In recent years, teeth whitening has become increasingly popular. However, not all Brisbane teeth whitening kits are created equal.
What is teeth whitening?
This practice involves applying hydrogen peroxide gel on the teeth at different strengths and formulas. Hydrogen peroxide passes into the tooth and breaks down the complex molecules that make your teeth look discoloured. Different strengths are used for different amounts of time. This ensures that teeth can be whitened safely with minimal irritation to gums or teeth. In some instances, lights can be used to activate and speed up the process of dental bleaching.
What are teeth whitening kits?
There are many options available on the market. These range from kits you can purchase over the internet to Philips Zoom! Whitening. However, not all of these kits can guarantee you a brighter white smile.
Online kits
To get a glimpse of one of these kits, all you need to do is follow any influencer that has ever existed. As is the financial incentive behind such posts, the quality and safety of such kits are extremely questionable.
Whitening strips are the cheapest option for teeth whitening. However, you get what you pay for. These strips often contain such a low percentage of hydrogen peroxide that no real whitening effect is possible. Furthermore, excessive use of these strips is unsafe. They will cause damage and sensitivity to your teeth.
Other online teeth whitening kits boast the use of LED lights and whitening gel instead of hydrogen peroxide. The gel in these kits contain phthalimidoperoxycaproic acid (PAP) to bleach the teeth, potassium nitrate to desensitise the nerves, and sodium chlorite for stain removal.
These ingredients can lighten stains on the surface of the tooth, but that is about it. As the retainer is a one-size-fits all, this stain removal can also be patchy due to the uneven spread of gel.
There are also concerns regarding the use of sodium chloride, as this may harm tooth enamel. Similarly, the effectiveness of the LED lights in these kits is questionable. While LED is used in Bite in chair whitening treatments, this is extremely regulated and controlled by a trained professional. This is unlike online kits, where the LED light may be more of a gimmick.
On a darker side, the LED light in these kits is the same ultraviolet light that causes sunburn and skin cancer. Unregulated UV kits can lead to stomach problems, mouth infections, toothache, gum-shrinking and nerve damage.
Teeth Whitening at Bite Dental
Unlike DIY teeth whitening, Bite Dental offers methods which are both effective and safe.
Bite Take Home Kits
For at home whitening, you can have moulds taken and custom reusable trays made at Bite. Once your trays are ready for collection, your dentist or hygienist will provide syringes of whitening gel along with full instructions to use them at home. Depending on what is right for you, your practitioner will determine the best percentage and formula for you to use. This typically varies from around 4% to 14%.
At home, you simply squeeze small amounts of gel into the trays and place over your teeth. You then wear these trays for a predetermined amount of time that will be suggested to you by your dentist or hygienist. This can be from 15 minutes to one hour and can be adjusted to suit your lifestyle. Your practitioner will also suggest how many days you should whiten your teeth for – for a few days up to two weeks. All clients at Bite Dental receive a complimentary ‘top-up’ solution at every six-monthly check-up to maintain your bright and healthy smile. In terms of safety and effectiveness, this is the best at home teeth whitening option available.
In-chair teeth whitening
The incredible Philips Zoom! whitening can take your teeth up to 8 shades whiter in under one hour. This is the best Brisbane teeth whitening option available in terms of time and results. This professional teeth whitening is done in-chair and is convenient due to the small amount of time needed. Zoom! is particularly good for those with non-sensitive teeth as the percentage of hydrogen peroxide tends to be higher (approximately 14%).
The LED light works to accelerate the teeth bleaching process, leaving you with wonderfully white teeth in as little as 45 minutes. This is the most efficient way to whiten teeth and is also the more costly option.
If you are looking at zoom teeth whitening in Brisbane, on any form of Brisbane teeth whitening, it is important that you consult a specialist. Don’t fall for the advertising claims that distort and amplify the results. It is important to consider the dangers of DIY teeth whitening. After all, this treatment is going into your mouth, so you want to ensure it is safe as well as effective.
Right now, we are offering new patients a full check-up for $95. This involves a consultation with a dentist, a full check-up exam, and any necessary x-rays. You are also able to discuss your natural teeth whitening goals and the cost of teeth whitening in Brisbane at your favourite dentist in Brisbane City.
