TEETH WHITENING PRACTICE PHILOSOPHY

The practices’ philosophy for teeth whitening is based on the review and study of the literature available today.  We have a team led by Dr Adam Alford and our Dental Hygienist.  Dr Adam Alford as part of his whitening studies has completed a literature review and research paper for an Australian company that produces the tooth whitening gels.  According to this and other research carried out, we have produced a protocol that we believe leads the way in the field of teeth whitening.  Research is available for your perusal.

The practice protocol for teeth whitening is based on both an in chair system (Zoom) and at home whitening systems (Pola Day and Pola Night). On there own both systems work adequately, but if you combine the two styles of systems, it is our belief that you will be much more satisfied with the colour change and the stability of the colour change.

We use the latest materials including some new agents on the market that help to control the side effects of teeth whitening, which are fully reversible and transient, and with appropriate patient selection, proper assessment, professional monitoring and treatment methods; 98% of patients should be able to whiten their teeth comfortably with high satisfaction levels.

Zoom has now changed its system to use a cool light so therefore is one of the few in chair systems that should be recommended by dentists’.  Most of the other in chair systems’ use a heat light and therefore these systems’ usually have a higher degree of side effects and also may produce long term side effects that require future treatment.

With teeth whitening it is important that your teeth are assessed, and that the correct method of teeth whitening is explained to you and the correct strengths of material, type of material, and controlling agents are selected.  Other normal health related dental work may be required first prior to teeth whitening, plus we may not be able to achieve the results you are looking for with teeth whitening only, other cosmetic work may be required,

Patients’ usual worries answered

 There are side effects when teeth whitening, but they have been proven over the last 20-30 years (although the materials have been used for 50+ years) to be transient and fully reversible, depending on what whitening system is being used. The side effects are usually mild tooth sensitivity to cold and also some gum soreness.  60-70% of patients though have very mild side effects that are easily managed.

Yes the colour change is usually not permanent on average there is a some colour rebound in the first 2 weeks, then a slow regression of colour over 2-3 years, this is why the at home system is essential to balance this rebound and to reduce the regression.  The good news though is to maintain the colour is approximately $40 every year or 6 months if only the at home gels are used for maintenance, which is a very easy and successful way of maintaining the colour.  As with any cosmetic procedure maintenance is necessary.

Yes the materials do affect the structure of the teeth slightly, it has been estimated in many studies that the whitening materials affect the teeth the same as drinking a can of coke, which is reversed by the bodies natural repair systems rapidly.

Unfortunately filling materials and crown and bridgework will not change colour. Therefore if cosmetic or anterior treatment is being carried out, tooth whitening is essential prior to this work so therefore you will be happier with the overall look of the teeth for years to come.  The good news though is that tooth whitening tends to brighten the teeth as well so the old crown and bridgework colour tends to blend through better post whitening.

Come in, have an assessment, and ask the team about whitening.  Or read or blog on the cost of out teeth whitening packages.

Researched and compiled by Dr Adam Alford BDS (Hons)

Dr Adam Alford graduated from the University of Sydney, Australia, in 2000 with honours. Dr Alford has worked extensively in Cosmetic and Implant Dental practices in Australia and the UK. He has a special interest in, general dentistry, preventative dentistry, children’s dentistry, cosmetic dentistry, dental implants and teeth whitening. Dr Alford is the author of the article and he maintains a General Dental, Cosmetic and Implant Dental Surgery in the Sydney CBD,  http://www.adamalford.com.au . Webmasters are free to reprint this article provided that it is not edited, the authors information is included, and the links are included as live links. .