Pearly Whites Not White Enough For New Zealanders
Dr David Crum, President of the New Zealand Dental Association, reports that increasing numbers of New Zealanders are
seeking brighter smiles. “Tooth whitening is one of the most requested dental cosmetic procedures. New Zealanders are
realising that they don’t have to put up with teeth stained by things such as coffee, tea, red wine, and smoking.
Whitening is a fast, easy way to achieve a bright, white smile - it’s a real confidence booster for some people.”
But before you run to your nearest pharmacy for a ‘do-it-yourself’ whitening kit, Dr Crum offers a word of caution.
“There is more to tooth whitening than you might think. It’s important to see your dentist to discuss whether it’s the
right option for you.”
Tooth whitening may be done on live teeth and teeth that have had root canal treatment. In some cases treatment may be
difficult or ineffective, for example if staining has been caused by certain antibiotics during tooth formation. Tooth
whitening may make old fillings or crowns look darker after treatment. Areas of teeth may whiten at different rates
depending on the location of the stain, hardness of the tooth and the intensity of the stain.
Your dentist will check to make sure your teeth are suitable to be treated, and will provide a customised whitening
procedure that is just right for your teeth.