Is It Better to Get Your Teeth Professionally Whitened?

Think your smile could be improved, but not sure how? When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, there are many avenues — or boulevards — you can take to unlock that Hollywood smile. Some patients choose to mask chips, stains, misalignment, and spacing with near-perfect porcelain veneers. Others want the works, with full cosmetic smile makeovers. (These can include aesthetic and functional aspects, including dental implants and even lip-flip Botox.) But if your only concern is a tint (or noticeable yellowing) on your teeth, professional teeth whitening services may be all you need. A dental whitening treatment is quick, painless, and — most importantly — highly effective.

Cosmetic Teeth Whitening: Paint Me a Picture

Teeth whitening is the process of removing deep-seated stains using a bleaching agent (containing either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). Because Langmore is a trusted Berwick dental clinic for teeth whitening, we use the most well-regarded whitening system in the world: Zoom. When you undergo a Zoom teeth whitening procedure, a dentist applies bleaching gel to your teeth and activates its whitening properties using an LED or laser light. Whiten your teeth in just one session — Zoom dental whitening treatment gets teeth up to eight shades brighter in under an hour!

We also offer at-home whitening for those who would prefer to avoid a teeth whitening procedure or whiten on a budget. Should you opt for this option, you will receive customised whitening trays and four syringes of bleach to take home. While effective, whitening at home will take two to three weeks to achieve what a procedure can unlock in 45 minutes. Alternatively, you can use at-home whitening to supplement and maintain the results of your teeth whitening procedure.

How Long Does Professional Whitening Last?

On average, teeth whitening results can last as little as six months or as long as three years. If you’ve exclusively used the at-home method, the timeline will look more like six months to one year. That said, results will vary from person to person. It ultimately comes down to lifestyle choices and oral health habits.

Dietary Influences

If you want to avoid further staining or discolouration, our best advice is to avoid food and drink that could stain a white shirt. Common culprits include coffee, black tea, red wine, soft drinks (especially cola), and sauces — or anything containing a lot of sauce, such as curries. At least 48 hours following the procedure (or throughout the entire three-week duration of at-home dental whitening treatment), dentists recommend abstaining from these staining foods and beverages, as the pores of your tooth enamel will be open. Once the pores close again, any staining sustained during this period will effectively be ‘locked in’.

Say No to Tobacco

The other absolute no-no is smoking or using tobacco products, which not only stain but also damage teeth. A smoker can undergo cosmetic teeth whitening, but any further tobacco ingestion will undermine the results — fast. At some dentists, smokers are denied various dental procedures if they do not resolve to quit tobacco. So, whether you’re weaning off cigarettes or simply can’t bear to part with your morning coffee, teeth whitening may not have worthwhile long-term results for everyone.

Brush Up on Dental Hygiene

Of course, it almost goes without saying that how well you care for your teeth will also strongly influence how long your results last. Brush at least twice daily, floss at least once daily, and continue making those biannual dental check-ups to keep a white glow around your teeth in general.

Is Teeth Whitening Safe for Sensitive Teeth?

Teeth whitening is generally safe for sensitive teeth, but there are a couple of caveats:

When enquiring about the teeth whitening procedure, let our Berwick dentists know you have sensitive teeth. They can examine how much dentine you have exposed and determine whether in-chair whitening would be the best option for you. If they decide to go ahead with the procedure, they will likely use gels with lower hydrogen peroxide concentrations, or desensitising agents to make the process more comfortable.

Our dentists may recommend at-home whitening as it’s a more gradual process that gives teeth time to adjust, hence experiencing less sensitivity. The gels used for at-home whitening also contain lower concentrations of bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide, offering a gentler option. In general, at-home whitening allows you greater control over treatment duration and frequency, too.

How Much Does It Cost to Professionally Whiten My Teeth?

Like many dental treatments, cosmetic teeth whitening costs depend on the severity of the case — but if you want a ballpark figure, in-chair whitening usually costs between $450–$1,500. If you choose to whiten your teeth at home, our kits (containing customised trays and four syringes of professional-strength bleach) cost $450 a pop. We also have additional syringes available for purchase if you wish to continue maintaining your pearly whites.

Where to Get Teeth Whitening in Berwick

Ready to receive the whiter, brighter smile you’ve been dreaming of? Book your appointment at Langmore Dental today to take the first step towards pearlier pearly whites. Our experienced team will provide the gentle care you crave and the results you want to see. Whether you have a photo shoot on the horizon or just want a general confidence boost, we’ll help you get camera-ready.

For a limited time, take advantage of Langmore Dental’s teeth whitening promotion. Act now and save big on your smile!