FAQ

Teeth whitening is a bleaching process that lightens discolourations of enamel and dentin by using either a hydrogen peroxide formula or carbamide peroxide formula which creates an oxidation reaction.

There are many causes of tooth discolouration. The most common include aging, consumption of staining substances such as coffee, tea, colas, red wine and tobacco. Nerve damage, trauma, old restorations can also cause discolouration and during tooth formation consumption of tetracycline or excessive fluoride may also discolour the teeth.

Teeth whitening products should not be used if you are under 18 years of age, are pregnant, have health problems, periodontal disease or gums that are in poor condition, overly sensitive teeth, wear braces, had recent oral surgery, decayed teeth, have roots that are exposed, have colitis, or have jaw problems.

There are 2 main bleaching ingredients. Carbamide peroxide (e.g. Whiter Smile Exclusive, Nite White, Day White) and hydrogen peroxide (e.g. Nite White turbo, Crest Whitestrips etc.). Comparatively, a 6% hydrogen peroxide is equivalent to approximately 18% carbamide peroxide. Hydrogen peroxide breaks down a lot quicker than carbamide peroxide formulas. Hydrogen peroxide has a very short life and is a lot stronger than carbamide peroxide. Carbamide peroxide is long acting and therefore carbamide peroxide formulas are usually designed to be worn overnight for 7 -10 nights (dependent on strength). However, due to the high strength of gel in our Whiter Smile Kits, our gel should only be worn for 15-60 minutes per day.

It all depends on your preferred treatment method (whitestrips, trays, toothpaste) and teeth/gum sensitivity levels to decide on which strength whitening gel to choose.

Yes! Research and clinical studies indicate that whitening teeth with custom trays using a carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide formula is safe for healthy teeth and gums. It is essential to follow the directions of use supplied for each product and not go past the recommended treatment duration. Most research available was initially done with a 10% carbamide peroxide concentration, however there is no literature that we have come across showing any structural changes or irreversible damage to the tooth structure whatsoever.

Results can vary depending on the strength of the product and method. Some teeth whitening products can show dramatic results in just a few days, while others can take a couple of months. The majority of people will be able to whiten their teeth within 1-2 weeks. The more yellow versus gray colour you have in your teeth, the better the bleaching. Grey enamel similar to that of Tetracycline (antibiotic) staining is more difficult to bleach and can take a few weeks to month to achieve a result depending on the severity. The duration of treatment for each specific product is listed separately on each product page.

Once you have whitened your teeth, your teeth should always be whiter than they once were. However, as we continue to eat staining food, drinks and substances, our teeth will start to stain again. To keep them white all the time we recommend maintaining your white teeth every 3-6 months by either using your gels and trays once or twice, or regularly using a teeth whitening toothpaste or whitening pen.

All you need to do is place a continuous line of gel half way up on the inner side of outer wall of the whitening tray so that it forms a rope line of bleaching gel which will not run or slump. When you place the tray over the teeth, the teeth will displace the gel to cover the tooth surface (i.e. the teeth will spread the bleach). You can see where the gel covers the tooth and if it appears deficient in an area, you can merely touch the tray gently on the outside to move the bleach around. The gel consistency should be thick and viscous. By creating the gel with increased viscosity allows better retention of the bleach against the tooth surface and therefore more effective even whitening.

Whitening will NOT whiten your crowns, caps, fillings or veneers. Whitening gel will only whiten enamel. However, if there are any external food or drink stains on these restorations they will come off. The actual colour of the filling, cap, veneer or crown will not be altered. Any restorations on your front teeth may need to be replaced after the whitening process is finished. If mould material gets trapped underneath the wire or bridge, it can loosen your bonded retainer/bridge or you might have difficulty removing the mould from your mouth. You may want to rather get the moulds done at your dentist if you have a bridgework.

Most orders in Australia are sent within 24 hours. On some occasions delays may be experienced and shipment may be delayed. To ensure product quality, we make sure all gel (dependent on product) is sent fresh from the factory. Because of this we ask that you allow up to a total of 10 days for delivery from the time you place your order.

All orders are posted within 24 hours and as soon as your order has been shipped, we'll email you shipping confirmation. The email address you provide during checkout is the one we use for any order updates. On the rare occasion a confirmation email may not arrive. However if you have made payment (and received either a PayPal or eWay receipt), we have received your order and your order will be posted. Please email us at hello@whitersmile.com.au if you would like us to double check.

In your shipping confirmation email you should receive a tracking number which can be tracked via the Australia Post website. If your tracking number did not appear, do not your worry and your package has still be sent. If needed, you may contact us at hello@whitersmile.com.au to confirm your tracking details. Please include your order number and full name associated with your order and a customer support representative will assist you within one business day.