Teeth Whitening
Transform your smile into a brighter, more radiant one.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure designed to improve the appearance of your teeth. A special gel is applied to the teeth and activated by either a light or laser, which breaks down stains on the enamel and dentin, lightening the overall colour of your teeth.
What causes discolouration in your teeth?
There are many reasons why teeth become discoloured, but the most common causes include:
Drinking coffee, tea, red wine
Smoking
Age-related discolouration
Trauma or tooth decay
Certain tooth defects, such as fluorosis or damage caused by certain medications, can also affect the colour of your teeth. In these cases, your 818 dentist may recommend alternative treatment options to better suit your needs.
Your options
We offer both in-chair whitening and take-home whitening kits, with all treatments performed by our trained clinicians.
In-chair teeth whitening
Our in-chair Philips ZOOM! teeth whitening treatment offers fast, noticeable results. In just 90 minutes, most patients achieve several shades whiter, making this option ideal for those wanting a quick transformation.
Before starting, your clinician will assess your current tooth shade. Once your teeth are prepped, a whitening gel is applied, and the WhiteSpeed blue LED lamp is used to accelerate the process. This is repeated a few times until the desired shade is reached.
While in-chair whitening is a more significant investment than take-home kits, it's perfect for those seeking immediate and dramatic results under the care of a dental professional.
Take-home teeth whitening
This kit contains custom made teeth whitening trays and Philips ZOOM! take home gel so you can whiten your teeth in the comfort of your own home. We take impressions for your clear trays so they are a perfect fit for your teeth and allow for a very precise whitening application.
We know how excited our patients can be to whiten their teeth so we make sure your whitening trays can be ready for you to pick up within a few days.
Take home whitening generally takes between 3-14 daily applications of around 30 mins each day. This method is for patients who prefer to manage their own whitening process as while it is a lengthier process, it offers you control of how many applications you want to do.
Both methods involve a consultation to ensure you are a good candidate for treatment – this can be done during your 6-monthly preventative care appointment with one of our friendly dental hygienists.
What to consider when getting your teeth whitened
If you've tried whitening toothpaste or over-the-counter products with little success, it may be time to consider professional teeth whitening. Ask yourself the following:
- Are you unhappy with the current colour of your teeth?
- What’s your budget, and which whitening option aligns with it?
- How much time can you dedicate to the whitening process?
- How many shades lighter would you like your teeth to be?
- Do you have any existing dental or health conditions that need consideration?
During your consultation, your dentist will review your answers to these questions, ensuring the treatment aligns with your goals and fits your lifestyle.
Ready for a brighter smile?
If you're looking to refresh your smile and say goodbye to dull or yellow teeth, professional teeth whitening could be the solution. Our friendly team at 818 Dental is here to help. Contact us today to book your consultation and take the first step toward a brighter, more confident smile.
Frequently asked questions
Typically, teeth whitening is a safe treatment, especially when completed by a trained professional. However, there are some minor, short-term side effects that some patients may notice.
- Increased tooth sensitivity
- Tingling of the gums
- Skin irritation if the gel comes into contact with your skin
- Irritated throat if you ingest the gel
Speak to your dentist if you experience any of these symptoms.
The effects of teeth whitening will last anywhere from 6 months to 2-3 years. The whitening effects will fade sooner if you smoke, don’t brush and floss often, and consume staining substances such as red wine and coffee.
It will last longer if you minimise these substances and take good care of your oral health.
Teeth whitening costs vary depending on the treatment you choose, the condition of your teeth, and your health fund cover. Give our friendly team a call today for more information on costs.
No. Teeth whitening is a procedure that lightens the enamel of your natural teeth via a gel. This does not affect the colour of dental crowns, veneers, or composite resin (white fillings).
If you wish for a crown, veneer, or fillings to match the colour of your teeth; you will need to discuss this with your dentist as additional work may be required.
Teeth whitening is not recommended for children under the age of 16, those with dental issues such as gum disease or cavities, and anyone who is pregnant.
Your dental professional can help you determine if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening.