Teeth Whitening Leichhardt
Get A Whiter, Brighter Smile
Teeth whitening can help improve the appearance of discolouration and brighten your smile. Whether you’re looking to lighten overall tooth shade or address specific staining, Dr Berera can discuss suitable whitening options with you.
Teeth whitening when done properly is safe and effective for most people. But it’s not a one-size-fits-all treatment and you’ll need to get professional advice before diving in. Dr Berera can check your oral health, recommend the right whitening option for you, and make sure you achieve results that look natural, healthy, and long-lasting.
Benefits Of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening can help improve the brightness of your smile and may be an option if you are looking to refresh your overall appearance. Professional whitening treatments are designed to lighten tooth discolouration, and your dentist can assess whether this approach is suitable for your individual needs.
At our practice, we use dental whitening systems that give effective results. The hydrogen peroxide-based gel penetrates the enamel structure to lighten your teeth from the inside, without weakening the tooth.
Over-the-counter whitening products can vary in effectiveness, and some may not be suitable for all individuals. In certain cases, improper use may increase the risk of tooth sensitivity or enamel wear. Professional teeth whitening is carried out under the guidance of a dentist, who can recommend an option appropriate for your oral health and discuss the expected outcomes and limitations with you, all while being affordable.
Most people can expect immediate results of 1-2 shades lighter, with further lightening and stabilisation over the next two weeks, up to 3-4 shades lighter than when you started. The results usually last for around 12 months. We recommend using take-home whitening every 12 months to maintain the lightened teeth colour, along with regular dental examinations and cleans.
The Procedure
Diet, oral hygiene, previous fillings, your own enamel quality – everyone’s mouth is different. A thorough assessment prior to commencing any whitening procedure will determine its effectiveness for you. At Dr Berera Dental we offer two types of whitening – take-home or in-office.
Quick Enquiry
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In-Office Bleaching
Zoom in-chair whitening system can provide immediate results with minimal sensitivity. Light- and chemically activated, it’s proven to brighten teeth by 3-4 shades.
Take-Home Bleaching
The other option is to take the custom-made whitening kit home and wear for 15-20 minutes each day, for 5-7 days. Most patients find this procedure less sensitive than the in-office variety, and although not as immediate, it will also provide good results.
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With so many different options for teeth whitening available, making the best choice for whitening your teeth may be difficult. Professional teeth whitening has many benefits compared to over-the-counter whitening products. Knowing the difference can help you choose the right whitening option for your needs and expectations.
Over-the-counter products may be quick and easily accessible, however, they are nowhere near as effective as professional whitening products. They are often cheaper too. However, the concentration of the whitening agent is usually much weaker, which means the results are never as good as professional whitening products. Over-the-counter whitening can also be harmful to gums and teeth if they are not used properly.
Dr. Berera will give you professional whitening trays with careful instructions to minimise any problems. Professional whitening products usually contain agents to help reduce any sensitivity which may occur during the whitening period. Over-the-counter products often do not contain any of these.
Options vary from custom fabricated trays to pre-filled disposable trays to in-office chair whiteners. Treatments and delivery options can be customised to fit every person and lifestyle.
A consultation with Dr. Berera will help you chose the whitening option that best fits your needs.
1. Tooth Sensitivity
Sensitivity is the most common side effect of whitening treatments. You might notice a sudden zing or dull ache when drinking something hot or cold, especially in the first few days after treatment.
This happens because whitening gels (both take-home and in-chair) contain peroxide, which temporarily makes the enamel more porous while it lifts stains. That means it can reach the nerves inside your teeth more easily.
However the sensitivity typically fades within a few days. We recommend using a toothpaste specifically for sensitive teeth, avoiding extremes in temperature, as well as spacing out whitening sessions.
2. Gum Irritation
If the whitening gel touches your gums it can cause irritation or a mild burning sensation. The risk of this is higher with the take-home whitening gels as often people haven’t been shown how to apply the gels correctly. With in-chair whitening your dentist will be experienced in applying the whitening so the risk of gum irritation is less, however occasionally a small amount of gel can sometimes leak. At-home whitening kits can also cause gum irritation if your trays don’t fit perfectly or if you apply too much gel. Whereas a well-fitted tray that is custom-made by your dentist can help reduce this risk significantly.
3. Uneven Results or White Spots
If you have fillings, crowns, veneers, or areas of enamel wear, they won’t whiten like your natural teeth so the results could look patchy or uneven. Whitening also tends to make pre-existing white spots - often caused by early enamel damage - more noticeable, although they usually blend back in after a short while. (Before whitening, it’s worth having your dentist check your teeth for existing restorations or enamel defects so you know what to expect).
4. Enamel Damage
Using whitening products too often or leaving them on for too long can weaken the enamel, making your teeth more prone to sensitivity, surface wear, or even a translucent look.
Professional guidance from your dentist can help reduce the risks of enamel damage. Your dentist can tailor the peroxide strength and application time to your teeth, ensuring safe and effective results without over-whitening.
5. Maintenance
Whitening is only temporary and if you love your coffee, tea, or red wine in excess, over time stains can creep back sooner than expected. Regular professional cleans, good oral hygiene, and a few mindful habits (like rinsing after dark-coloured drinks) go a long way in keeping your teeth bright.
Meet The Experts
Dr Nidhi Berera
A beautiful smile can enhance and bring out your confidence and Dr Berera is the perfect person to help you achieve this.
Dr Berera completed her Bachelor of Dental Science from Melbourne University in 2001. She began her employment in a large private practice where she was mentored and gained experience from many accomplished dentists. Since making a seachange 10 years ago, Dr Berera has worked with some of the best dentists in Sydney and looks forward to providing you with an exemplary level of care.
Dedicated to constantly improving her skills, Dr Berera has taken post-graduate courses in orthodontics as well as staying up to date with the latest innovative advancements in techniques and materials in Dentistry.
Dr Berera enjoys working closely with her patients to give them the best smile possible. She is happy to discuss and identify your aesthetic dental goals and will guide you through all possible treatment options. With Dr Berera’s enthusiasm and expertise, she will ensure that your end result will be a beautiful new smile.
Away from dentistry, She is busy enjoying her time being a mum to her 2 young children. She strongly believes a healthy work and life balance is crucial to one’s overall well-being and participates in a variety of fitness activities including competitive triathlons and running half marathons.
