ZOOM! TEETH WHITENING

Just about anyone is a candidate for teeth whitening. At Dr. Michael’s Dental Clinic, our dentists and hygienists will have to assess your teeth and overall oral health to determine if you are fit to do the procedure.

Yes, it is very important that we see all patients prior to booking the whitening appointment. We also highly recommend that you have a cleaning before whitening.

During your initial teeth whitening consultation, our clinicians will evaluate your teeth and gums to see if you will benefit from the treatment. They will review your concerns, expectations and lifestyle to determine the best whitening option that will work best for you. It’s also important to check for decay or any major sensitivities before getting your teeth whitened. Your hygienist will also note existing dental works like crowns, fillings and veneers which will not respond to the whitening procedure.

The entire in-office teeth whitening treatment can take up to 2 hours. We will take impressions of your teeth for custom-fitted home trays and do necessary preparations for gum protection, followed by the application of the whitening gel. A special light/lamp may or may not be used. Most of our patients listen to music or watch TV while they’re getting their teeth whitened, others even fall asleep throughout their treatment.

The home whitening kit, along with your custom-fitted tray, will be supplied to you to support the in-office whitening. You may be required to wear the tray for an hour each day for a minimum of 3 days after your appointment to complement your whitening treatment. Remember to brush and floss your teeth before you wear your whitening tray.

Teeth whitening is safe for healthy teeth and it does not damage the enamel. The in-office whitening gel’s active ingredient is hydrogen peroxide which breaks down into oxygen that removes the stain and makes your teeth whiter while leaving your tooth structure unchanged.

Results can last at varying lengths depending on your genes, lifestyle and oral hygiene, but in general, they can last for up to a year. Top up treatments every 3-6 months (or as prescribed by your clinician) will help maintain a beautiful sheen, especially if you smoke or drink coffee or tea.

A naturally white smile is a wonderful asset anyone can have. Ideally, the color of your teeth should match the whites of your eyes.

It is not uncommon to experience tooth sensitivity during the first 24 hours following whitening. Your clinician may advise you to take OTC analgesics like paracetamol or ibuprofen to relieve your discomfort. The feeling of sensitivity and soreness will gradually ease off after one or two days.

Caring for newly whitened teeth is easy! Maintain proper oral hygiene - brush your teeth twice a day and floss once daily using a fluoride toothpaste. Get your teeth cleaned every 6 months or as recommended by your dentist or hygienist. To maintain the white color of your teeth, avoid acidic and dark-colored foods and beverages like tea, coffee, red wine, sports drinks, carbonated drinks and sauces like tomato, soy and curry.