Are you after the confidence that brighter, whiter teeth can bring?

Everyone has a different starting point when it comes to white teeth with genetics, environment and age all affecting your teeth’s colouring. If you are looking for safe, effective and affordable teeth whitening treatment in Tauranga, speak to Duncan Dental.

What causes tooth staining and discolouration?

First, it’s important to understand the two main causes of tooth discolouration.

Internal discolouration is caused by structural changes to the tooth. This can be the result of anything from trauma to the use of certain antibiotics in childhood, decay to excessive fluoride.

External discolouration results from environmental factors, such as food and drinks that stain teeth, common culprits being tea and coffee, tobacco and dark foods like cherries or berries.

Age also goes hand-in-hand with tooth darkening. As the tooth’s protective outer layer, the enamel, starts to thin, it reveals the discoloured or stained layer below, the dentine.

How does teeth whitening work?

The active ingredient in most teeth whitening treatments is hydrogen peroxide, which reacts with the compounds that cause the darker colouring on both your dentine and enamel, making them lighter so that your teeth look whiter.

While there are over-the-counter teeth whitening kits, dentist-led treatment will be more effective, safer and ensure the right amount and concentration of hydrogen peroxide is used.

Our Teeth Whitening Process

Dental clinic treatments

Teeth whitening treatment in our Tauranga dental surgery makes use of stronger hydrogen peroxide concentrations. In these cases, your tooth whitening will be done in the dental clinic so we can make sure it doesn’t touch your gums.

We can also perform internal bleaching in our dental surgery. This process is indicated when a non-vital tooth (a tooth with no nerve supply) becomes discoloured. Generally, a whitening agent is placed inside the tooth and left for a period of 2-4 weeks. This procedure may be undertaken up to three times to achieve the desired colour. Sometimes a tooth needs internal bleaching prior to the placement of a veneer or a crown. This is commonly done on front teeth.

Dentist-led home whitening treatment

Our Tauranga dentists can customise mouth guards and supply you with whitening gel for convenient, safe, at-home treatment. Speak to us to see if home whitening is right for you.

Can I get my teeth whitened?

Most likely, yes! Many adults keen to whiten their teeth are suitable for treatment, however effectiveness will vary from patient to patient. If you have fillings, decayed or broken teeth that need treatment, this will have to be done before whitening.

Unfortunately, you are not a candidate for tooth whitening if you…

• have staining due to the use of certain antibiotics in childhood,

• have extensive periodontal disease,

• are pregnant, or

• are under 14 years of age.

Ready for a whiter smile?

If your tooth discolouration is getting in the way of your confidence, talk to Duncan Dental, Tauranga’s family dental clinic, about our teeth whitening treatment options.

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