Teeth Whitening: Is it Safe?

Once you've made the investment in a brighter, whiter smile through professional teeth whitening , you'll notice the immediate boost it gives to your confidence and self-esteem. While the joy of an improved and radiant smile is long lasting, it is not permanent. It can last from as short as a couple of months to up to 3 years – it varies from person to person but also the lifestyle choices they make. If you had your cosmetic dental treatment with us at Duxton Dental’s clinic in Riccarton, you will know (in great detail) about how to maintain your newly whitened teeth. However, not all cosmetic dentists are as obsessed with aftercare. Here’s a summary of the maintenance information we give to help keep that sparkly smile for longer: Aftercare: 72 hours after you’ve whitened your teeth Teeth have a protective layer called the acquired pellicle and it is on the pellicle where stains on your teeth are found. During the teeth whitening process, this natural barrier is removed which means they are vulnerable to fresh staining. For the pellicle to develop again it takes between 12 to 24 hours. It’s best to avoid consuming anything that would stain a white shirt, this includes, but is not limited to: · Coffee · Colas · Red sauces including ketchup · Mustards · Soy sauce Eat only white and clear foods and drinks and avoid anything acid based for the first 72 hours. If you eat something dark, brush your teeth and rinse your mouth afterwards. If you are unable to do so, chew some sugar-free gum within 20 minutes. The saliva produced helps remove food and drink debris, neutralise acids in the mouth and help reduce any whitening-induced tooth sensitivity. During the first 72 hours, your teeth are more vulnerable to tooth decay as well as staining, so be vigilant to the food and drink you are consuming. Here’s some examples of foods and drinks you can eat: · Milk and water · Bananas and apples with the peel removed · White bread and flour tortillas · Oatmeal, cream of wheat · Plain yoghurt, sour cream, and cottage cheese · White rice or baked potato · Plain pasta with a white sauce 

Are you considering straightening your teeth but feeling torn between the classic method of orthodontic braces and the innovative alternative of Invisalign? Invisalign and braces are two of the most popular orthodontic treatments available in Duxton Dental clinics in Christchurch. Both are highly effective at correcting misaligned teeth and improving smiles. So, which is best for you? Let's start by breaking down the key differences between Invisalign and braces: 1. Visibility Braces: traditional braces are conspicuous and obvious, with metal brackets and wires that are easily noticeable when you speak or smile. Some people feel self-conscious about their appearance during orthodontic treatment. Invisalign: Invisalign aligners are virtually invisible braces made from clear plastic that fits snugly over your teeth, making them discreet and barely noticeable to others. 2. Comfort Braces: the metal brackets and wires can sometimes cause discomfort, irritation, and even mouth sores, especially during the initial adjustment period. Your orthodontist may need to make further adjustments to make the brace more comfortable. Invisalign: Invisalign aligners are custom-made to fit your teeth comfortably, with smooth edges that won't irritate your mouth. There can be some minor discomfort initially, but this is short lived and remedied by over-the-counter painkillers. Overall, they offer a more comfortable experience, with no wires or brackets to worry about. 3. Convenience Braces: with braces, certain foods need to be avoided to prevent damage to the brackets and wires. Maintaining oral hygiene can be a challenge due to the hardware obstructing thorough cleaning. Invisalign: one of the biggest advantages of Invisalign is its removability. You can easily remove the aligners before eating, so you can continue to enjoy all your favourite foods without restrictions. Your regular brushing and flossing routine remain the same as there are no brackets or wires to navigate around. 

Conscious about your teeth? Smile with confidence with Duxton Dental's Invisalign braces. We share three things you need to know about this treatment today.

Discover the modern solution to straightening teeth discreetly with Invisalign braces for adults at Duxton Dental NZ. Book your consultation today!

Before you rush to click that "buy now" button, let's explore the dangers lurking behind the seemingly harmless teeth whitening methods advertised online.

What are Invisalign aligners? Invisalign aligners are invisible braces that are comfortable and a successful alternative to traditional orthodontic braces.

We're overjoyed to welcome Bayley Anderson to the Duxton Dental family in Christchurch. Bayley's addition is exciting news for both our team and our patients.

As we welcome the New Year with open arms, it's the perfect time to embrace positive changes and embark on a journey towards a radiant smile. Read more!