Teeth Whitening - Winning Smile Dental & Aesthetic Clinic
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that reduces staining and discoloration on the surface of the teeth, which leaves them appearing brighter, whiter and cleaner. This is achieved through a process that uses bleach to penetrate the enamel to break up and remove stains.
Teeth whitening is a common practice among individuals as it improves the appearance of their smiles. It reduces the impact that coffee, tea and other staining foods and beverages may have on the teeth, which over time causes them to become discolored.
There are various treatments available to achieve a whiter and brighter smile. These include over-the-counter treatments such as whitening strips or toothpaste, as well as more professional approaches such as custom bleaching trays made by your dentist. While the over-the-counter treatments may be more cost-effective in the short term, the long-term benefits of professional whitening treatments are often more effective and produce quicker results.
Tooth whitening does not come without its risks. Overuse or inappropriate use of bleaching agents can cause sensitivity, gum irritation or damage to the enamel. Because of this, it is essential you consult with your dentist before engaging with teeth whitening to ensure that it is suitable for you and that you know how to engage with it appropriately.
Am I suitable to get this treatment?
Before undertaking the teeth whitening process, the dentist will conduct a thorough check-up to ensure that you have the appropriate oral hygiene necessary to be considered for the treatment. Furthermore, the dentist will also ensure that you have no outstanding issues that may impede you from achieving the best results. Considerations for teeth whitening may include:
The question of whether one is suitable for teeth whitening varies from case to case and ultimately cannot be decided until one has visited their dentist.
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How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Introduction to Professional Teeth Whitening
With regards to professional teeth whitening treatments, the most common treatments used are teeth whitening trays (also known as bleaching trays). The process of making these trays is simple. To begin, the patient sees the dentist for a general check up to ensure that they have the appropriate oral hygiene needed for doing teeth whitening treatment. At this stage, the patient and the dentist will discuss and agree on the shade that the patient should be able to achieve from the whitening. After this, the dentist will take an impression of the teeth. This will allow them to make a mould, onto which the bleaching tray will fit. The trays used for whitening are similar to the retainers used after orthodontic treatment, just using a slightly more malleable material. At this stage the patient can collect their trays and whitening gels to begin the whitening process at home.
At-Home Whitening Procedure
When undertaking the course of whitening at home, the patient will place some of the whitening gel into the trays. The patient will then wear the trays for 1½-2 hours per day over the course of two weeks. At the end of the two week period, the teeth should have reached their optimum shade. Over time, the teeth may begin to restrain, if this occurs, the patient can re-use their trays and gel to whiten the teeth again. At this stage it should only take 4-5 days.
Maintenance and Touch-Ups
Over time, the teeth may begin to restrain, if this occurs, the patient can re-use their trays and gel to whiten the teeth again. At this stage it should only take 4-5 days.
Benefits of Whitening Trays
The benefit of whitening the teeth this way, is that the patient does not have to come in each time they want to whiten their teeth. They simply use the trays as needed and buy new gels when they have run out.
Questions about Tooth Whitening
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does teeth whitening last?
There is no definitive answer about how long teeth whitening will last. The duration of teeth whitening results can vary for numerous reasons, including lifestyle habits and oral hygiene practices. When whitening with the whitening (bleaching) trays, individuals can expect their results to last from six months to two years.
However, by having the teeth whitening kit made for you, there is an option to whiten your teeth as needed at home. If you feel that your teeth are no longer at the optimum shade, you can return to using your gels for 4-5 days or as instructed by your dentist.
Lifestyle plays a major role in how long you will get out of your whitening. Coffee, tea, and other staining foods and beverages can impact the longevity of the whitening. Smoking can also reduce longevity as it contributes to the staining and discoloration of teeth.
Is teeth whitening safe?
To understand the safety of teeth whitening, it is important to understand how it works. The bleaching trays are custom made to fit the teeth tightly, similarly to a retainer used after orthodontic treatment. This ensures that when the gel is placed into the trays and then onto the teeth, there is no spillage into the mouth. Once the treatment instructions are followed, the process is very safe.
