Due to the foods and drinks we consume, and lifestyles we lead, our teeth can discolour over time. Now it is possible to improve the colour of most teeth in safe and simple methods that will give your smile the boost you desire. Essentially there are two methods to professionally whiten your teeth. The first is an 'in-office', the other 'take home'. At Park Street Dental we offer both. It is important to check that the teeth and gums are healthy prior to tooth whitening.

In-office ('laser') whitening.
This is completed in one session at the dental surgery and takes approximately one hour. This method is perfect for people that desire an instant result. A whitening gel is placed over the enamel, then a light of a particular wavelength is shone to activate the gel. Measures are taken to protect the gums and soft tissues during the procedure. We also provide custom-made plastic trays and whitening gel to maintain the brightness.

Take home whitening.
Some people prefer to whiten their teeth at home. Impressions are taken of your teeth and custom-made plastic trays are made. This ensures close adaptation of the whitening gel to the enamel. Three tubes of gel are given. A small amount of gel is placed into the tray to cover the teeth that are to be whitened, and they are then to be worn for one hour. This is repeated for approximately for 7-10 days, until the desired brightness is achieved.

Note: It is a misconception that professional dental whitening will remove a layer of enamel. The professional whitening treatments are not designed to be harsh to the enamel. These safe and effective methods have been available, and studied, for many years. Some people may experience some tooth sensitivity. If so, this is of a temporary nature and Dr. Steven Mustica and his team can give you advice on how this can be easily treated. Tooth whitening has a limited life span, and this will depend on a number of reasons ranging from the consumption of dark foods and drinks, to the individual characteristics of everyone's teeth. We ensure that you are supplied with enough whitening gel to maintain the tooth brightness. When this gel is finished, you simply need to purchase more gel. That is it.

Unfortunately unregulated dental whitening exists. That is, dental whitening performed by people outside the dental profession. Dental whitening involves specific chemicals, and the protection of the gums and soft tissues is important. We believe that dental whitening should be performed by properly trained professionals.