Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening aims to lighten the color of teeth that appear dark or discolored. This treatment is performed to whiten or lighten the shade of teeth for various reasons, including aesthetic preferences. Dental professionals are best suited to diagnose the cause of tooth discoloration and advise on the effectiveness of tooth whitening treatments​​.

Professional teeth whitening involves chemically treating the teeth with hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, the main ingredients used in tooth whitening products by dentists in Australia. The strength of the whitening gel depends on whether the treatment is completed in a dental clinic or at home, with higher strength gels used by dentists​​.

Teeth whitening, when completed by dental professionals, is considered safe. The procedure involves using approved whitening agents that are applied to the teeth under controlled conditions, ensuring both the safety and effectiveness of the treatment​​.

In-chair or in-office teeth whitening treatment is performed by a dentist and typically takes about an hour. This treatment uses a strong hydrogen peroxide gel and often a light placed over the teeth, providing immediate results. Dentists may also suggest continuing treatment with a take-home whitening kit to maintain the whiter tooth color​​.

The results of teeth whitening vary among individuals. Factors such as the original shade of the teeth, the type of staining, and the whitening method used can influence the outcome. Professional teeth whitening generally leads to a noticeable improvement in the brightness and whiteness of teeth. Patients often seek teeth whitening to boost confidence with a beautiful smile, achieve a younger appearance, prepare for important events, or reverse discoloration due to aging, wear and tear, or accidents​​.

The duration of teeth whitening effects varies. In-office whitening typically lasts between six months and two years, depending on factors like diet, oral hygiene, and tobacco use. At-home whitening kits generally provide results lasting six months to a year. Maintenance practices like regular brushing, limiting staining foods and drinks, and periodic touch-up treatments can extend the longevity of whitening results​​.

Temporary tooth sensitivity and gingival inflammation are common adverse effects of vital tooth whitening. Sensitivity usually subsides shortly after the treatment ends. Your dentist may recommend specific products to minimize sensitivity during and after the whitening process​​.

Most adults are candidates for teeth whitening, but it’s not recommended for children or pregnant women. A standard dental exam, including a health and dental history, is essential before starting any bleaching procedures. This exam can help identify factors contributing to tooth discoloration and any past history of tooth sensitivity​​.

Besides temporary tooth sensitivity and gingival inflammation, teeth whitening is generally safe when performed under professional supervision. It’s important to follow your dentist’s instructions to minimize potential side effects​​.

Teeth whitening is most effective on extrinsic (surface) stains. It may not work as well on intrinsic (deep) stains, discolored restorations, or certain types of discoloration, like that caused by medications or tooth injury.

In-office whitening offers faster, more dramatic results with stronger bleaching agents, typically completed in about an hour. Take-home kits provide more gradual results over several weeks, using lower-strength whitening gels.

Maintaining the results of teeth whitening involves good oral hygiene practices, limiting staining foods and drinks, quitting smoking, and regular dental check-ups. Some patients may also benefit from occasional touch-up treatments as recommended by their dentist​​.

Whitening does not change the color of dental restorations such as fillings, crowns, or veneers. These restorations may need to be replaced if they no longer match the whitened natural teeth.

The cost of professional teeth whitening varies depending on the type of treatment and the dental clinic. It’s best to consult with your dentist for specific pricing information.

Generally, teeth whitening is considered a cosmetic procedure, meaning it’s elective rather than necessary for a person’s health. Consequently, most insurance plans, including dental insurance, do not cover cosmetic dentistry like teeth whitening. However, patients can explore various options to lower the costs of teeth whitening treatments​​.

The safe frequency for teeth whitening varies depending on the method used and individual sensitivity. For in-office whitening, it’s typically recommended not more than once a year to prevent over-bleaching and increased tooth sensitivity. For at-home whitening kits, following the manufacturer’s guidelines and your dentist’s advice is crucial to avoid potential damage to your teeth and gums.

Home teeth whitening is possible, and many over-the-counter products are available. While these can be effective, it’s recommended to consult with a dentist before starting any whitening regimen at home. A dentist can help ensure that your teeth and gums are healthy enough for whitening and can recommend the most suitable products.

Prior to a teeth whitening session, it’s advisable to have a dental check-up to address any oral health issues like cavities or gum disease. A professional cleaning can also help remove surface stains and plaque, making the whitening treatment more effective.

Teeth whitening is effective in removing many external stains caused by food, drinks, and smoking. However, it may not be as effective on internal discolorations due to factors like certain medications, tooth trauma, or fluorosis. In such cases, alternative cosmetic treatments like veneers may be more suitable.

Smoking can significantly impact the results of teeth whitening. Tobacco products cause staining, which can counteract the effects of whitening treatments. Continued smoking after whitening can quickly lead to re-staining of the teeth. For the best and most lasting results, it’s advisable to quit smoking or at least reduce smoking frequency.