Tooth whitening can be performed in a variety of ways, depending on cause of dental discoloration.

Non-vital bleaching
This applies to teeth that have been endodontically treated (root filled). Whilst not always predictable, a bleaching agent is placed within the tooth until such time that the desired result has been achieved. The tooth is accordingly restored.

Vital Bleaching
This applies to teeth that are often minimally restored and or discoloured due to causes other than root fillings. It can be performed in house using highly concentrated bleaching agents and or lasers, or at home with custom fabricated trays (stents) and less concentrated but often equally effective bleaching agents. In fact, recent research suggests that most of the immediate improvement seen with in house techniques is due to dehydration of tooth structure, with colour returning to pre-treatment levels after a few weeks.

Limitations
Bleaching will not affect existing dental restorations, often demanding replacement post bleaching. Sensitivity is not uncommon or long lasting and can be minimised by using the less concentrated at home techniques coupled with desensitising regimes. Despite the degree of whitening being unpredictable, it is also important to appreciate that the result is not necessarily long-term.

Course of Action
At Dental Sense we prefer to initially complete comprehensive clinical and radiographic examination, so as to assess patient suitability and to determine the need for any preparatory management prior to bleaching. Limitations, complications and costs associated with the various techniques will also be discussed.

Do you provide a warranty?
We provide a 3-year warranty against mechanical failure for all treatment provided, assuming patients comply with treatment plans in their entirety, with work being replaced at health fund rebate or equivalent.