I’M CONCERNED ABOUT TEETH SHADE / DISCOLOURATION
ARE YOU CONCERNED ABOUT THE COLOUR OF YOUR SMILE?
Staining and discolouration is very common, and the colour of your teeth is always personal preference. For those who feel they would like to explore options for whiter teeth, modern dentistry offers a number of techniques.
Treatment Options
Due to our unique treatment planning philosophy, we address your overall health, function, and smile goals. For this reason, we do not offer teeth whitening as a standalone treatment.
At Advanced Dental Artistry, teeth whitening is only offered in combination with other treatment such as porcelain veneers and full mouth reconstruction.
When it comes to changing your tooth colour, there are two predominant options.
1
Teeth Whitening
Both Take-Home Whitening and In-Chair Whitening are great ways to change the colour of your teeth if you are already with the size, shape, position and condition of your smile.
2
Porcelain Veneers
Sometimes, the appearance of your teeth cannot be improved with usual teeth whitening methods alone, as there are other factors contributing to the discolouration of your teeth. In these situations, we use porcelain veneers to restore the tooth and give the appearance of brighter teeth.
Porcelain Veneers
- Treatment Length: 6-8 weeks
- Treatment Longevity: 10-20+ years
- Reversible? No
- Recovery Time: 2-3 days
- Treatment Cost: $$$
Key Details
How long does treatment normally take?
- Teeth Whitening – In-chair takes about 2-3 hours, with take-home kit provided.
- Porcelain Veneers – 6-8 weeks.
How long does treatment last?
- Teeth Whitening – dependent on lifestyle, should be ‘topped-up’ with a take-home kit every 6-12 months.
- Porcelain Veneers – 10 to 20+ years, when combined with aftercare.
How do I maintain the desired outcome?
- Wear your nightguard to protect the teeth from night-time clenching and grinding.
- Attend regular hygiene visits (every 6 months).
- Avoid smoking and/or vaping.
Does it hurt?
- Teeth whitening options generally do not hurt. There may be some mild discomfort, but nothing to get too concerned about as we can stop frequently and adjust to your comfort levels. However, on rare occasions, patients can experience sensitivity that can last up to 48 hours post whitening treatment.
- The reality is many dental procedures cause discomfort of differing levels depending on the type and severity of the procedure. Our priority is to ensure that you are as comfortable as possible throughout all procedures. We also offer the option of sedation if you would prefer to sleep during treatment due to nerves or lengthy appointments.
What is the expected recovery time?
- You may experience a little sensitivity and tenderness after your preparation and insert appointments, but should be able to go about your day as usual. We can recommend adequate pain relief so you are comfortable during and after these appointments.
- If you have chosen to sedate for your appointment, you will take some pre-sedation medication the night before, but unfortunately this means you cannot drive to and from your appointment, and potentially the next day. We also advise taking your treatment day and the next day off work as you may be still be under the effects of the medication. We can supply a medical certificate for the time required in order to recover.
What are the key risks?
- Veneers require a small amount of enamel removal from the tooth surface for placement. This alteration is irreversible.
- Porcelain veneers are durable, but they are not indestructible. There is a risk of chipping or breakage, particularly if the veneers are subjected to excessive force or pressure. This is why it is critical to wear a nightguard to prevent wear and tear.
- Ongoing maintenance is needed to maintain the desired treatment outcome, and patients must factor in the time and costs required in the future.
Whitening and Porcelain Veneers: Joseph’s Case Study
Joseph didn’t smile very often, conscious of his crooked and stained teeth.
See the Difference for Yourself
Curious about what’s possible for your smile? Our Before & Afters page showcases real transformations from patients who, like you, were ready to discover their options. Explore cases by treatment type and main concern!
