Teeth Whitening
A bright, white smile can significantly enhance your overall appearance and boost your confidence. However, over time, teeth can become discoloured due to lifestyle factors such as diet, smoking, and natural ageing. If you’re looking to revitalise your smile, professional teeth whitening at Hornsby Dental could be the solution you’ve been waiting for.
In this article, we’ll explore the teeth whitening services available at Hornsby Dental, including both in-chair and take-home options, the benefits of whitening, what to expect during your treatment, and how to maintain your dazzling smile after treatment.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Why Do Teeth Become Discoloured?
Food and beverages:
Dark-coloured foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, curries, and berries can stain the enamel of your teeth.
Smoking:
Tobacco use, especially smoking, can cause stubborn yellow or brown stains on your teeth.
Age:
As we age, the enamel on our teeth naturally wears away, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath.
Antibiotic use:
Certain medications can cause discolouration when taken during tooth development or later in life.
Poor oral hygiene:
Insufficient brushing and flossing can allow plaque to build up on your teeth, leading to discolouration and even gum disease.
Professional Teeth Whitening Options
In-Chair Teeth Whitening
If you’re looking for fast and immediate results, in-chair whitening is an excellent option. This treatment takes about 90 minutes and can brighten your smile by up to 8 shades in just one session.
Here’s what you can expect during your in-chair whitening session:
Consultation:
Before beginning the treatment, your dentist will conduct a thorough examination of your teeth to ensure they are healthy and suitable for whitening. If a scale and clean is needed to remove plaque and tartar, this will be performed prior to the whitening procedure.
Protecting your gums:
Your dentist will apply an adhesive barrier to protect your gums from the whitening gel. This step ensures that only your teeth are treated and prevents any irritation to the delicate gum tissue.
Application of whitening gel:
The professional whitening gel is then applied to your teeth. We use SDI’s PolaOffice 2, an Australian-made whitening system that combines a high-potency whitening gel with a blue light to enhance the whitening process. The gel works by breaking down stains and discolouration on your teeth.
Whitening process:
The gel is left on your teeth for a few minutes and activated with the blue light to maximise results. The whitening process is repeated for several cycles, depending on your desired shade.
Rinse and finish:
After the whitening treatment is complete, the gel is removed, and your dentist will provide a final rinse. Your teeth will appear noticeably whiter, and any discolouration or stains will be significantly reduced.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
If you prefer a more gradual whitening process, take-home whitening is a great option. At Hornsby Dental, we offer custom-fitted whitening trays that are designed to comfortably fit around your teeth. This allows for a more personalised and controlled whitening experience at home.
Here’s how the take-home whitening process works:
Custom-fitted trays:
During your consultation, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create custom whitening trays that fit snugly around your teeth. These trays are designed to ensure even coverage of the whitening gel and minimise any gel leakage.
Whitening gel:
You’ll receive a supply of professional-grade whitening gel to use with your custom trays. The gel contains a whitening agent that helps to break down stains and lighten the colour of your teeth.
Application:
You will wear the whitening trays for 30 minutes to 1 hour each day, depending on your dentist’s instructions. This treatment typically lasts for 1 to 2 weeks, depending on your desired level of whiteness.
Maintenance:
After your initial treatment, you can continue to use the trays as needed to maintain your bright smile. Top-up gel syringes are available for purchase if you need additional gel for maintenance.
Combination Treatment
Teeth Whitening Costs
In-Chair Whitening:
Starts at $549 for treatment performed by an Oral Health Therapist/Hygienist. An additional $100 applies if treatment is performed by a Dentist. This price includes the whitening session, gel, and blue-light activation.
Take-Home Whitening Kit:
Starts at $449 for a custom-fitted tray and whitening gel for initial treatment and maintenance.
In-Chair Whitening Special:
Take advantage of our special offer for $549 for in-chair whitening, with the option to add a professional take-home whitening kit for just an additional $200.
What to Expect After Whitening Treatment
After your whitening session, you may experience some tooth sensitivity or mild gum irritation. These side effects are usually temporary and will subside within a few hours or days. Sensitivity toothpaste can help manage any discomfort.
For the best results and to maintain your newly bright smile, we recommend avoiding foods and drinks that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and curry. Smoking can also diminish the effects of whitening, so it’s best to avoid tobacco products after your treatment.
Tips for Maintaining Your Bright Smile
Brush and floss regularly:
Brush your teeth at least twice a day and floss daily to remove plaque and prevent new stains from forming.
Use a whitening toothpaste:
Whitening toothpastes can help maintain your results by gently polishing your teeth and preventing stains.
Limit stain-causing foods and drinks:
After your whitening treatment, try to avoid foods and beverages that can stain your teeth, such as coffee, tea, and wine.
Visit us regularly:
Regular check-ups and cleans are essential for maintaining good oral health and prolonging the effects of your whitening treatment.
Are There Any Side Effects?
While professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective procedure, there are a few potential side effects, including:
Tooth sensitivity:
Some patients experience increased sensitivity during and after treatment. This is temporary and typically subsides after a few hours or days.
Gum irritation:
Gum irritation can occur, particularly if the whitening gel comes into contact with the gums. This is usually mild and temporary.
Tooth dehydration:
Teeth may appear patchy or whiter immediately after treatment due to dehydration. This effect fades as your teeth rehydrate within a few hours.
Is Teeth Whitening Right for You?
Specials & Deals
New patient
check up & clean
$219 or NO GAP
Dental
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FROM $30 a WEEK
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FROM $1,820 EACH
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FROM $5,199 EACH
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FROM $5,199 EACH
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FROM $449
Meet Our Dentists
Dr. Mark Neih
BDS (Otago, NZ)
Dr. Philip Song
BDS (Hons) (USyd) Bsc
Dr. Richard Huang
DMD (USyd)