GENERAL TEETH  WHITENING

WHAT IS TEETH WHITENING?

The process of Teeth Whitening involves bleaching the stained tooth enamel in order to lighten, whiten and brighten the teeth for a healthy looking smile. White My Bite uses Carbamide Peroxide, the most effective whitening solution that has safely been used for many years with proven teeth whitening abilities. Teeth whitening can be undertaken at a dentist’s clinic or in the privacy of your own home, and usually involves the application of a teeth whitening gel through mouth trays or strips. The application sometimes involves the use of a laser light for faster results.

How does Carbamide Peroxide whiten teeth?

When Carbamide Peroxide comes into contact with teeth, it breaks down into oxygen which penetrates through pores in the tooth enamel to break down and oxidise stains, leaving them clear. This process makes the overall tooth colour closer to its natural unstained colour. Your tooth structure remains unchanged. Years of clinical tests have demonstrated the safety and effectiveness of this system.

What is Carbamide Peroxide & why is it used in teeth whitening formulas?

Carbamide Peroxide is a compound composed of hydrogen peroxide and urea. In the presence of water, Carbamide Peroxide breaks down into the active ingredient being the hydrogen peroxide needed to perform the tooth whitening process (the urea plays no role). The reason we at White My Bite use Carbamide Peroxide is because it is relatively more stable than pure hydrogen peroxide. By using Carbamide Peroxide we can deliver the hydrogen peroxide needed to produce the lightening effect yet create a product that has a more predictable and longer shelf life. Carbamide Peroxide breaks down into approximately one-third hydrogen peroxide.

Who may benefit from teeth whitening?

Almost everyone. However, there are some cases where treatment may not be effective. Tooth lightening is ideal for patients who have natural, healthy, unrestored teeth and would like a whiter, brighter smile. Artificial dental work is not greatly responsive to dental bleaching. Crowns, bridges, bondings, and fillings do not lighten. Tetracycline discolourations may lighten however this usually takes a significantly longer period of time.

PRODUCTS & USAGE

What products does White My Bite offer?

White My Bite has two teeth whitening kits: Sensitive and Professional. Both kits are dental-grade but the Professional kit also uses a laser light to speed up the whitening process. The gels are contained in syringes which are placed into upper and lower mouth trays that are worn over your teeth for 45 minutes to 1 hr once a day for 2 weeks or until you have reached your desired level of whitening.

How do I use the White My Bite teeth whitening kits?

Each White My Bite kit includes detailed instructions which must be read in full before commencing the whitening process.

In short, the process involves:

1. Making an impression of your teeth with our easy-to-use instant thermoforming mouth trays.
2. Applying our whitening gel inside the thermoforming trays and placing the tray over your teeth.
3. Leave in for 45 minutes to 1 hr, once a day for 2 weeks.

Why is White My Bite better than other teeth whitening kits?

In simple terms, other products do not work as effectively. Some reasons why our system is superior to others:

• Great value for money with professional results.

• Specially designed mouldable dual-set tray ensures optimum whitening results.

• You have a choice of two kits to suit your individual needs

• White My Bite gels are made in the USA – the home of teeth whitening.

• All products comply with new Australian standards for over-the-counter teeth whitening products.

FOOD, DRINK & DISCOLOURATION

What causes tooth discolouration?

There are many causes. The most common include consumption of coloured foods, coffee, tea, wine, softdrinks and smoking. Other factors include staining from medications, genetics and general ageing. Our teeth naturally get more and more stained as time goes on as we continue to live our lives.

Can i still consume the same food & drink whilst whitening?

To achieve optimum whitening results, it is recommended that you refrain from smoking, consuming caffeinated drinks, red wine, berries and soft drinks during the whitening period. This is because you are actively allowing the bleaching process to occur through the pores of the teeth, making it more susceptible for staining to occur from the consumption of strongly coloured food or drinks. This would defeat the purpose of whitening. If any of the food or drinks listed above must be consumed, brush teeth immediately after consuming that food or drink and whiten your teeth last thing at night.

PRODUCT SAFETY

Is it safe to bleach my teeth at home?

Yes, our at-home bleaching system is specially designed to be an easy-to-use system with detailed usage instructions.

Over a decade of research indicates that whitening teeth with Carbamide Peroxide is safe and effective. Our products contain the MAXIMUM amount of Carbamide Peroxide allowed in any over-the-counter teeth whitening products in Australia.

