Teeth are still predominantly whitened using peroxide based treatments.  That’s right the same way that hair was once (or still is?) bleached.

In keeping with the modern era the choices are mind-boggling and a bit confusing.  

This is a quick how-too on making decisions regarding whitening.  

Step 1:  Take my word for it: visit a dental professional. 

Why?  When someone comes to my practice saying ‘I want whitening’ what I really  hear them saying is ‘I am concerned about the appearance of my teeth’.  It is important to have a discussion with your dental professional about exactly what it is that concerns you about the appearance of your teeth.  

For example often discoloration in front teeth are caused by the presence of old perished fillings which have discoloured over time.  Remember whitening only whitens teeth, it doesn’t whiten old dental fillings or old porcelain crowns.  In fact it might just make them stand out more!  Whitening also does not fix the ‘gum recession’ appearance or crooked teeth or gaps!    In a nut-shell make sure you are fixing the problem you want to fix.  Sometimes all you might need is just a good thorough professional clean!

For a good outcome, often, what is required for good whitening outcome may be a combination of a professional clean + changing old dental restorations + whitening treatment.   You may not get this information from non-dentally qualified businesses offering tooth whitening.

Step 2:

Decide how much time you have for whitening.

Are you capable of wearing whitening splints to sleep at night?  Could you wear whitening splints for 45 minutes in the evening or during the day?  Would you prefer to have your teeth whitened in the chair?

Systems are available now for all of the above.  I personally recommend one hour in the chair whitening to get a head start and then to finish the job at home with 45 minute evening whitening for 10 days.  Remember the benefit of take home whitening is that it will whiten your top and bottom teeth AND your back and front teeth, where as in the chair whitening tends to only focus on your front teeth at the top.

Step 3:

Call us at Dental on Metro! We are offering a 50% discount on home whitening if undertaking in the chair whitening first, allowing you to do in chair and home whitening as described in Step 2.  This is far more likely to get you to the reliable result you are seeking.

Phone Dental on Metro to discuss our In Chair + Home Whitening discount package!