With regards to possible side effects, there are some potential risks. These commonly include tooth sensitivity, gum irritation and temporary discolouration of the gums. However, if you are experiencing this, simply stop the whitening process for a few days and your teeth should return back to normal. More seriously, over-whitening may lead to enamel damage, which is harder to undo. This may occur if the treatment process is not followed carefully.
Do teeth whitening trays from the dentist work?
There is a range of teeth whitening products available over the counter and from dentists. While the over-the-counter products are cheaper and more readily available, whitening trays from the dentist are the only proven long-term whitening solution. This method uses hydrogen peroxide gel to break down stains and discolouration, and allows the teeth to appear whiter and brighter.
For this method to be successful, one must follow the treatment process as outlined by the dentist. This ensures that the patient can achieve their optimum shade, as well as avoiding side effects from overuse.
Do teeth whitening strips work?
Teeth whitening strips are a readily available option for teeth whitening. While they appear more affordable in the beginning, they can end up being much more expensive long-term. This is because they only whiten part of the tooth. As a result of this, individuals must continuously whiten to maintain results.
In comparison, custom-made teeth whitening kits made by the dentist are much more effective. The tight-fit tray ensures that the whole tooth is whitened. People see results for six months to twenty-four months. In addition to this, the whitening trays can be used time and time again. This means that people can maintain their optimum shade.
How to cure sensitive teeth after whitening?
While doing the whitening process, it is common for some people to experience sensitive teeth. However, the sensitivity should subside once the course of the whitening treatment has been completed.
If you do experience sensitivity during the whitening process, there are many things that you can do to help:
Avoid hot or cold food and beverages for the course of the whitening.
Use a toothpaste specifically designed for sensitivity.
Pause the course of the whitening for a few days, and then return when your teeth have returned to normal.
In most cases, the sensitivity experienced during whitening should disappear fully once whitening is completed.
Can yellow teeth become white?
Teeth whitening is effective in allowing people to achieve white teeth, including those who may feel their teeth are yellow. The custom-fit whitening trays work as the bleach breaks down stains and discolouration. This makes the teeth appear whiter and brighter.
The teeth can be yellow for a number of reasons. The most common reasons are food, drink, tobacco and ageing. Teeth discoloured in this way can be whitened using bleaching trays. However, teeth can also become yellow as a result of trauma or fillings. In these cases, it may not always be possible to whiten the teeth any further. The dentist will outline if this is the case for you.
Do teeth whitening kits work?
The most effective and only proven method of teeth whitening is the use of custom-fit whitening trays.
This method uses hydrogen peroxide gel to break down stains and discolouration, and allow the teeth to appear whiter and brighter.
For this method to be successful, one must follow the treatment process as outlined by the dentist. This ensures that the patient can achieve their optimum shade, as well as avoiding side effects from overuse.
What to eat after teeth whitening?
While whitening the teeth, it is recommended to avoid staining foods and beverages. These include tea, coffee, citrus fruits, vinegar-based dressings, and any brightly coloured foods that might cause your teeth to stain. Following the treatment, you can return to your normal diet. However, it is important to note that staining foods in the diet can affect the longevity of the whitening. This is easily amended by going through the whitening process again.
Is teeth whitening permanent?
Teeth whitening (bleaching) trays work by using bleaching agents, in the form of a gel, to break down stains and discolouration from the surface of the teeth. This gives the teeth a whiter and brighter appearance. While the treatment is highly effective, it is not permanent. As you eat and drink, the stains and discolouration will slowly build back up. However, when this happens, you can simply reuse your teeth whitening kit (trays and gels) and whiten your teeth again without having to go through the process of returning to the dentist and having the trays made again. This makes the process cost-effective in the long run.
How long does teeth whitening take?
Teeth whitening is a relatively fast procedure. Once you have the trays from your dentist, you can begin whitening at home straight away. Most people require 14 days of whitening. This involves wearing the trays for 1½ – 2 hours a day, every day, for 14 days. At this stage, the teeth should have reached their optimum shade.
These results can last anywhere from six months to two years. If you feel that the teeth are beginning to stain, you can reuse your trays and whiten your teeth back up to your preferred shade. This may only take 4-5 days.