What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening can be an effective way of lightening the natural colour of your teeth. Depending on the cause of the discolouration, results may vary – from one shade whiter, to three shades whiter. Discolouration can be caused by poor dental hygiene, smoking, and even foods or drinks such as red wine or coffee.

There are a variety of teeth whitening methods available, and these options vary for each patient. For external discolouration, many dentists offer laser teeth whitening, which uses a light to accelerate the bleaching process for instant results. Laser whitening can usually brighten your teeth up to five or six shades lighter. For dead teeth, dentists will have to bleach the tooth from the inside, as normal whitening will not work as the discolouration is inside the tooth.

It is important to observe good dental hygiene and reduce the amount of food and drink you consume that can stain your teeth again post-treatment.

This treatment is not recommended for patients whose teeth and gums are not in a healthy condition as the treatment may cause more damage; patients who have crowns, veneers or fillings in the front teeth; and patients with fluorosis, sensitive teeth.

What happens during the teeth whitening process?

You will have an initial consultation with your dentist to discuss the suitability of the treatment, discuss options, and discuss the details of the treatment. A mould of your teeth may need to be taken prior to the teeth whitening treatment depending on the type of teeth whitening treatment you choose.

No anaesthesia will be administered for the treatment and the procedure usually takes between 30-60 minutes. Post-treatment, your teeth may feel more sensitive to hot and cold foods. It is recommended to avoid or reduce your intake of foods which can stain the teeth, cease smoking, and to observe good oral hygiene.

How do I find the right dentist?

The best way is to speak to a few dentists, look up their reviews and find out which dentist you are most comfortable with. At Holiday Health, we can connect you to reputable and reliable dentists. We strongly suggest you take into consideration that the dentist you choose:

• is reputable and trustworthy;
• has a proven track record;
• is registered with or accredited by their local government or the governing medical body or association;
• has never been disqualified from practising anywhere in the world;
• has never been found guilty of endangering a patient’s life; and
• has never been found guilty of malpractice.

You should also include any preferences you might have. For example, you might be more comfortable with a female dentist, or someone who has more experience.

Important 

Before your treatment, you will have the opportunity to discuss your goals and the results you would like to achieve with your dentist. Communication is vital in reaching your goals. Ensure you communicate your vision clearly to your dentist and re-confirm the intended procedure to ensure there is no miscommunication. Your dentist will work with you to reach an understanding about what you can expect from this treatment, and what long-term benefits and side-effects you may experience. Every patient is different, and your dentist will choose the treatment plan that is right for you.

Your dentist will give you specific instructions on how to prepare for treatment, including guidelines on eating and drinking, smoking, and which vitamins and medications should be taken or avoided.

Please note. The information found on this website is purely for educational purposes only and should not be relied upon for its exactness or for its accuracy for your specific situation and/or for your specific procedure. The information provided is not a substitute for advice from your dentist as it may not contain all the known facts, risks and side effects of this procedure. Please consult with your dentist about your personal circumstances and about your personal procedure / treatment plan. We take no responsibility for any misinformation, inaccuracies, or for any loss or damage suffered by you in relation to the services we provide to you, or the information provided on our website.