Teeth Whitening

When performed under the supervision of a registered dental professional, teeth whitening can be an appropriate treatment option for many patients. However, as with any dental treatment, there are potential risks, side effects and limitations that should be considered before proceeding.

A dental assessment is an important part of the whitening process. Tooth discolouration can occur for many reasons, and not all types of staining or colour change will respond to whitening treatment in the same way. Existing dental conditions, restorations, medications and previous dental trauma may also influence the suitability of treatment and the outcome that may be achieved.

Professional whitening treatments use hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide whitening agents. These products must be used carefully and according to professional instructions. Potential side effects can include tooth sensitivity and irritation of the gums or other soft tissues. Your dental practitioner will discuss these risks with you before treatment.

In some cases, whitening may not be recommended until other dental concerns, such as tooth decay, defective restorations or significant tooth wear, have been assessed and managed.

Your dentist, dental hygienist or oral health therapist can review your oral health and medical history, discuss your treatment goals and determine whether teeth whitening is an appropriate option for your circumstances. They can also explain the potential benefits, limitations, risks and expected outcomes of treatment so that you can make an informed decision.

Teeth whitening is not suitable for everyone, and individual results vary. A consultation is required to determine whether treatment is appropriate for your circumstances.

Teeth whitening can improve the appearance of some types of tooth discolouration, but the degree of whitening achieved varies between individuals. The outcome of treatment depends on a range of factors, including the cause and severity of the discolouration, the condition of the teeth and the type of whitening treatment used.

Some forms of staining may respond more readily to whitening treatment than others. For example, teeth that have become darker over time due to ageing, food, drink or smoking may respond differently to whitening than teeth affected by trauma, certain medications, fluorosis or other developmental conditions.

It is also important to understand that dental restorations such as fillings, crowns and veneers do not typically change colour during whitening treatment. As a result, colour differences between natural teeth and existing restorations may become more noticeable.

During your consultation, your dentist, dental hygienist or oral health therapist will assess your oral health and discuss the likely benefits, limitations and risks of treatment based on your individual circumstances. They can also explain whether teeth whitening is an appropriate option for you and discuss any alternative treatment options that may be available.

Teeth whitening is not suitable for everyone, and individual results vary. No specific outcome can be guaranteed.

No. Teeth whitening treatments are designed to affect the colour of natural tooth structure and do not typically change the colour of dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, veneers or bridges.

As a result, existing restorations may appear darker or more noticeable if the surrounding natural teeth become lighter following whitening treatment.

If you have visible restorations, your dentist, hygienist or oral health therapist can discuss how whitening may affect the overall appearance of your smile and whether any additional treatment options should be considered. In some cases, replacement of existing restorations may be discussed after whitening treatment has been completed and the final tooth colour has stabilised.

Your dentist, hygienist or oral health therapist will assess your individual circumstances and explain the potential benefits, limitations and considerations of treatment before you proceed.

Tooth discolouration can occur for many different reasons. Some causes affect the outer surface of the teeth, while others result in changes within the tooth structure itself.

Common causes of tooth discolouration include:

Food and Drink
Certain foods and beverages, including tea, coffee, red wine and some strongly coloured foods, can contribute to staining over time.

Smoking and Tobacco Use
Smoking and other forms of tobacco use can cause staining and may contribute to changes in tooth colour.

Ageing
As we age, natural changes occur within the teeth. The outer enamel layer can become thinner over time, making the underlying dentine more visible and causing teeth to appear darker or more yellow. The underlying dentine also becomes darker as it thickens with age.

Oral Hygiene
Plaque, calculus (tartar) and surface stains can accumulate on the teeth if oral hygiene is not maintained, affecting their appearance.

Genetics and Enamel Thickness
The natural colour of teeth varies between individuals. Factors such as enamel thickness and tooth structure can influence how light or dark teeth appear.

Medications, Illness and Developmental Conditions
Some medications, childhood illnesses, dental trauma and developmental conditions can affect tooth colour and may result in discolouration that differs from ordinary staining.

