5 things to know about professional teeth whitening in Canberra

The Australian Dental Association (ADA) last year warned people about the dangers of DIY-teeth whitening products, with dentists reporting patients coming to them with chemical burns and ulcers from DIY kits caused by overly strong products such as hydrogen peroxide.

Conversely, some home kits are so weak in concentration they do little to remove stains at all, with a hydrogen peroxide concentration of 3-10%, whereas professional teeth whitening solutions from a dentist are around 40%.

Having your teeth whitened by a professional dental practitioner is a safer and often more cost-effective option than using inadequate over-the-counter products.

Teeth whitening has been around for centuries. The Ancient Egyptians used a mix of wine vinegar and ground pumice stone to whiten their teeth.

Fast forward to today when professional teeth whitening treatment uses a gel that won't damage or harm your tooth enamel. The actual process itself is simple.

Teeth are porous and when the whitening gel is placed on them, it travels through the enamel to the layer of tissue behind the enamel. This layer is called dentin. The whitening gel is absorbed into your teeth and pushes out the stains.

Having your teeth whitened can cause some temporary tooth sensitivity. However, this typically passes after 12-36 hours. Your teeth become sensitive because while they're being whitened, they become dehydrated.



This, in turn, reduces the teeth’s ability to protect the nerves in your teeth from temperature changes. You may be encouraged to use desensitizing fluoride toothpaste or mouth rinse after treatment.

If you have crowns and veneers, teeth whitening may not be for you because you could end up with teeth that are different shades. Crowns and veneers do not respond to whitening products.

If you're considering crowns or veneers, whiten your teeth before going ahead with the procedure. No one wants a multicolored smile!



If you have really sensitive teeth already, have gum disease, are pregnant or breastfeeding, or are an adolescent with baby teeth, then teeth whitening of any kind is not for you. Whitening can speed up gum disease and may not be safe for everyone.

There are two kinds of professional teeth whitening options you can choose. You can either have it done at a dental practice or have a professional whitening kit made for you that you can use at home.



This includes having a dental impression made of your teeth to create a whitening tray that fits your teeth perfectly, so you can whiten them in the comfort of your own home.

If you’d like to find out more about professional teeth whitening and its benefits, then give us a call on 02 6290 0055 or send us an email. We’re happy to help you achieve a brighter and healthier smile.