teeth whitening products will usually contain one of two types of tooth bleaches: hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide (this will break down into hydrogen peroxide when applied).
Once contact is made with the outer enamel layer of your tooth, the peroxide gets to work. Penetrating deep into the permeable layer of your teeth, a process of oxidation begins. While oxidation in other contexts might cause your fruits and vegetables to go brown, the opposite occurs here. The peroxide molecules start attacking the individual stains and breaking them apart into microscopic pieces. Once the chemical bonds of the chromogens (stains) are completely broken down, your tooth will appear clean and lighter, as it was before the staining occurred.
Is Peroxide Safe To Use On My Teeth?
When it comes to peroxide, it’s all about the amount used. As stated by Swiss physician Paracelsus in 1538, “The dose makes the poison” — which is true in all facets of medical chemistry.
Whitening products with up to 10% peroxide concentrations are completely safe to use. Once you exceed this threshold, you risk damaging your enamel layer and encountering other various dental issues. Peroxide has been used for the purpose of teeth whitening for over 130 years now and continues to prove to be the most effective solution.
In Chair vs. At Home Whitening
There are many different options available to you when it comes to teeth whitening. While in-chair professional whitening procedures will usually produce the quickest results, at-home kits are also available from your dentist to use at your own convenience. These kits work by gradually lightening your teeth over a series of at-home sessions performed by yourself. Simply fill in the tray with the whitening compound and wear it for the recommended duration. Results can be seen anywhere from a few days to a few weeks, depending on the severity of the stain and the different products used.
There are also over-the-counter whitening toothpastes available at almost all supermarkets and chemists. While most of these work on the principle of abrasion rather than chemical whitening, they can still prove effective with regular use combined with good oral hygiene.
Philips Zoom! Whitening
Innovative Dental uses Philips Zoom! Whitening technology for our in-chair whitening. A gentle yet effective form of teeth whitening, patients can experience shades up to 8 times lighter in just one 45 minute session.
The process starts with the application of Philip’s whitening gel to your discoloured teeth. Once fully coated, your dental technician will use a WhiteSpeed blue LED light on the area. Accelerating the whitening process, the light-emitting diode (LED) acts as a catalyst for the oxidation process and allows the peroxide agents to work more efficiently. After three applications of the LED, your whitening process is complete. A post-whitening gel is then applied to help with any increased sensitivity and to protect your enamel.
To find out more about achieving your perfect, white smile, contact Innovative Dental Moonee Ponds today.
