Your dentist will apply the bleaching agent in the dentist chair, The treatment will take approximately 1 hour time and you will be able to notice the results immediately. However, due to the intense bleaching it is possible that the teeth may become more sensitive than home bleaching and you find the need to use pain killers following the treatment.
At Opal Dental we recommend teeth whitening through a home bleaching kit specially designed for you. First, your dentist will take an impression or mould of your teeth to send to the laboratory to create a snugly fitting bleaching tray. Your dentist will then provide you with the bleaching kit with your custom made specially designed tray with instructions on how to apply it every night for a period of 1-2 weeks. Since it is a custom fitted tray, you can ensure the bleaching agent will not seep on to the gum, which will thereby prevent any soft tissue damage and also allow the dentist to provide you with a higher concentrate bleaching agent.
Sensitive teeth
Over bleaching of the teeth can cause damage to the enamel
Damage to the inflamed or disease gum
For more information, regarding teeth whitening please read advice provided by the Australian Dental Association here:
http://www.toothwhiteningfacts.com.au/
Dental radiographs (x-rays) show the structures of your teeth and mouth that cannot be seen visually during your clinical examination. X-rays also allow us to see the very early signs of decay which means we can start treatment early – sometimes without having to do a filling! From time to time there are other more specific reasons to take an x-ray, for example, infection or to check on wisdom teeth. Dental x-rays require small radiation doses (even smaller now that we have digital x-rays!) however, we never take them unnecessarily.
We encourage you to bring your children in with you to your check-up appointments from very early on. This introduces them to the dental environment and the Dentist in a non-threatening way and allows your child to have confidence when it is their turn.
You can introduce a soft children’s toothbrush from 12 months (earlier if tolerated by the infant) and just use water.
Many comparisons have been made between electric toothbrushes and manual toothbrushes to look at the ability of each to remove plaque effectively and prevent or reduce calculus (tartar) build-up, thereby reducing the development of gum disease. Research studies have indicated both powered and manual toothbrushes to be equally effective when used correctly, which mean it is not so much the brush you use, but how you use it is the critical factor. Many people are choosing to use a power toothbrush, especially older patients who find them easier to hold. Advice from our dental hygienists can help ensure that your brushing routine is effective no matter which brush you prefer to use.
Clinically referred to as halitosis, bad breath is an unpleasant condition that is cause for embarrassment both socially and professionally. Some people with bad breath aren’t even aware they have a problem. If you’re concerned about bad breath, see one of our dentists for an assessment as they can help to identify the cause and, if it’s due to an oral condition, develop a treatment programme to help eliminate it. What you eat affects the air you exhale. Sometimes bad breath is attributed to certain foods such as garlic and onions. Once the food is absorbed into the bloodstream, it is transferred to the lungs, where it is expelled. Brushing, flossing and mouthwash will only mask the odour temporarily. Odours continue until the body eliminates the food. Dieters may develop unpleasant breath from infrequent eating. If you do not brush and floss daily, particles of food remain in your mouth, collecting bacteria, which can cause bad breath. Food that collects between the teeth, on your tongue and around the gums can rot, leaving an unpleasant odour.
State-of-the-art, clear plastic aligners – Invisalign® is the world’s leading clear aligner system to help straighten teeth.
