Professional Teeth Whitening Treatments

There are many causes, including years of stain accumulation from specific foods and beverages, as well as cigarette and cigar smoke and chewing tobacco.
Some medications and certain diseases can cause teeth to discolour.
Teeth can turn dark on the outside, or they can become discoloured inside as a result of trauma or disease.
Whitening treatments are ineffective for discolouration that occurs inside the teeth. Before your whitening treatment, your teeth will be examined to help determine the cause of discolouration and to ensure whitening is the best option.

ArtSmiles uses a specially formulated hydrogen peroxide-based gel developed specifically for professional tooth whitening in a dentist’s office. As a result, it’s much more effective and provides more consistent and longer-lasting results than other products on the market.
During the whitening procedure, the gel will be applied to your teeth. A mouthpiece will be used to help hold your lips back from your teeth to ensure the entire tooth surface is exposed to the gel.
Once the treatment is finished – a process that takes about 60 to 90 minutes – the gel will be removed, revealing your whiter, brighter smile.

Prior to teeth whitening, you can use toothpaste formulated for sensitive teeth to help prevent discomfort during treatment. The active ingredients in these toothpastes work by filling naturally occurring microscopic holes in the tooth’s surface, which cause sensitivity.
At the start of the in-chair treatment, a protective barrier is placed on the gums to prevent any irritation of the soft tissue; however, this usually does not protect against tooth sensitivity.
If you have difficulty tolerating your treatment, Dr Dunker can modify the intensity of the gel or shorten the duration of time your teeth are exposed. Another option is to split your full treatment over two days to limit sensitivity.

You’ll be able to see results after a single treatment, but many patients opt for three separate treatments spaced a few weeks apart to achieve the best results.

The longevity of your teeth whitening results depends on how you care for your teeth after treatment. To keep teeth white and bright, it is important to avoid consuming staining beverages and foods when possible.
If you do drink coffee, have a glass of red wine, or eat dark berries, you can help prevent stains from forming by rinsing your mouth or brushing soon after consumption. Use of tobacco products is another habit that can create tooth discolouration, so you may want to consider quitting, cutting back, or using non-staining nicotine-based products instead.
Also, make sure to keep up with your dental hygiene and professional cleanings. If you notice you need a whitening touch-up, Dr Dunker may be able to provide you with professional at-home whitening gel or whitening strips to use as-needed.
As a rule of thumb, individuals with yellow coloured teeth see better results than white, brown or grey teeth. As well, you can expect the results to last between 1 and 3 years. Your diet, oral hygiene, medications and smoking can influence this time frame.

Some people experience temporary increased tooth sensitivity to cold during treatment. These symptoms disappear within one to three days after interruption or completion of the treatment.

No, whitening products are not made to whiten and lighten restorations like veneers or resin bonding materials. If these become permanently stained, they’ll probably have to be replaced.

The cost of teeth whitening varies according to the type of treatment and your unique needs and goals.

If you would like to get a price estimate for your personalised teeth whitening treatment, a free consultation with Dr. Cristian Dunker is recommended. After examining and discussing your concerns, Dr. Dunker can determine which treatment is best. If you find out that the type of stains and discolouration you have will not respond well to whitening, you may want to consider using porcelain veneers to brighten your smile with long-lasting results.

Whether you decide to go with teeth whitening or porcelain veneers, dental financing can make the cost of your treatment more affordable. Our practice has partnered with a number of trusted third-party lenders who offer qualified applicants a variety of loan options and payment plans, including Afterpay, TLC, Humm and Access My Super. If you have questions about pricing, payment options or financing, please contact our practice.

If you need help but can’t afford treatment, you can also apply for The Blessing Project. This is a monthly initiative where we offer heavily discounted dental treatment to our Gold Coast community. 

No. During the procedure, patients can actually watch television or listen to music. Many fall asleep.

The main difference between the two systems is that you use the Take-Home System in the convenience of your own home over a few days. The In-Office System is performed entirely in the office.

Once you’ve decided how to get white teeth, at home or at the dentist, you’ll need to keep them that way. Most professional procedures will last between 12 and 24 months, and you can keep it closer to 24 than to 12 with the right oral care. It’s a good idea to adapt an oral hygiene routine to keep your teeth looking and feeling healthy.

Brushing twice a day and flossing once a day not only keeps your teeth protected from stains, but it keeps them protected from plaque as well. Plaque can cause yellowed teeth, which can undo the good work of your whitening. Plaque can also spawn bacteria that can lead to serious damage, and even (in extreme cases) tooth loss.

Teeth whitening is considered a safe treatment when it’s carried out by or under the guidance of a professional dentist. However, these treatments are not recommended for people under 18 years of age or women who are pregnant or lactating.

As with any dental treatment, there are certain risks and side effects associated with teeth whitening that patients should be aware of. These include chemical burns if whitening gel comes into contact with the gums or other soft tissues, and increased sensitivity of the teeth.

These risks can be reduced when you opt for in-chair whitening and follow your dentist’s instructions.