Why not a higher a strength than 18% Carbamine Peroxide?

The safety of our products is of our utmost concern. New Australian legislation (passed in 2011) also sets the maximum levels of Carbamide Peroxide allowed in any consumer products at 18% - so you can be sure we comply with all Australian standards and regulations for teeth whitening.

18% Carbamide Peroxide is still dental-grade. It is the perfect blend of safe and effective and provides less chance of gum irritation and sensitivity than higher strengths. Any teeth whitening product containing over 18% Carbamide Peroxide (or 6% Hydrogen Peroxide) is not allowed to be sold in Australia (unless under supervision of a Dentist) - make sure you are clear of what you are putting into your mouth.

Can teeth whitening hurt tooth enamel?

No adverse effects to tooth enamel have been shown in studies of professional teeth whitening. Carbamide Peroxide whitening gels have been used by dentists for years, and have been proven to be safe. White My Bite gels have a neutral PH, perfectly balanced for the health of your teeth. Studies have shown that exposure to soft drinks and fruit juices can cause greater alteration of tooth enamel than tooth whiteners. However, some over-the-counter gels are too acidic and can actually damage tooth enamel so it is important to ensure the gels are PH balanced.

USAGE & SIDE EFFECTS

How much teeth whitening gel should I use in the tray?

Only use a spaghetti sized amount of gel in the tray, more is not better as too much gel can cause gum irritation. Only need to position gel so that the first 8 or so teeth (the visible teeth when smiling) are whitened.

My teeth are whitening unevenly. Is that normal?

Yes, it can be. The enamel is thicker near the gum line, and therefore can take longer for this area of the tooth to whiten. It is common for the edges of the tooth to respond to whitening faster than the rest of the tooth, causing a temporary uneven appearance. With continued treatments this will eventually even out.

I have spots on my teeth. Can i still effectively whiten my teeth?

These spots (usually mineral deposits or stains) usually respond to the whitening process at a different rate than the rest of the tooth. After the first couple of whitening treatments, the spots may even seem more prominent. Continue the treatment and the spots, although most likely not disappearing entirely, should become less noticeable. Severe dark spotting may require more treatments – talk to your dentist about this prior to beginning any whitening treatments.

Are there any side effects?

Some people may experience temporary tooth sensitivity or discomfort in gums during treatment. Gum irritation usually disappears within 1-3 days after beginning the procedure and always upon the discontinuation or completion of treatment. There are no other significant side effects.

DO NOT USE THIS PRODUCT IF YOU ARE PREGNANT, LACTATING, ARE UNDER THE AGE OF 16, ARE ALLERGIC TO ANY OF THE INGREDIENTS LISTED ON THIS WEBSITE, HAVE HEALTH PROBLEMS, PERIODONTAL DISEASE, POOR GUM HEALTH, WEAR BRACES, HAD RECENT ORAL SURGERY, DECAYED TEETH, EXPOSED ROOTS OR JAW PROBLEMS.

What should I do if I experience tooth sensitivity?

As long as there is no gum irritation or pain along with the sensitivity, using a toothpaste specially designed for sensitive teeth should fix the problem. You can usually pick these up from a supermarket or pharmacy for a few dollars. You should only be experiencing the sensitivity whilst undertaking the treatment, not afterwards. If there is severe sensitivity, discomfort or pain, cease using the product and gain professional advice.

RESULTS / HOW LONG DOES IT LAST

How long does the teeth whitening process take?

The usual treatment period is each day for 2 weeks (14 days).

One 10ml gel provides 14 top and bottom applications to the teeth. We provide 2 x 10ml gels to give you 2 x 14 day applications (or can be used as an extension to the first treatment period for those with stubborn staining for a maximum of 4 weeks consecutively).

How long will a White My Bite kit last me?

Each kit is enough for 2 x 14 day treatments. The gels will last 12 - 18 months at normal room temperature.

Is the teeth whitening process permanent?

Upon the completion of your initial bleaching process, your teeth are restored close to their natural white colour.

Exposure to foods, drinks (especially coffee, coloured soft drinks and red wines), smoking and other consumables will gradually darken teeth again over time. It is best to periodically bleach your teeth, most people do touch-ups about once every 6-18 months.