Teeth Whitening

Looking for teeth whitening procedures? Here at Designer Smiles we offer the following:

In-house teeth whitening visit at Designer Smiles followed by a home tray whitening kit.
In-house teeth whitening visits at Designer Smiles.

We are happy to help discuss with you the most appropriate treatments based on your needs and budget.

Meeting your Expectations

Bleaching and tooth whitening results depend on several factors:

We also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of bleaching and teeth whitening. Before and after photos with shade guide are generally required for obtaining your informed consent. 92.5% of patients consulting Designer Smiles have expressed satisfaction with our tooth whitening procedures. Long-term studies on tooth whitening have shown:

Therefore, we help patients understand the possibilities available to them.

Five years After One Visit Tooth Whitening

Monthly home tray whitening gel can be supplemented with yearly in-house tooth whitening system as well at Designer Smiles. Over-the-counter products (OTC) have considerable amounts of acid which can affect the surface enamel of the tooth, while professionally delivered products tested in clinical trials sustain no damage to tooth enamel.

Tooth whitening is an art requiring prior assessment of tooth colour/shade. Patients with very dark stains on their teeth may not be suitable candidates for whitening procedure as it would take quite a long period of time and the banding-striations will remain. Also, it is not ideal for bleaching teeth with severe tetracycline discolouration and enamel hypoplasia (surface malformations). Bleaching alone will not fix the problem. The surface colour contrast in the bands will remain. Ultrathin minimal intervention porcelain veneers developed by Dr Sarkis Nalbandian and his laboratory (dental Xpressions) are the answer.

Ideal Clinical Situation

The presence of even discolouration on the surface with no bands or pits fissures or grooves. Yellow teeth, with light discolouration restricted to enamel as opposed to dentine, and plenty of enamel.
Indications

Light yellow tetracycline staining
Brown fluorosis stains: the white spot lesions become less apparent as the surrounding brown/tooth lightens up
Bleaching single or few discoloured teeth as per patient preference
Extended bleaching of calcified pulpal-yellow golden tooth with history of trauma
All surface stains: coffee, tea, tobacco, chromogenic bacteria
Staining due to Chlorhexidine (CHXO)
Possible reduction in root caries-anticariogenic properties of carbamide peroxide

However, the most important factor in a successful treatment is realistic patient expectations.

What Are the Two Kinds of Stains That Develop?

Extrinsic—Stains which are deposited on the outside surface. Whiteners will lighten calculus and the subsurface structure. Intrinsic—Stains which are incorporated into the tooth structure before or after eruption.

Yellow brown-amelogenesis imperfecta, hypoplastic form which is usually transmitted as autosomal dominant trait.

What Agent or Agents Lighten Teeth?

Peroxide is an active agent. Found in Carbamide Peroxide (CP). Breakdown: 10% CP=3% HP+7% Urea; (HP = Oxygen + Water; Urea = Ammonia + Carbon Dioxide)

How Does it Work?

Carbamide peroxide breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea, materials commonly found and readily disposed of in the body.

Hydrogen peroxide breaks down into water and an oxygen free radical.

The 10% Carbamide Peroxide is the safest and tested and is regarded as the standard of care in Evidenced Based Dentistry. We, in dentistry are now trained in biochemical concepts of tooth whitening.

The professional teeth whitening procedure at Designer Smiles, Sydney is very simple. We have the experience and expertise in advising you on tooth whitening. Dr Sarkis Nalbandian tested the first revolutionary tooth whitening system in 2001 and he is recognised and approached by media for assessment of current whitening systems. He appeared on Channel Nine’s A Current Affair in Australia and evaluated and tested a range of tooth whitening systems: both in-house and over the counter products.

The Truth

Very few therapies work for everyone.

Advantages of bleaching alone:

Chief advantage is minimal invasiveness requiring no alteration of tooth structure and loss of enamel.
Presence of even discolouration on surface including no bands or pits fissures or grooves. Yellow teeth, with light discolouration restricted to enamel as opposed to dentine.

Serve as an adjunct to cosmetic procedures by enhancing general colour-combined Tx

Contraindications for tooth whitening

Patients with resin allergies or peroxide allergies
Pregnant or lactating patients
How old should patients be before bleaching? - Should not lighten teeth while patient is in mixed dentition

Tooth whitening for individual teeth has a different policy (Ped Dent 30(7 Sup):61-63;2008)

Disadvantages of bleaching alone

Tooth whitening is eventually reversible
Patient must stop smoking, and drinking red wine
Number of sessions required
Not effective for all forms of discolouration: tetracycline banding will lighten up but remain distinct entities: depending on the lip line, the tips tend to get quite white
Bleaching cannot alter shape or position of the tooth
Bleaching can be unpredictable. Cannot change colour of existing restorations

Over the years, teeth can become discoloured for a number of reasons. Smoking, certain foods, aging, medication and poor oral hygiene can all contribute to the problem where the change can be so gradual, you never notice. With the new techniques in bleaching, you’ll be surprised at the difference in your smile.

Instant Power tooth whitening special formulation by Designer Smiles® is the most effective whitening procedure in modern dentistry today. We provide this service in one visit with in-house whitening lasers and can improve the shade of your teeth by at least 2-3 shades. If you have golden-brown discolouration teeth can improve 7-12 shades lighter. Tooth whitening is offered to all our patients and, as we are the only clinic in Australia with two fully equipped rooms for this procedure, appointments can be arranged for you as soon as possible.

Alternatively, we also offer home whitening systems. With our home bleaching program, using a custom-fitted lightweight mouth guard and special gel results can be seen after only a few days of treatment.

How Long Does Bleaching Last?

It depends on the person!
Special consideration for bleaching patients

Dentofacial Aesthetic Rejuvenation

It is not just about the teeth it is all about the face! Determining the patient’s specific concern(s) is of major clinical importance. Many tooth surface loss patients (TSL and heavily restored teeth) will be primarily concerned about the longevity of their dentition, but aesthetics is also likely to be of concern. It is easy to presume that this results from the shortened appearance of the teeth. However, the patient may just dislike the yellow/brown appearance of exposed dentine surfaces. Bleaching here also will not work and restorative coverage is required. Porcelain veneers & crowns are placed on lower 10 teeth.

I Want White Teeth!

There are few patients for whom white teeth really suits and makes them very happy. If you are one of those patients then please have a look. 10 ultra-white porcelain veneers placed on upper and lower arch for this lovely patient. This special request made by the patient was completed after considerable assessment, diagnosis and planning. You have different aesthetic criteria. It is our duty to listen to you because realistic expectations are always met with satisfying results. Our patient’s wishes are respected and you can see it complements this patient’s lovely dentofacial aesthetics.

Get in Touch with Us for More Details

Please feel free to contact us should you have any queries about cosmetic teeth whitening. Designer Smiles® is a one stop shop in Sydney for all teeth whitening, implant, surgical and reconstructive (prosthodontic) oral rehabilitation solutions. Call us or fill in the form for more information.