FAQs

Sonreir professional teeth whitening treatment can brighten smiles for an impressive 12-18 months. However, it's important to note that lifestyle factors, such as consuming staining foods and drinks or smoking, can contribute to the reoccurrence of stains over time. Results of teeth whitening can vary between patients, depending on factors such as the initial shade of teeth and general oral health.

Sonreir strives to achieve optimal results for all patients. Providing education and guidance to prolong results.

Before having teeth whitening treatment, please consider the following:

- Having a recent dental check up and clean is essential – healthy teeth and gums come first.

- Having teeth professionally cleaned, removes any extrinsic stains and offers the best results.

- Existing issues should be treated before undergoing a whitening procedure.

- Results will vary or regress due to a variety of circumstances.

- Darkly stained yellow or yellow-brown teeth frequently achieve better results than people with grey or blueish-grey teeth.

- Teeth with multiple colourations, bands, splotches or spots due to tetracycline use or fluorosis do not whiten as well, may whiten unevenly, may require additional whitening, or may not whiten at all.

- Previous orthodontic treatments may cause teeth to whiten unevenly if any resin from the treatment is not properly removed from the teeth, either due to residual resin remaining on the teeth or over polishing upon removal.

- Those with porcelain fused to metal crowns, amalgams, lingual bars or implants may feel excessive heat.

- Teeth with many fillings or cavities may not lighten and are usually treated with other non-whitening alternatives.

- The zoom lamp emits visible LED light and all materials used in the isolation process, when properly used as directed, will block any exposure of soft tissues to this light.

- It is recommended that those currently treated for a serious illness or disorder (e.g. immune compromised, AIDS, etc) should consult a medical doctor before use.

- Teeth whitening is not a permanent solution. To maintain results practice good oral hygiene, avoiding staining foods and drinks, and scheduling regular dental cleanings.

- There are various teeth whitening methods available, such as in-chair professional whitening, take-home kits, or over-the-counter products. Consider which option aligns best with your preferences, budget, and timeline.

It's always a good idea to consult with a dental professional who can assess each specific situation and provide personalised recommendations.

Like any dental procedure, teeth whitening treatments can have potential risks and side effects, although they are generally minimal and temporary. It's important to be aware of them before undergoing any whitening treatment. Here are a few potential risks and side effects:

- Relapse – After treatment, it is natural for the teeth to regress somewhat in their shading. This is natural and should be very gradual, but it can be accelerated by exposing the teeth to various staining agents.

- Gum/Lip/Cheek Inflammation/Burn – Improper isolation during the whitening procedure may cause or result in (i) inflammation of your gums, lips or cheek margins due to exposure of a small area of those tissues to the whitening gel or the LED light, or (ii) a chemical burn due to the whitening gel coming in contact with soft tissue. The inflammation or burn is usually temporary and will subside in a few days.

- Dry/Chapped Lips – the whitening treatment involves 3-4 15minute sessions during which the mouth is kept open for the entire treatment by a plastic retractor which covers the lips. This could result in dryness of chapping of the lips or cheek margins, which can be treated by application of lip balm or Vitamin E oil.

- Cavities or Leaking Fillings – Most dental whitening is indicated for the outside of the teeth, except for patients who have already undergone root canal procedure. If any open cavities or fillings that are leaking and allow gel to penetrate the tooth are present, significant pain could result. If your teeth have these conditions it is recommended to have the cavities filled or fillings redone before teeth whitening.

- Cervical Abrasion/Erosion – these are conditions which affect roots of the teeth when the gums recede and they are characterised by grooves, notches and/or depressions, that appear darker than the rest of the teeth, where the teeth meet the gums. These appear darker because they lack the enamel that covers the rest of the teeth. Even if these areas are not currently sensitive, they can allow the whitening gel to penetrate the teeth, causing sensitivity. If cervical abrasion/erosion exists on my teeth, these areas will be covered with dental dam prior treatment.

During the first 24 hours after in-chair treatment, some patients can experience some tooth sensitivity or pain. This is normal and is usually mild, but it can be worse in susceptible individuals. Normally, tooth sensitivity or pain following an in-chair treatment subsides within 24 hours, but in rare cases can persist for longer periods. People with existing sensitivity:

-recession exposing root surfaces,

-exposed dentine,

-untreated caries,

-cracked teeth,

-oral tissue injury,

-open cavities,

-leaking fillings,

or other dental conditions that cause sensitivity or allow higher penetration of the gel into the tooth. Those conditions may increase or prolong tooth sensitivity or pain during/after in-chair whitening treatment. If sensitivity occurs it is transient, Sonreir provides a desensitising gel to use following treatment and is recommend to brush with Sensodyne for two weeks before and after treatment.

While there are many over-the-counter whitening products available, it's best to have teeth whitened by a dental professional.

Why? Dental professionals have the expertise and knowledge to assess an individuals oral health and determine the most effective whitening treatment. Using professional grade whitening agents that are safe and provide better and longer lasting results compared to over-the-counter options. Sonreir can customise the treatment to suit specific needs and address any concerns.

When done correctly, professional teeth whitening treatments should not damage tooth enamel. The whitening products used by dental professionals are designed to be safe for teeth and gums.

Overusing whitening products or using improper techniques can potentially damage tooth enamel or cause tooth sensitivity. Dental professionals assess oral health, determine the most suitable whitening treatment, and ensure safety throughout the whitening process.