Teeth Whitening

Dental O So Gentle offers easy and successful teeth whitening in Perth

There’s an increasing number of whitening systems and products available, including everything from toothpastes, to over-the-counter gels, rinses, trays and other products. Safe, effective teeth whitening should always be done by a professional and Dental O So Gentle offers easy and successful treatments, which are ideal for clients with healthy teeth and gums.

What do we do?

At Dental O So Gentle we use a tested and trialled tray-based tooth whitening system. The way teeth whitening works is by wearing a mouth guard-like tray containing a peroxide bleaching agent whitening gel solution, for just a few hours a day (or every night for maximum effectiveness).

How do I get started?

The first thing to do is make a comprehensive exam with a Dental O So Gentle dentist, followed by a professional hygiene appointment with one our hygienists. In order to prepare your teeth whitening treatment, we’ll take an impression of your mouth and customise a teeth whitening tray for you.

At the second session, we’ll make sure that the tray fits perfectly in your mouth and show you how to use your easy, simple take-home system. Once that is done, you’re free to use your kit at your own convenience, in the comfort of your own home, whenever you’d like!

Are there any side effects?

There are no major side effects from having your teeth whitened. You may notice an increase in sensitivity during the process, and some gum irritation, but these side effects tend to be temporary – lasting for around three days.

Is there anything I can do if I experience heightened sensitivity?

Yes – it may be due to you putting too much teeth whitening gel on the tray.

If you feel like your gums are still uncomfortable after you’ve reduced the amount of gel, you can also always briefly stop the treatment for a few days while your teeth adjust. This will help acclimatise your teeth to the teeth whitening gel.

A third option is always Sooth – our teeth soothing gel. If you’d like to look into using Sooth, please contact your dentist to discuss its usage.

How effective is it?

Our success rate is around 90%, which, while impressive, reflects the fact that tooth whitening results can be unpredictable and thus we cannot guarantee success. However, due to its lack of long-term negative effects, and ease of applying and moderating, it is our preferred teeth whitening method.

How long does it last for?

Tooth whitening is not permanent and, as normal, when your teeth are exposed to foods and beverages there is always an increase in staining. One who avoids highly staining foods and beverages, such as red wine or coffee, may be able to wait a year or longer before requiring an additional whitening treatment or touch-up.

Is there an age restriction?

Due to the larger pulp chamber in children, we do not recommend any teeth whitening for children under the age of 16. Bleaching at this age can cause pulp irritation or high-sensitivity.

Is teeth whitening okay for pregnant women?

We recommend that pregnant and lactating women do not participate in teeth whitening.

Are there any other reasons why one should not undertake teeth whitening?

Dental O So Gentle encourages anyone who falls into the following categories to discuss teeth whitening with one of our dentists prior to undergoing the treatment:

  • Individuals with sensitive teeth gums.
  • Anyone with receding gums or defective restorations.
  • Those with an allergy to peroxide.
  • Anyone suffering from gum disease, worn enamel, cavities, or exposed roots.
  • Someone who has received a crown, filling or other restoration.

How white will my teeth be?

Teeth whitening is unpredictable and unable to turn your teeth blindingly white, and thus realistic expectations are encouraged. A healthy guide is to aim to achieve a slightly lighter white than the whites of your eyes.

I’m a smoker/have darkly stained teeth, will teeth whitening help?

Most yellowed, heavily stained teeth respond well to bleaching, though brownish-coloured teeth and grayish or purple-ish stained teeth respond less well or potentially not at all.

For those with blue-gray stained teeth from the antibiotic tetracycline, you may require multiple appointments and a six month period of home treatment.

If teeth whitening does not suit your particular situation, you should discuss other options with your dentist, such as veneers, bonding or crowns.