Why Is the Cause Important?
The most appropriate treatment option depends on the underlying cause of the discolouration. During a consultation, your dentist, dental hygienist or oral health therapist can assess your teeth, identify possible causes and discuss the treatment options that may be suitable for your individual circumstances.

Not all types of tooth discolouration respond to whitening treatment in the same way. Your dentist, hygienist or oral health therapist will discuss the potential benefits, limitations and expected outcomes of treatment before you proceed.

While some forms of tooth discolouration occur naturally over time and cannot be completely prevented, there are steps that may help reduce the accumulation of surface stains.

Maintain Good Oral Hygiene
Brushing twice daily with fluoride toothpaste and cleaning between your teeth regularly can help remove plaque and reduce the build-up of surface stains.

Be Aware of Foods and Drinks That May Cause Staining
Beverages such as coffee, tea and red wine, as well as some strongly coloured foods, may contribute to tooth staining over time. Rinsing with water after consuming these items may help reduce staining.

Avoid Tobacco Products
Smoking and other forms of tobacco use can contribute to tooth staining and are associated with a range of oral and general health risks. Reducing or stopping tobacco use may help limit further staining.

Attend Regular Dental Active Maintenance and Professional Cleans
Regular dental examinations and professional cleaning may help remove some surface staining and allow your dentist, hygienist or oral health therapist to monitor your oral health.

Understanding Tooth Discolouration
It is important to remember that not all tooth discolouration is caused by surface staining. Factors such as ageing, medications, dental trauma and developmental conditions can also affect tooth colour and may require different treatment approaches.

If you have concerns about the colour of your teeth, your dentist, dental hygienist or oral health therapist can assess the cause of the discolouration and discuss the options that may be appropriate for your individual circumstances.

As with any dental treatment, teeth whitening has potential risks and side effects. Before treatment, your dental practitioner will discuss these with you and determine whether whitening is appropriate for your individual circumstances.

Tooth Sensitivity
Temporary tooth sensitivity is one of the most commonly reported side effects of teeth whitening. Some patients may experience increased sensitivity to hot, cold or sweet foods and drinks during or after treatment. The severity and duration of sensitivity varies between individuals.

Gum and Soft Tissue Irritation
Some patients may experience temporary irritation of the gums, lips or other soft tissues. This can occur if whitening agents come into contact with these tissues during treatment.

Individual Experiences Vary
Not all patients experience side effects, and the type, severity and duration of any side effects can vary. Factors such as pre-existing tooth sensitivity, oral health and the type of whitening treatment used may influence your experience.

If you experience discomfort or have concerns during or after treatment, you should contact your dentist, hygienist or oral health therapist for advice.

Your dentist, dental hygienist or oral health therapist will explain the potential benefits, limitations and risks of treatment before you proceed. Teeth whitening is not suitable for everyone, and individual results and experiences vary.

The longevity of teeth whitening results varies between individuals. A range of factors can influence how long any colour change is maintained, including dietary habits, tobacco use, oral hygiene practices, age-related changes and the natural characteristics of your teeth.

Foods and drinks that may contribute to staining, such as coffee, tea, red wine and some strongly coloured foods, can affect the appearance of teeth over time. Smoking and other forms of tobacco use may also contribute to discolouration.

Your dentist, hygienist or oral health therapist may recommend strategies to help maintain the appearance of your teeth following whitening treatment. Depending on your individual circumstances, this may include ongoing oral hygiene measures, regular dental examinations and professional cleaning, or the use of a customised home maintenance kit.

It is important to understand that teeth can naturally change colour over time, regardless of whether whitening treatment has been completed.

The duration of whitening results varies between individuals, and no specific outcome or timeframe can be guaranteed. Your dentist, hygienist or oral health therapist will discuss the potential benefits, limitations and expected outcomes of treatment based on your individual circumstances.

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Providing a central and accessible location catering to patients Brisbane wide.

Our staff are passionate about ensuring every patient leaves the clinic with a smile, with full confidence they are receiving the best dental care in Brisbane.

We invite you to experience the Medland difference.