What Are the Benefits of In-Chair Teeth Whitening?

Why Choose Ashburton Dental Centre for In-Chair Teeth Whitening

We offer in-chair teeth whitening treatments that will give you the confidence and comfort of having a bright, white smile. Our staff is experienced with cosmetic dentistry, and we’re dedicated to making your experience as comfortable as possible. You can trust us to get the job done right!

People choose teeth whitening treatments for a variety of reasons, including wanting to look younger or feeling more confident when they speak, laugh, or smile. Whatever your reason for visiting our dental clinic in Gosnells, we understand how important it is for you to feel relaxed and at ease during your visit. That’s why we do everything we can to make that happen. See us today, and let us help you achieve the whiter teeth and more beautiful smile you deserve.

FAQs About In Chair Teeth Whitening in Gosnells

In-chair teeth whitening is recommended for patients with healthy gums and teeth without restorations. People who have stained teeth are more likely to benefit from it. However, this cosmetic treatment is not suitable for everyone.

If you have front teeth that have been bonded or have tooth-coloured fillings, professional whitening treatment may not be effective. The bleach will not change the colours of these materials, and they will stand out if you whiten your other teeth. Before going in for the tooth whitening procedure, consult with your dentist, particularly if you have large fillings,crowns, or dark stains.

Also, if you have any of the following, you may not be a good candidate for tooth whitening:

  • You have sensitive teeth.
  • You have dark stains or severe discolouration.
  • You use tobacco products.
  • In-chair professional teeth whitening
    In-chair treatments are among the most popular and common treatments since they provide quick results while taking an hour out of your day. Most bleach treatments, such as ZOOM, BOOST, and KOR Whitening, offer the most outstanding results on the market today.The procedure involves the use of one of the active ingredients, hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Dentists can choose to use an LED light or not as part of the process.In-office whitening can whiten your teeth by two or three shades whiter in a single dental visit. Alternatively, you may choose to have tooth whitening while having your regular checkups, which are done every six months.
  • Take-home teeth whitening
    Take-home teeth whitening is a more time-consuming and labour-intensive whitening treatment than an in-office whitening method. It involves the use of a kit which contains a custom-fitted set of trays. In order to prepare this, your dentist will take impressions of your teeth first. Aside from the custom tray, your dentist will also provide you with six months’ worth of whitening gel, depending on how frequently you apply it.

    This technique is ideal for individuals who want a fast, efficient, and less aggressive teeth whitening procedure.

Initial Consultation: The dentist will assess the condition of your teeth and gums to determine if you are a suitable candidate for whitening. They will discuss your desired results and may take “before” photos to track progress.

  • Preparation:

    A dental cleaning may be done to remove surface stains and tartar so that the whitening agent can penetrate the teeth effectively. A protective barrier, such as a rubber dam or a gel, will also be applied to the gums to shield them from the whitening solution and prevent irritation.

  • Application of Whitening Agent:

    The dentist will apply a professional-grade whitening gel, usually containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, directly to the teeth. The gel is stronger than at-home products, providing faster and more effective whitening.

  • Activation (Optional):

    In many cases, a special light may be used to activate the whitening agent, enhancing the process and speeding up results.

  • Multiple Applications:

    The whitening agent may be applied in several stages, with each application left on the teeth for about 15-20 minutes. This process may be repeated 2-3 times in a single session, depending on the desired level of whitening.

  • Completion:

    After the whitening process, the gel will be removed, and your teeth will be rinsed and polished. The dentist will review the results and may take “after” photos to compare.

  • Post-Procedure Sensitivity:

    Some patients may experience increased tooth sensitivity for a few hours or days after the procedure. The dentist may provide desensitising treatments or products to alleviate this. Mild irritation may occur if the whitening agent comes in contact with the gums, but this usually resolves quickly.

  • Results:

    You can expect your teeth to be several shades whiter after just one session, with immediate and dramatic results. In some cases, additional sessions may be recommended for optimal whitening, especially for severe discolouration.

  • Aftercare:

    The dentist may advise avoiding certain foods and beverages, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco, for 24-48 hours post-treatment to prevent re-staining. You may also be given a touch-up kit for home use to maintain results.

