Tooth whitening - In house / take home – opalescence
If you have noticed your teeth are not looking as bright as they once did or as you would like, a simple, safe and effective whitening treatment can help you recapture your captivating smile.

There are many contributing factors to tooth discoloration. Smoking, some prescription medications as well as some of our favourite things like; tea, coffee, red wine, and strong food dyes all add to your teeth losing their lustre.

Many people are discovering just what an amazing difference a simple, fast teeth-whitening treatment can make to their smile and quality of life, both socially and professionally.

Whitening FAQ’s

What is teeth whitening, how is it done?
There are two professional ways to achieve an alluring white smile. In-chair whitening takes a little over one hour in our practice suites and is a treatment that can lighten your teeth by up to ten shades in a single appointment. The at home whitening system can also lighten your smile to the same degree as the in-chair system but over a period of approximately one week.

During the in-chair procedure, the formulated gel is applied to your teeth and activated by a specially developed light. The gel may be need to be re-applied two or three times during your appointment.

Your at home whitening kit contains the same whitening gel that is used for the in-chair treatment. It is placed in custom-made trays, which look similar to a sport mouthguard only much finer, they designed so they fit snugly over your teeth to allow maximum contact with your tooth enamel while protecting your gums. They are then worn for a specified time, usually overnight.

Many of our patients prefer the at home system as they can lighten their smile in the comfort and privacy of their own home, at times to suit their schedule. In-chair whitening will often require a follow-up at home whitening treatment.

How long before I see results?
One of the main reasons in-chair whitening is popular with some people is its instant results of up to eight shades in a single treatment. This is ideal for people who have limited time or an important upcoming event such as a wedding.

For at home treatments, your desired results may take 7 – 10 days to achieve, although a noticeable change can often be seen after only 3 – 4 applications. Our team can advise you on the correct way of using your at home system to achieve maximum results.

How long will my treatment last?
The longevity of your whitening treatment will largely depend on your oral care routine. Brushing twice a day, flossing at least once a day and scheduling regular cleaning appointments with our hygienist, in addition to limiting or eliminating snacking between meals and a lower consumption of tooth staining products such as coffee, tea, strongly dyed food and smoking will significantly increase your treatment lifespan.

However, for most of our patients, their results can last for over two years before they need to refresh their treatment. Although many people choose to touch up their smile using their whitening trays and gel every six months to maintain the shade achieved when they first completed their treatment.

Is teeth whitening safe?
Extensive research has been conducted on whitening products to ensure they are completely safe for your teeth and surrounding gum tissue with the only notable side effect being some sensitivity to hot and cold. This will usually subside several hours after completing your treatment. A very small percentage of patients may experience a dull ache; this can be treated with an over the counter pain relief medication.

At smile@norwest, we have carefully selected the whitening treatment products we choose to provide to ensure you receive the safest and most rigorously tested available.

If your sensitivity continues, you should stop treatment for several days. Often use of a desensitising toothpaste can relieve the problem. If you have any further concerns, consult with one of our dental team members before recommencing treatment.

Does it work on restorations?
Teeth whitening treatments are only able to lighten natural tooth enamel. As crowns, bridges, veneers and other restorations are made from porcelain or amalgam in the case of some fillings, they cannot be changed by the whitening gel. Once you have achieved your desired shade, you may need to replace any existing porcelain restorations so they match your new shade.

If you are going to have porcelain restorations placed, it is advised this is completed prior to your whitening treatment so they can be matched to your new intended shade. Our team can offer you advice on the best treatment options.

What is the best care for my new whiter teeth?
Not just to ensure your new smile keeps looking good for years, a regular routine of brushing twice a day with a fluoride toothpaste and flossing once a day together with cleaning appointments every six months with our dental hygienist are essential for maintaining healthy teeth and gums

It is important to note that results for teeth whitening will be different for every person as there are many variables. Smoking, excessive tea, coffee, red wine and other discolouring foods and drinks during and after your treatment may discolour your teeth in a shorter period than otherwise indicated on our website.