Age, certain foods, medications and tobacco can all affect the colour of teeth. Modern teeth whitening techniques may help manage these changes, but results can vary for each person.
Teeth-whitening through the ages
Teeth whitening might seem like a modern trend, but people have been chasing brighter smiles for centuries. Ancient Romans reportedly used urine and goat’s milk, while in the 1300s French physicians suggested honey, burnt salt and vinegar. By the 1880s, peroxide had become the go-to option for reducing stains.
Zoom Teeth Whitening at The Dental Room
At The Dental Room, Balwyn North, we offer three professional teeth-whitening options using the Philips Zoom system, tailored to suit individual needs.
The first option is a take-home kit. Custom trays are made for your teeth to ensure a proper fit. A whitening gel is then applied to the trays, which are worn for around 30 minutes each day over two weeks.
In-chair whitening
The next option is an in-chair whitening method. Clients who are unable or unwilling to take responsibility for wearing the trays find this option ideal.
It is a convenient alternative. The client sits in the chair while the oral health professional applies barriers to their gums. Next a concentrated whitening gel is applied under ultraviolet light. The application is reapplied every 15 minutes over the course of an hour, while the client lies in comfort enjoying watching Netflix or listening to the radio.
The combo pack
The third option is a combination of both methods. Clients first complete the in-chair treatment, then receive a take-home kit with instructions. This allows them to top up results at home without needing another appointment.
After reviewing many whitening systems, we chose Philips Zoom for its predictable outcomes and reduced sensitivity.
The safety of teeth-whitening treatments
This is important to note as the active ingredient in most teeth-whitening products is hydrogen peroxide. This is a chemical that has many negative connotations. Many people wrongly assume it is only associated with hair bleaching.
The truth of the matter is that teeth whitening occurs when the oxygen molecules bind with the stains within the enamel. That removes the stains, giving the appearance of brighter teeth.
It’s important to note the process presents no risk to the mouth or gums and doesn’t damage the enamel in any way.
Results, potential risks, complications, and recovery times can differ for each individual and each procedure. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. Refer to thedentalroom.com.au/risks for more information on risks and potential complications.
Before starting any treatment, we recommend seeking independent advice from an AHPRA-registered health practitioner and considering a second opinion. This content is intended for adults, is general in nature, and should not be regarded as medical advice. Individual results cannot be guaranteed.
Images and videos featured on this page are shared with our clients’ consent and have not been altered with filters, editing, or AI tools.
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About Dr Shawn Rama
Dr Shawn Rama is the Principal Dentist and Founder of The Dental Room, with more than 20 years of experience in general and aesthetic dentistry. He graduated from the University of Melbourne in 2003 and has undertaken further training in aesthetic dentistry, complex restorative dentistry and dental implants. Dr Shawn is also an accredited Invisalign® Platinum Provider and a member of the Australian Dental Association. He founded The Dental Room in Balwyn North in 2016, creating a boutique practice centred around personalised, considered dental care.
