Teeth Whitening

We offer many treatment options for anyone wanting a brilliant white smile.

​Tooth discolouration

There are two main forms of tooth discolouration, extrinsic (surface discolouration) and intrinsic (internal discolouration). Extrinsic discolouration is the most common form of tooth discolouration. This occurs when stains appear on the enamel (surface layer) of the teeth. Intrinsic discolouration, on the other hand, occurs when the cause of staining emerges from within the tooth rather than the outside of it. 
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What causes internal tooth discolouration?

Internal tooth discolouration can be the result of many factors including natural ageing process of teeth, decay, past trauma or injuries that have affected the teeth, or prolonged antibiotic use in childhood or adolescence. It may also stem from a congenital disorder or be the side effect of another medical condition. It is important to get a dentist check-up to assess whether you can proceed with teeth whitening.

What causes external tooth discolouration?

With time, it is natural for teeth to pick up a brown or yellow colouration, depending on diet and habits. All sorts of everyday factors can stain the plaque or enamel of your teeth. Carbonated drinks (such as sodas), caffeinated drinks (such as coffee, tea and cola) and many wines (particularly red varieties) are the most common culprits, but the acidity of many juices can also damage the enamel of your teeth. Additionally, tobacco use, richly coloured fruits and vegetables and medications can gradually discolour your teeth. Extrinsic stains can normally be removed with the scale, clean & polish at the check-up & clean visit at the dentist. 

The dangers of unsupervised bleaching

In recent years home bleaching and whitening kits have been made readily available at supermarkets as a solution for tooth discolouration. While these kits may be convenient and affordable, many of them are ineffective and can actually hurt your teeth and gums. The reason these kits are so cheap is that they only provide low quality, low-strength whiteners, which require you to use their products for large amounts of time to see any real difference.
Supermarket whitening toothpastes traditionally only contain exfoliating/polishing particles to help remove surface stains. Some contain a tiny amount of bleach, but the patients run the risk of swallowing the bleach from the paste if left behind. Non-dentist whitening products sold directly to the public are legally not allowed to exceed a very low amount of active whitening ingredient, hence are not as effective. 
Worse still, without the supervision of a qualified dentist, home bleaching or whitening treatments can cause damage. Before considering a whitening treatment you should have a check up with your dentist to ensure that you do not have any cavities or signs of gum disease. If you start whitening with these issues, your dental health may worsen quickly, complicating the treatment and making it more expensive. You should also schedule a scale and clean before commencing any whitening treatment as this will remove the build up of plaque and surface staining, allowing the whitening agents to better penetrate the enamel of your teeth and increase the overall effectiveness of the treatment. ​

What are my professional options?

Once you have consulted with a dentist they will be able to inform you whether your tooth discolouration is either internal or external and what course of action is best for you. If your tooth discolouration stems from an internal issue, we offer teeth whitening in addition to restorative and cosmetic dentistry treatments and can develop a specialised treatment plan to suit your dental needs. If, however, your tooth discolouration is simply external, your dentist may advise on a clean, scale & polish to remove these surface stains. 

Custom dental home whitening

If you opt for a custom dental home whitening package, we will supply you with dentist approved branded whitening gels and trays, which are custom fit to your mouth and teeth. This method is safer and more effective than supermarket bought whitening kits and will minimise damage and sensitivity. This involves putty impression of your teeth, pouring up model replicas of your teeth, custom made whitening trays to fit your mouth, and pack of whitening gels.
​This method is more flexible than in-chair whitening, as it allows you to complete whitening at your own pace and in the comfort of your own home, and also more effective than booking in for repeated sessions of in-chair whitening. This is a good option for patients that suffer dental anxiety or tooth and gum sensitivity. Once you have been issued with custom trays you can use them along with our home maintenance whitening kits that will preserve and prolong your whitening. 

In-chair whitening

If you want results fast, then in-chair whitening may be the way to go. In-chair whitening (bleaching) treatments generally takes around 1 hour, after which you should see results. The procedure uses safe and approved dental products that allow fast and effective whitening. To ensure your teeth get the best treatment, a certified dentist continuously supervises all in-chair procedures. We also make use of sensitivity-reducing agents to ensure there is only minimal discomfort. After one session your teeth will be whiter and brighter, which is more accelerated than custom dental home whitening, where it may take days before you see any results. While results of in-chair whitening will vary from patient to patient (and also may cause some sensitivity), most patient’s teeth will become several shades lighter after the first session. You can then consult with your dentist and decide if any further sessions of in-chair whitening is required. Following your in-chair whitening procedure, we highly recommend either home maintenance whitening kit, or further in-chair whitening to continue to whiten and maintain your bright white smile. ​

Worried about the costs of whitening?

We are aware that whitening treatments can be pricey, especially if finances are tight or you are living on a budget. That's why we offer comprehensive quotes before you decide on your whitening plan, rather than hitting you with a large bill. Before we commence treatment we will discuss all possible options to ensure you are aware of all costs up front and so you can make an informed decision about your treatment plan. This way you can choose the best treatment plan for your needs and budget and still reach your oral health goals in the most affordable and practical way. If you want a whitening treatment with no financial surprises, give us a call, or pop into the clinic to organise a consultation with one of our dentists. Call us to find out if there is a teeth whitening special or promotion currently.

Get that white and bright smile!

At Engadine Dental, we offer professional teeth whitening that is both safe and effective. Whether your tooth discolouration is external or internal and regardless of whether you require additional restorative or cosmetic dentistry treatment before whitening, we can create the perfect whitening treatment plan for you. By booking your initial examination appointment you will be taking the first step towards improved oral health and a whiter and brighter smile. So, why wait? Contact Engadine Dental and schedule an appointment today.