Do you feel conscious about smiling freely because your pearly whites aren’t that white anymore? No worries— we’ve got you covered with our professional teeth whitening treatment. From the procedure itself and its safety concerns to the cost and final results, we’ll discuss everything you need to know about teeth whitening.
What is Teeth Whitening?
It is a process that lightens the colour of your teeth and removes stains, resulting in a whiter and brighter smile. It is a cosmetic dentistry procedure which improves your appearance, uplifts your self-esteem, and helps create a lasting first impression on others.
Most people can undergo teeth whitening with a few exceptions including:
- People with sensitive or damaged teeth
- People with fragile swollen gums
- Pregnant women or nursing mothers
- Children and teenagers under the age of 16
- People with known allergy to hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide (bleaching agents used in whitening treatments)
Who Needs Professional Teeth Whitening Treatment?
Teeth whitening treatments may benefit people who want to improve their smile by getting rid of teeth stains. Teeth stains are of two types — external stains and internal stains. While external stains are present superficially on the outer surface of teeth, internal stains are deep inside. We’ll briefly discuss their causes before going deep into the details of whitening options available.
External Stains:
- Smoking
- Over consumption of foods and beverages containing tannins such as coffee, tea, sodas, red wine, and curries
- Excessive use of mouthwashes containing chlorhexidine
- Neglecting your oral hygiene
Internal Stains:
- Ageing
- Use of certain antibiotics during childhood such as tetracycline
- Consumption of drinking water containing excessive levels of fluoride (fluorosis)
- Tooth injury
- Genes may also play a part
External stains can easily be removed by professional cleaning and polishing. However, internal stains only respond to bleaching agents used during teeth whitening treatment.
Types of Teeth Whitening
There are two main types:
- In-office teeth whitening
- At-home teeth whitening
Feeling confused which option to choose? Visit your dentist’s office to know which option suits you best. Consulting your dentist is also crucial because you may need to undergo some routine dental procedures such as scaling or fillings, before your teeth whitening treatment can be started.
In-office Teeth Whitening
It is carried out at a dental clinic. During this procedure, your dentist will apply a bleaching gel containing carbamide peroxide (10-44%) or hydrogen peroxide (3-16%), followed by shining a laser onto it. It is faster and more effective as compared to at-home options. It usually requires a single visit which may take 1 to 2 hours. Several visits may also be required depending upon how much lighter tooth colour you want to achieve.
At-home Teeth Whitening
There are multiple options available such as:
- Custom-made trays
- Over-the-counter (OTC) options like strips and gels, whitening toothpastes, and whitening rinses (useful for mild stains)
How do Custom Trays Work?
Whitening kits containing small fitted trays can either be bought over-the-counter, or custom-made by your dentist. For OTC trays, what you’ll have to do is put the bleaching agent in the tray and wear it overnight, or for some hours a day according to the manufacturer’s instructions. For better results, get custom-made trays from your dentist which will be according to your size. You’ll have to visit your dentist so that he can take your size and make trays accordingly. You’ll have to wear them for several hours a day for up to 4 to 6 weeks.
Occasionally, excessive use of OTC aggressive whitening products may damage the outer layer of your teeth, clinically known as enamel. When enamel is damaged, you’re more prone to having tooth sensitivity — a sharp, zingy sensation when you eat or drink something hot, cold, or sweet. To avoid such problems, always buy trusted OTC products and read their label carefully. Try to look for those products with the Australian Dental Association (ADA) Seal of Approval.
Side Effects of Teeth Whitening
Are you thinking about going for teeth whitening to brighten your smile? You aren’t alone. It’s one of the most sought-after cosmetic procedures. While a shiny beautiful smile can significantly boost your confidence, you should make your final decision after thorough research regarding possible side effects.
The most common side effect that you should expect is that your teeth may become sensitive to hot, cold, and sweet food and drinks. But the good news is that it’s usually temporary and settles within a few days. Over-the-counter custom trays may yield uneven brightening if they don’t fit properly in your mouth. Therefore, if possible, you should always try to undertake whitening under a qualified dentist’s supervision. Another common side effect is gum irritation if bleaching agent comes into direct contact with your gums. It’s also frequently observed with at-home whitening methods. If you experience significant discomfort, sedation options may help ease dental anxiety during your treatment.
In-office VS. At-home Teeth Whitening
| In-office | At-home |
| More effective as stronger bleaching agents are used | Less effective |
| Fast results | It takes time for the results to show up |
| Safe as it’s performed by a skilled professional | More risks associated if done incorrectly |
| Expensive | Cost-effective |
| Results last longer (6 months-3 years with good aftercare) | Less longevity and need more touch-ups (2-6 months only with OTC products) (6 months-1 year with at-home kits provided good after care is practised) |
Conclusion
In a nutshell, teeth whitening is generally considered a safe procedure. While it can give amazing results, it’s important to know beforehand that it’s not a permanent solution. Whether carried out at a dental practice or at home, the results start to fade over time. You can make them last longer with good maintenance afterwards. Thoroughly brush your teeth twice a day along with flossing. Avoid overconsumption of coffee, tea, red wine, coke, and tobacco products. A little sensitivity after your teeth whitening treatment is normal and usually settles within a few days. Dentists often recommend a desensitising toothpaste to relieve your discomfort.
Ready to upgrade your smile by adding that sparkling glow but curious about our professional teeth whitening cost? Book your appointment with our experts today for details.