In-chair whitening is safe when performed by a dentist and provides long-lasting, noticeable results with minimal side effects.

Most in-chair whitening procedures take about 60 to 90 minutes. Depending on the degree of lightening needed, several sessions may be necessary to reach the desired shade. Teeth whitening should be repeated regularly to maintain results.

Sensitivity:

After the teeth whitening dental procedure, you may experience temporary sensitivity. This is because the bleaching agent penetrates through the tooth structure, temporarily opening the tubules where the nerve endings are located. Hence, it’s important to avoid hot and cold temperatures to prevent increasing discomfort.

Gum irritation:

One of the many hazards of the teeth-whitening process is chemical burns. These happen when soft tissues like gums and oral mucosa come into contact with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These are the active ingredients in the bleaching agents used in teeth-whitening procedures. These burns can result in soreness or discomfort for days. Although this is the case, gum irritation will subside and return to normal soon after exposure.

It’s always beneficial to consult with an experienced dentist to understand how potential side effects can be managed. At Ashburton Dental Centre, we provide personalised care to help manage any discomfort or irritation after treatment. Our friendly team will guide you on post-treatment practices and recommend products to soothe sensitivity and protect your gums. If you have any concerns, we’re here to support you.

Here’s a list of do’s and don’ts to help maintain a whiter smile after in-chair tooth whitening treatment:

Do’s

  • Keep your mouth healthy by following good oral hygiene practices, which include brushing thoroughly at least twice a day and flossing regularly.
  • You may choose to use an electric toothbrush, which has several advantages, one of the most significant being its speed at reducing plaque.
  • Regular dental checkups and cleanings from a hygienist are essential to keeping natural teeth healthy. Make an appointment with your dentist twice a year to prevent tooth decay and other dental diseases from developing.

Don’ts 

  • Avoid or reduce the consumption of stain-causing foods and beverages.
  • To reduce contact between your teeth and sugary or acidic beverages, drink through a straw.
  • When you consume highly-pigmented food or drink, rinse your mouth with water or chew sugar-free gum afterwards to prevent staining your teeth.
  • Avoid smoking or the use of tobacco products. 

Generally, in-office teeth whitening procedures can cost around $600 to $1,000 per session. It can vary depending on the specific product or brand of teeth whitening agent to be used and the severity of the tooth discolouration. The dental clinic’s location also influences the actual treatment fees, as rural areas can have lower costs compared to urban areas.

Any additional treatments or follow-up care can also affect the overall cost of teeth whitening treatments. It’s always recommended to consult with your dentist. At Ashburton Dental Centre, we can provide a more specific quote based on your case and unique needs.

The misapplication of teeth whitening agents or products can lead to several risks, including:

  • Tooth Sensitivity:

    Overuse or misapplication of whitening products can erode the tooth enamel, exposing the dentin layer, which can lead to increased tooth sensitivity to hot, cold, and sweet foods.

  • Gum Irritation:

    Whitening agents, especially those with high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, can irritate or burn the gum tissue if they come into prolonged contact with it.

  • Uneven Whitening:

    Misapplying the product can result in uneven distribution, leading to patches of different shades on the teeth, which may look unnatural.

  • Enamel Damage:

    Using whitening products too frequently or leaving them on for too long can weaken the enamel, potentially causing long-term damage and increasing the risk of cavities.

  • Throat and Stomach Issues:

    Swallowing whitening gel or strips can cause irritation in the throat or lead to gastrointestinal discomfort.

  • Allergic Reactions:

    Some individuals may have allergic reactions to the chemicals in the whitening products, resulting in discomfort, swelling, or other symptoms.

  • Permanent Tooth Discoloration:

    In some cases, excessive use of whitening products can lead to a bluish or translucent tint to the teeth due to over-whitening, which may not be reversible.

To minimise risks, it’s important to seek dental service from an experienced dentist. They have the necessary training and knowledge to customise the treatment based on individual needs, allowing them to provide you with a brighter smile while keeping the treatment safe.

Book An Appointment With Our Gosnells Dental Team Today

We're located in the Ashburton Village Shopping Centre next to the Ashburton Primary School. If you have questions about getting the dental care you need, call or book online today!

(08) 9490-8777 Or   Book Online