Who doesn’t want a pearly white tooth? Bright white teeth improve our lifestyle and make us face the world with a confident, radiant smile, but over time the protective layer on the top of your teeth—the enamel—is exposed to many things that can affect your teeth’ look. Some common causes of tooth staining are coffee, wine, tobacco, smoking and acidic foods and drinks.
Teeth whitening is one of the simplest and most effective dental procedures available to patients. It has long been a cosmetic dental procedure, and many people want it because it provides beautiful, clean, bright teeth and a fantastic smile. Teeth whitening is the best treatment to remove years of discolouration and stains, revealing a whiter, brighter smile.
This article provides a comprehensive overview of teeth whitening, including tooth discolouration, what causes staining, and the various treatment options available.
What causes the teeth to be stained?
A healthy, white smile is something that just about everybody wants. However, many factors can lead teeth to strain, such as age, certain medications, and injuries which are out of our control. That’s why it’s essential to consult with your dentist before taking any steps to whiten your teeth. Your dentist can advise you and help you avoid any potential damage to your teeth or gums.
Is teeth whitening the best choice?
Teeth whitening is a fantastic choice for most patients, as it is a safe and non-invasive procedure. The results are usually best seen in patients with mild to moderate staining and not deep discolouration from another dental issue. Another great reason to choose teeth whitening is that it is cost-effective.
How white should my teeth be?
When it comes to whitening teeth, there is no one right way. Because of our varying interests, some people may want an instant and dramatic change. In contrast, others would opt for a more subtle or gradual whitening, such as observing apparent results from whitening toothpaste or gels. Drastic changes are often seen as artificial, especially during the initial days after the treatment, whilst a gradual or subtle change imitates the effects of teeth brushing. Anyone interested in teeth whitening should know that results would lean on your natural tooth colour, the treatment you select, and how complex your teeth stains are.
Tips for maintaining your pearly white teeth
Taking care of your pearly white teeth is important to smile confidently inside and out. The following are tips for maintaining the shade of white of your choice:
- Practising good oral hygiene, like brushing and flossing after every meal and before bedtime.
- Restrict from consuming dark-coloured foods & beverages that have the potential to stain teeth.
- Increase your consumption of foods that strengthen and clean your teeth, such as yoghurt, milk, carrots, celery, and apples.
- Consume drinks such as coffee or tea with straws to prevent staining. Besides following these tips, it is also important to keep your dentist appointments to achieve the best results.
Teeth whitening products and other at-home options
You can find over-the-counter (OTC) whitening products to help reduce the appearance of stained teeth. If your teeth are stained due to intrinsic discolouration, OTC teeth whiteners may not work as effectively or take longer to see results. You may need to consult with a dentist.
Some OTC products have the Dental Association’s Seal of Acceptance. A seal of acceptance will give you more confidence when buying and ensuring your use is safe. When using any product, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
There are a few at-home teeth whitening options available, including:
Whitening toothpaste
All toothpaste removes surface stains because they contain mild abrasives. Several whitening toothpastes contain gentle polishing or chemical agents that enhance stain removal. Whitening toothpaste can lighten the tooth’s colour by about one shade.
Prescription-strength whitening from your dentist
In contrast to at-home options, prescription strength whitening from your dentist can make your teeth three to eight shades lighter. This is a more effective option for those looking for a significant change in their tooth colour.
Whitening strips and gels
Over-the-counter whitening strips and gels are a good option if you’re looking for a safe and effective way to brighten your teeth at home. Whitening gels are clear, peroxide-based gels applied with a small brush directly to your teeth. Remember to check the instruction label mentioned on the product before using it. You’ll start noticing changes in a few days, and the final results will last about 4 months.
Tray-based tooth whiteners
A tray-based tooth whitening system is a method of bleaching your teeth that involves using a peroxide-based gel in a mouth guard-like tray. You can purchase these systems either through a dentist or over the counter.
Whitening rinses
The latest whitening products include whitening rinses. Most mouthwashes, including whitening rinses, freshen your breath and reduce dental plaque and gum disease. However, some whitening rinses include hydrogen peroxide, which explicitly whitens teeth.
Looking for a professional teeth whitening treatment?
Are you looking for ways to achieve a brighter smile? At Alpha Dental, we are dedicated to helping you achieve your ideal smile in a relaxed environment. Our team of professionals recommend a professional in-chair whitening session followed by a take-home whitening kit for the best results. Whitening treatment is usually done quickly and efficiently in one visit so that you can step out of our office with a brand-new smile!
Before we begin the procedure, we will look at your teeth to ensure they are in good condition and healthy. A gel is applied to the gums for protection, and a hydrogen peroxide solution is applied to the teeth. After that, the teeth are exposed to a special bright light, which causes oxygen to be released and removes any surface stains from the teeth, significantly whitening the dentine.
The same process is followed with laser whitening; however, a laser is used instead of using light to activate oxygen in the compound to ensure greater precision.
Our experts are likely to provide a custom home whitening kit that comes with easy-to-follow instructions on how to use it correctly. The kit includes a thin mouthguard that you will need to fill with a whitening solution.
You can also buy over-the-counter home whitening kits from your local drugstore. These usually come in strips, gels, toothpaste, or whitening trays. Remember to ask your dentist before trying any of these so that you can choose the safest and most effective option for your teeth.
Contact Alpha Dental for teeth whitening solutions
At Alpha Dental, we understand the importance of having a great smile. That’s why we offer the best professional teeth whitening treatment to patients across Western Australia. Our treatments are quick, affordable, and can completely revolutionise your smile!
If you’re also interested in cosmetic dentistry Perth, we can help you understand the possible risks and costs involved so you can make an informed decision that’s right for you. Everyone deserves a bright, beautiful smile – and we’re here to help you achieve that goal!