Teeth Whitening in Melbourne

Tooth discolouration can be a result of either extrinsic (surface stain) or intrinsic (internal stain) colorants. Generally, our teeth become yellower as we become older – it is part of the normal ageing process. Lighter and brighter teeth is a sign of youthfulness which many people aspire to.

Teeth may become discoloured while they are forming (during childhood), because of an illness or, the use of tetracycline antibiotics. Teeth may also become discoloured when the pulp (nerve and blood vessels) inside the root canal dies or is damaged because of tooth decay or trauma. Teeth also darken naturally with age because of progressive dentine hardening within the tooth or because of erosion resulting in the thinning of the enamel.

Surface stain

Well-known causes of tooth stains are tobacco (smoking), strong tea, coffee, and red wine. Medicines containing iron and heavily coloured foodstuffs (beetroot and curry) can also be a contributing influence. Deposits of tartar (calculus) that form around the necks of the teeth will also pick up unsightly stains that can be extremely difficult to remove.

Internal stain

Teeth which have had their nerve removed (dead or non-vital) will always be darker than their live (vital) counterparts. Upper front teeth (incisors) that have taken a heavy knock (trauma) will frequently become discoloured if the blood vessels have been ruptured at the end of the root (apex). If haemorrhage (bleeding) has occurred within the tooth itself (pulp chamber) the usual bruising and healing processes of the soft tissues cannot occur. The blood products break down in the tooth and cannot be taken away by a fresh blood supply. As a result, the tooth can become heavily discoloured.

Bleaching involves the use of chemical agents (hydrogen peroxide) to produce an oxidation of the discolouring molecules within the tooth.

External bleaching

Prosthodontist can bleach teeth externally by applying a bleaching product (usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide). The peroxide molecule penetrates the tooth surface, reducing the size of stain pigments, breaking down into water and oxygen. This procedure offers a predictable way for most people to achieve a lighter and brighter smile.

It can either be done at the dental surgery or by the patient at home (under the dentist's direction). At-home systems contain lower concentrations of peroxide which is more predictable. The dentist takes an impression of the teeth to produce a custom-made tray that covers the teeth to be bleached. The tray will hold the bleaching gel against the teeth with minimal contact with the gums and other oral tissues. The tray is worn for several hours, usually at nighttime or when it is most convenient.

A course of treatment usually takes two to three weeks. Possible side effects include minor sensitivity of the teeth to heat and cold. These symptoms are usually mild and will quickly ease when the treatment ends.

In-surgery systems usually involve a higher concentration of peroxide, which is used with a powerful dental light unit. Your gums need to be protected using a rubber shield or special paint-on varnish. The procedure takes from one to two hours. This is sometimes repeated at subsequent appointments to achieve the maximum effect.

Internal bleaching

When a tooth is discoloured following the death of the pulp, the prosthodontist can carry out internal bleaching after the completion of root canal treatment for the tooth. The bleaching agent is sealed inside the tooth for about a week. It is cleaned out when satisfactory lightening is achieved, and a tooth-coloured filling is placed inside the tooth. A proven method is to combine internal and external bleaching.

Discoloured fillings will not improve with bleaching. They will show more if the surrounding tooth structure is bleached, and they may have to be replaced. The prosthodontist will be able to tell if bleaching is suitable for you and may discuss other options such as veneers and crowns for improving the appearance of the teeth.

Whitening toothpastes contain ingredients that increase the levels of superficial stain removal, if used regularly, to prevent stains gaining a foothold. However, they are unable to alter the intrinsic colour of teeth. All toothpastes contain mild abrasives, which may help to remove surface stains.

Underlying Cause of Tooth Discolouration

It is essential that the underlying cause of your tooth discoloration is identified, appropriately treated, and controlled, this helps to maintain a long-term sustainable result. If the discoloration is associated with tooth decay, gum, and bone (periodontal) disease and stained fillings (restorations), these dental problems will not be resolved with teeth whitening procedures alone.

In Difficult Cases with High Aesthetic Demands

At our Melbourne city clinic, teeth whitening procedures may be used in conjunction with other prosthodontic treatments, including ceramic veneers.

Individualised prescription of teeth whitening protocol

Unlike over-the-counter teeth whitening products, when you receive treatment at our clinic, the type and concentration of the teeth bleaching agent will be specified and is approved by the Australian Dental Association. Once your treatment is booked, the teeth whitening product will be delivered via customised trays and/or by in- surgery whitening.

Your individualised teeth whitening protocol will include information regarding:

• Duration of daily use
• Duration of treatment course
• Professional tooth whitening instructions, oral hygiene measures, dietary and lifestyle changes to optimise the result.

Monitoring of teeth whitening progress

Our team at White Light Prosthodontics will provide you with pre- and post-treatment photographs, colour guide comparisons, allowing you to visualise the results you have received from your teeth whitening procedure.

Our clinicians will balance the risks associated with tooth whitening and provide professional advice to help you make an informed decision on whether the teeth whitening procedure is a procedure you should undertake.