Teeth Whitening Information

FAQs

Q: How long does a treatment take?

A: 1 hour and 30 minutes is the length of your appointment, your 6 week top up appointment is the same time.

 

Q: What results can be expected?

A: This depends on each individual and the extent of discolouration, generally from 2-7 shades lighter can be achieved.  The more stained your teeth the more dramatic the result will be. Teeth whitening whether done by a dentist or another technician will not whiten your tooth enamel the process will bleach the stains on the surface of your teeth. The results are also relevant to how regularly you have a teeth whitening procedure or use home whitening treatments. Where whitening is done every 6-12 months it is considered a maintenance procedure and results will be less dramatic. 

 

Q. Should teeth whitening be done by a Dentist?

A. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that is non-dental.  The products we use are gentler than and just as effective as those used by the dentist.  All our products are Australian compliant and produced to the highest standards.  Teeth whitening, no matter who does it bleaches stains from the surface of the teeth it does not whiten enamel. 

 

Q: Is teeth whitening safe?

A: We offer the latest whitening gel approved for use in Australia. Our gel is gentle and safe, problems are extremely rare.  Teeth Whitening is safe for crowns and veneers although these will not lighten as much as natural teeth.

 

Q: Is teeth whitening suitable for everyone?

A: Teeth whitening is a treatment most people want and can have, however, it is not recommended for children under 16 years of age or for women who are pregnant or breastfeeding. Do not have a teeth whitening treatment if you have gum disease or are requiring dental work.

 

Q: How long will a teeth whitening treatment last?

A: Teeth will maintain their fresh new appearance for around one year. Re-staining depends largely on diet and lifestyle. Smoking, coffee, tea, fruit juice, sodas all staining foods and beverages will eventually re-stain the surface of your teeth.

AFTERCARE

The White Diet

After a teeth whitening treatment, the pores of your enamel are open and this makes them extra vulnerable to any stains which can reverse a lot of the whitening benefit from your treatment.  Follow the White Diet for 24-48 hours after a teeth whitening treatment.  Once the pores close, which usually happens within 24-48 hours after the procedure, you can resume your normal habits.  An easy rule to remember is anything that would stain white fabric; Avoid it!

Remember, though the more staining your diet and lifestyle the faster you will re-stain your teeth.  Taking care with what you eat will keep your smile whiter for longer.

NON-STAINING BEVERAGES:

  • Water

  • Sparkling Water

  • Milk

BEVERAGES to AVOID:

  • Lemonade, Orange Juice, Any Acidic Fruit Juice

  • Tea and Coffee

  • Colas and Other Fizzy Drinks

  • Energy Drinks

NON-STAINING ALCOHOLIC DRINKS:

  • Vodka

  • Gin

  • White Wine

  • Champagne

ALCOHOLIC DRINKS TO AVOID:

  • Red Wine

  • Stout or Dark Beer

  • Coloured mixed drinks

  • Coloured Cocktails

  • Dark Spirits

FOOD YOU CAN HAVE:

  • Chicken

  • Turkey

  • White Fish

  • White Rice

  • White Pasta

  • White Sauce

  • Cauliflower

  • Cottage Cheese

  • Potatoes (NO skin)

  • Bananas

  • Peeled apples

FOODS TO AVOID:

Try to avoid foods with colour. The more colourful, the more likely it can stain your teeth.

  • Coloured fruit and vegetables i.e. capsicum, Carrots and Orange Fruits and Vegetables

  • Broccoli, Spinach and Green Vegetables

  • Dark and milk chocolate

  • Rye and dark Bread

  • Tomatoes and Red Sauces such as Spaghetti Sauce

  • Curries and pickles

  • Beetroot

  • Berries

  • Butter and Margarine

  • Coloured lollies

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

Avoid extremely hot or cold liquids. These are dangerous to your white smile because they change the temperature of your teeth. This temperature change (hot and cold cycling) causes teeth to expand and contract, allowing stains to penetrate your teeth. Try cutting down on these types of drinks (including coffee and tea) or try drinking them with a straw to reduce the amount of time they are in contact with your teeth.


Avoid foods and drinks that are acidic. Acidic foods and beverages open up the pores of the tooth enamel allowing stains to more easily penetrate your teeth. Use a straw to help minimize the contact of these substances with your teeth.

Cut back on drinking and smoking. Frequent consumption of alcoholic drinks and heavy smoking can reverse the effects of teeth whitening. Many alcoholic drinks such as wine have tannins that can stain the teeth. The same goes for the nicotine in tobacco. If you cannot quit drinking and smoking, at least try and reduce the frequency.  Alcohol also reduces your resolve to avoid food which may stain your teeth.

Use smudge-proof lipstick. Use smudge-proof lipstick to keep lipstick from getting on your teeth because regular lipstick can stain teeth.  Also avoid tinted lip balm.

For long lasting results, be sure to follow The White Diet during and after every teeth whitening even a treatment with a home touch up kit. 

You may have a follow up treatment in 4 months if you desire. Keep in mind the more regularly you have a teeth whiting treatment the smaller the results of the treatment will be as there are not as many stains to bleach.