Do you have teeth that are beginning to show signs of discolouration? Teeth whitening treatments are one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures available in Australia. However, despite their popularity, many patients still raise the question: Is teeth whitening safe? Let us give you peace of mind and answer your questions about teeth whitening safety and how teeth whitening treatments work.
How Safe Is Teeth Whitening?
While teeth whitening is the best way to get a bright, white smile, many patients are concerned about the ingredients used in whitening gels and whether they are safe for their oral and overall health. There are many reasons why professional teeth whitening is considered safe as whitening agents are:
Extensively Researched and Tested
All aspects of the teeth whitening process have been extensively studied and tested by the scientific community to ensure the safety and effectiveness of the products at lightening teeth. Many studies have found that teeth whitening agents are most effective when applied for a short length of time to minimise damage to tooth enamel.
Professional in-chair whitening allows the dentist to use higher concentrations of bleaching gel to give you faster results.
Strictly Regulated
Teeth whitening treatments use a combination of bleaching agents to break up and disperse stains both on inside and on the surface of your teeth. The higher the concentration, the faster and more effective the whitening process is.
However, super-concentrated bleaches such as hydrogen peroxide can damage teeth with prolonged use. This is why bleaching agents are strictly regulated by verified industry and government organizations such as the Therapeutic Goods Commission and the Dental Board of Australia.
Carefully Monitored
Leaving whitening products on your teeth too long can weaken the protective enamel layer outside your teeth, contributing to increased sensitivity and tooth decay. Professional teeth whitening treatments are carefully monitored and applied by qualified dental professionals who have years of experience and training in whitening treatments.
Your dentist also has access to your medical and dental records to determine whether you are a good candidate for teeth whitening treatment.
Specially Formulated Bleaching Agent
Unlike many other shops and over-the-counter whitening products, professional-grade teeth whitening gels are specially formulated to eliminate stains effectively and protect the enamel on your teeth.
Many in-chair whitening treatments also include desensitising ingredients to reduce tooth sensitivity after your procedure.
Applied by Qualified Dentists
The active ingredients in whitening gels can irritate the soft tissue in the mouth with prolonged exposure. During an in-chair teeth whitening treatment, your dentist will provide a special barrier to protect your gums from the bleaching gel so that the whitening agent can be applied directly to your teeth for faster results.
Teeth Whitening at Available Dental Care
At Available Dental Care, we have two options to help patients achieve a brighter, whiter smile: In-chair Pola Whitening treatment and a customised at-home kit.
In-Chair Pola Teeth Whitening
At Available Dental Care, we choose the Pola Teeth Whitening System to deliver powerful results to our patients.
Our in-chair whitening treatment works by using a specialised green laser light to activate a red whitening gel that contains a non-acidic, hydrogen peroxide formula. Once activated, the compounds in the gel break down tooth stains into smaller particles which reflect light, rather than absorbing it. The light-reflecting particles give your teeth a radiant glow up to eight shades lighter.
The entire process takes around an hour, and the process can be repeated until the patient achieves their desired shade due to the safety of the products we use.
At-Home Whitening Kit
To maintain your smile between visits, or for mild staining, we recommend our at-home whitening kit. The kits contain a tray that is customised to fit your mouth to minimise gum exposure to the bleaching gel and prevent you from accidentally swallowing the gel.
The active gel is measured in precise doses and is applied to the inside of the tray.
As an alternative to in-chair teeth whitening treatment, patients can also lighten their smile using the at-home kit in the privacy of their own home. Insert the tray and wear it for up to one hour per day. Repeat the process daily until you achieve the desired results.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe? – The Takeaway
Don’t take the risk with over-the-counter teeth whitening products and abrasive toothpaste. There is no need to wonder: Is teeth whitening safe? With a professional teeth whitening treatment at a dental practice, your teeth are in good hands.
If you have discoloured teeth, invest in your smile with an in-chair professional teeth whitening treatment. To find out how you can achieve a megawatt smile with Pola teeth whitening, call Available Dental Care on (02) 4062 8763 to book a consultation.