The answers to your most Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about the results you can expect to see after your treatment? Worried about tooth sensitivity or discomfort?
You wouldn’t believe how often we’re asked “HOW WHITE?!” when people learn about our treatment options (Yes! THAT WHITE!) so we’ve compiled a list of the teeth whitening and treatment questions we’re asked most often, along with some helpful info on the teeth whitening process.
The answers to your most Frequently Asked Questions
Have a question about the results you can expect to see after your treatment? Worried about tooth sensitivity or discomfort?
You wouldn’t believe how often we’re asked “HOW WHITE?!” when people learn about our treatment options (Yes! THAT WHITE!) so we’ve compiled a list of the teeth whitening and treatment questions we’re asked most often, along with some helpful info on the teeth whitening process.
Your teeth will definitely be whiter at the end of your treatment, however individual results do vary from person to person depending on a few factors. The level of whitening achieved depends on the mineral content contained in the dentin of your teeth. Mineral content depletes with age, and is affected by the foods you ingest as well as medicines that you may have taken as a child. At The White Smile Company, our mission is to get your teeth as white as they were when you were a teenager – sometimes whiter! Some people prefer a more natural-looking level of whiteness, or do not want have their teeth whitened too dramatically. If this is the case for you, please be sure to let us know prior to your treatment.
If you select our laser teeth whitening treatment your results will be immediate! There is no waiting around for 2 or 3 weeks to see the results. As soon as your laser teeth whitening treatment is complete, you will look in the mirror and see the results. If, for some reason, we are not able to whiten your teeth in your first 60-minute session, we will work with you until you get the desired results.
The enamel on the outside of the tooth is actually transparent and porous. Stains that build up on top of the enamel, around cracks, caps or filings or between the teeth are called extrinsic stains. Extrinsic stains can be removed with a scale and polish at the dentist.
Under the transparent enamel is the dentine. Over time molecules of dark staining food, drinks, or cigarettes penetrate through the enamel staining the dentine. Its actually the dentine that gives the tooth its colour – generally leaving them discoloured or yellow looking, depending on eating, drinking and lifestyle habits.
The White Smile Company’s laser teeth whitening system removes both types of stains. This is done by placing the whitening gel on the teeth and exposing them to the specifically tuned frequency cold filtered blue light which turns the whitening gel into oxygen. As this happens it allows the whitening gel to penetrate under the enamel to remove the stains from the dentine of the tooth. This restores the teeth back to their natural whiteness leaving them looking healthy, bright and naturally white.
Not at all. The gels and laser systems we use ensure a sensitivity-free treatment in 90% of cases. In very rare instances some of our clients may experience minor sensitivity, but it is far more common to have little to zero sensitivity. If you are prone to tooth sensitivity, we recommend brushing twice daily with sensitivity toothpaste for at least one week prior to your appointment, and to continue using sensitivity toothpaste following your treatment.
Unfortunately there is no permanent form of teeth whitening, however results will last between 6 and 18 months. How long teeth remain white after a treatment varies between clients. Our teeth are porous and so will always gradually stain due to lifestyle (dark foods and drinks), wear and tear and ageing. Someone who drinks a lot of cola, eats mainly dark-coloured foods and smokes cigarettes is going to notice their teeth discolour again more quickly. Age and the mineral content contained in the dentin of your teeth can also contribute to how long your results last. The White Smile Company offers a discounted top-up services for returning customers, as well as great deals on custom made bleaching trays to help you boost and maintain results.
No – if you have your teeth professionally whitened there is no risk of short or long-term damage. The treatment does not change the shape or structure of your teeth, and the whitening gel has a neutral pH – ensuring it is completely safe on your teeth (orange juice and soft drinks are more harmful to your teeth). The gel is a compound of water and oxygen and oxidises in your mouth to open the pores in the teeth and remove the stains. The ‘laser’ that is used is a light that has been scientifically developed for the teeth whitening industry, and acts as a catalyst to speed the process up, and will not cause any harm to the teeth. The laser’s advanced filtration system removes all harmful heat and ultraviolet output ensuring patient safety and comfort.
Our advanced formula whitening gel is a maximum strength gel in accordance with New Zealand standards, and consists of a proprietary formula what improves oral health while whitening. Our tooth whitening gel contains special ingredients to reduce the risk of sensitivity, and is clinically proven for best results.
When you arrive you will be greeted by one of our friendly technicians, who will go through everything with you, do a consultation and answer any questions you may have. We will then begin the treatment process:
To ensure the best results we advise our clients to avoid any dark staining foods and drinks for at least 24 hours after their treatment. PLEASE AVOID tea, coffee, red wine, cola, dark foods such as bolognaise, foods with soy sauce, red meat or chocolate, tobacco, red or blue toothpaste and mouthwash. Foods and drinks that may be consumed within the first 24 hours of your treatment include chicken, fish, chips, potatoes, pasta, white sauces, cereals, milk, 7up and white wine. If in doubt, a good general rule of thumb is to avoid any foods or drinks that would leave a stain on a white chopping board!
You can maintain your bright white smile at home with custom-moulded teeth whitening trays. We offer special rates on teeth whitening trays for laser whitening clients. Simply enquire when making your booking, or ask your technician about this during your appointment.
The teeth whitening process will only remove intrinsic staining from natural teeth. However, the gel will help remove all extrinsic staining from teeth, including false teeth. This means that your false teeth will be ‘cleaned’ back to their original colour. If you are planning to have a crown, bridge, filling or false tooth, it is recommended that you first have your teeth whitened. Your dentist will then be able to match the shade of the false tooth to your new colour.
No. Teeth whitening is classed as a cosmetic treatment – not a dental treatment – and can therefore be carried out by anyone who has the required training. Do be aware of people with minimal training and experience. Many teeth whitening therapists are trained using a DVD or have only had a couple of hours training. The White Smile Company has been in operation for over 17 years and has carried out more than 40,000 treatments. Our teeth whitening experts are professionally trained by a dentist, but are not dentists.
Yes! Teeth whitening is no longer reserved for the Hollywood elite – in fact, more people than you would imagine now make teeth whitening as regular part of their lives. A bright, sparkling smile can make huge difference to a person’s confidence and self esteem. Studies have shown that people with whiter teeth smile more readily and tend to make more eye contact whilst engaged in conversation. Typically, people will not immediately note that your teeth have been whitened, but they will think to themselves that you are looking very healthy, without putting their finger on why this is the case.
A full laser whitening treatment will generally get your teeth to their whitest natural shade. Although getting a combination of laser and custom made trays is the best possible whitening treatment available, you get instant results with the laser – then you can boost them even whiter with your trays and keep them really white.
Absolutely! We offer special rates for groups, including bridal parties. Simply contact us with your group size and preferred treatment and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible with a personalised quote.
Located in Christchurch? You can book your Christchurch teeth whitening treatment online in just a few minutes! If you’re interested in booking one of our Auckland, Wellington or Hamilton clinics, simply contact The White Smile Company team! We’re visiting your location every month. Let us know which teeth whitening treatment you are interested in, and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible to arrange your booking.
