Teeth Whitening
Brighten your smile with at-home or professional teeth whitening.
Attractive smiles captivate an audience, and your smile is one of the first things people notice about you. A smile that is beautiful, white and natural-looking can give you a self-confidence boost and make you proud to display your teeth.
That’s why an increasingly popular treatment option is teeth whitening. As we age, there are many factors that can mean your teeth are no longer as white and bright as they once were.
National Dental Care Thompson Road is your local dentist in Cranbourne whom specialises in teeth whitening.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure aimed at improving the appearance of teeth by applying a gel, which is then activated by lights or lasers (with precautions taken to protect the gums) that breaks down stains on the enamel and dentin, lightening the colour of your natural teeth.
Teeth whitening options
In-chair teeth whitening
In chair whitening by a professional oral health therapist is an advanced system that’s safe, fast and very effective, giving you a beautiful new smile in around an hour from the comfort and convenience of our dental practice.
First we carry out a thorough professional clean of your teeth before the actual whitening session. Your in chair procedure then begins with a preparation period, followed by 45 to 60 minutes of actual whitening.
In chair whitening technique uses a bleaching process to lighten your discoloured teeth, with the application of a whitening gel to your teeth which is then activated by a blue UV light.
This light triggers the gel’s active ingredient, hydrogen peroxide, helping it penetrate the surface of the tooth and bleach coloured substances, while leaving your tooth structure unchanged.
After your whitening treatment your teeth will typically be at least six to ten shades whiter, and sometimes more. In many cases your teeth will get even whiter the first few days after your treatment.
Take-home teeth whitening
An alternative teeth whitening treatment that fits in around your busy schedule is our at-home whitening system.
We supply custom-made trays resembling a sports mouthguard for you to use at home. Special whitening gel is applied into the trays, which are then worn overnight.
Your whitening treatment takes 3 weeks to achieve your desired shade, although you will start to notice a significant difference after just a few days.
What to consider when getting your teeth whitened
Have you tried whitening toothpaste and other products promising pearly whites, but you're not seeing results? It might be important to start asking yourself if professional teeth whitening might make the difference you've been looking for:
- Does the condition of your teeth adversely affect your self-esteem?
- What method of teeth whitening fits best in your budget?
- How does your schedule align with the different choices for teeth whitening?
- What level of whitening do you want?
- Do you have any underlying health problems?
- What process for teeth whitening makes the most sense for your schedule and household situation?
Your dentist will want to know your answers to these questions, so be sure to think about your goals and budget before you attend a teeth whitening consultation.
Interested in teeth whitening?
All our teeth whitening methods are completely safe to use. To enhance the longevity of your whitening treatment, we will happily offer advice on the lifestyle and food choices you can make to prolong your results.
Smoking or eating strongly dyed foods will discolour your teeth much more quickly, but with our recommended care routine, many of our patients attain a brighter smile that can last for two years or more.
Ready to experience genuine, local dental care?
Join the many Cranbourne families who trust Thompson Road with their smiles. Book your appointment today and let our friendly team take care of you.
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.