Teeth Whitening

Aesthetic Appeal

The desire for a brighter smile is a common motivation for considering teeth whitening. Brightening your teeth can dramatically enhance your overall look, ensuring you shine in photos, meetings, and on special occasions. It also plays a crucial role in making positive first impressions.

Youthful Appearance

Concerned that stained or discolored teeth might age your appearance? Brightening your smile with teeth whitening can boost your confidence, particularly in social settings, giving you a youthful, vibrant look.

Cost-effective Solution

While cosmetic dentistry is often perceived as costly, teeth whitening is an exception, offering an affordable option compared to other cosmetic procedures. This makes professional whitening a preferred choice for many, providing significant value over time compared to less effective, over-the-counter alternatives.

Tooth discoloration can arise from a myriad of sources, and in some cases, it may be unavoidable. For example, injuries can damage the enamel, leading to a greyish tint in the teeth. Tooth staining can generally be classified into three categories: intrinsic, extrinsic, and age-related causes.

Intrinsic Causes

Intrinsic stains occur within the tooth, beyond the enamel, making them harder to remove with over-the-counter whitening products. These stains typically have a greyish hue.

• The use of certain medications, like tetracycline during pregnancy or exposure to chemicals in medications such as antihistamines and antipsychotics, can alter tooth color over time.
• Dental trauma from accidents can affect the dentin layer, altering the tooth’s color.
• Severe tooth decay.
• Overexposure to fluoride can cause white marks on your teeth.
• Genetic factors or family history may result in darker or thicker enamel, making some teeth appear more yellowish.

Extrinsic Causes

Extrinsic stains are the most common type of tooth discoloration, stemming from dietary habits or lifestyle choices, affecting only the enamel or surface layer. Causes include:

• Consumption of dark-pigmented foods like red sauce pasta, curry, potatoes, and acidic foods.
• Dark-colored fruits such as berries and beets.
• Beverages like coffee and tea, which contain tannins that can stain the enamel, or sodas with phosphoric acid that may lead to erosion and discoloration.
• Use of cigarettes and tobacco products.
• Inadequate oral hygiene can result in plaque buildup from stain-causing substances in food and drinks.

Age-Related Causes

As we age, our teeth naturally become less white and more susceptible to stains. This is due to the gradual wearing away of enamel over time, exposing the yellow or brown tones of the dentin beneath.

Professional teeth whitening is recognised as a routine and secure dental treatment performed by dentists. The Australian Dental Association advises consulting an oral health care provider before whitening your teeth to confirm its suitability for you.

The safety of the procedure largely hinges on the duration your teeth are in contact with the whitening substances. Opting for a dental professional to carry out the whitening ensures minimized risk, as they adhere to established and regulated safety protocols.

Various elements can influence the time required to enhance the brightness of your teeth, such as the degree of discoloration, the nature of the stains, and the techniques employed by the dentist. Typically, professional teeth whitening sessions last about one and a half hours to observe noticeable outcomes. You might see a considerable improvement in your teeth’s color after just a single appointment. Nonetheless, certain situations might necessitate additional visits to fully appreciate the whitening treatment’s success.

Teeth whitening is generally a safe and standard procedure in many dental practices. However, patients should be informed of possible risks associated with the treatment beforehand.

Irritation of Soft Tissues

A frequent component in teeth whitening products, hydrogen peroxide, is effective for lightening tooth discolorations. Nonetheless, if it inadvertently comes into contact with soft tissues such as the gums, it can lead to inflammation and discomfort.

Risk of Enamel Erosion

Overuse of whitening agents can cause irritation to the tooth’s enamel, leading to its thinning or damage. This may increase susceptibility to tooth decay.

Teeth Translucency

In rare instances, excessive application of bleaching agents can cause teeth to appear translucent rather than whiter. This effect can make teeth look discolored and thinner, particularly at the edges.