Whiter Smiles: Your Ultimate Guide

When it comes to teeth whitening, there are a range of options available for those aiming to enhance their smiles. With so many choices, it’s essential to understand what each method involves, and which is the most suitable for you.

What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is the process of lightening the natural colour of your teeth without removing any of the tooth surface. It can significantly boost your self-confidence, making those personal and professional interactions even more memorable.

Over-the-counter products

Most people will head to the supermarket or chemist to purchase whitening toothpastes and products. There are many over-the-counter products containing various chemicals that help reduce mild tooth staining. Stronger bleaching chemicals, like peroxides or silica, a mild abrasive, are added to these toothpastes. They are effective for mild surface staining caused by tea, coffee, or tobacco. However, it’s worth noting that these toothpastes require time before showing results and colour change is minor.

Whitening strips

Another popular product available is whitening strips. These are thin flexible strips of plastic, coated with a tooth whitening gel containing hydrogen peroxide. They can be messy as they are not custom-made for your teeth.

Available Teeth Whitening Methods at the Health Hub:

Professional in-chair whitening

If you’re seeking quicker, longer-lasting results, professional teeth whitening is your best bet. At the Health Hub in Fortitude Valley, we offer a 90-minute in-chair whitening procedure. This involves placing a highly concentrated gel over the teeth, then activating it with a special light, speeding up the process. This is repeated 3 to 4 times, resulting in whiter tooth colour by up to 5 to 7 shades.

Professional whitening trays and home kit

If the idea of sitting for 90 minutes is daunting, the Health Hub also offers custom-made trays filled with whitening agents depending on your needs. The trays are worn between 1 to 3 weeks, for up to 1 hour or overnight each time, depending on the whitening agent used.

What to Consider When Deciding on Teeth Whitening

• Consult with a dentist. They will determine if you’re a suitable candidate and advise on the right product.
• Remember, fillings and crowns won’t change colour—only your teeth will.
• Always follow the manufacturer’s or dental professional’s guidelines.
• Ensure products are TGA approved in Australia for safety.
• Avoid potentially unsafe products from the internet, beauty salons, or unqualified personnel.
• Avoid using whitening products if you are pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Overuse will not whiten teeth past a certain point and could lead to hypersensitivity.
• Expect some tooth sensitivity during and for a few days post whitening process.
• Professional teeth whitening can last up to 2 years, depending on individual factors like diet and oral hygiene.

What to do next

Curious about how much teeth whitening costs or how long teeth whitening takes? At the Health Hub, you’re assured quality service. Make a consultation appointment. The teeth whitening price varies based on the procedure chosen. During the appointment, the dentist will assess your dental health, discuss your desired results, and explain the procedure thoroughly.

To book an appointment at the Health Hub click here or call us on 1300 709 076.

This blog article was supported by AI generation and should not be relied on as specific medical or professional advice. For personal advice, please consult with your healthcare professional.