9 TEETH WHITENING QUESTIONS YOU SHOULD BE ASKING

Could it be time to visit the dentist for teeth whitening?



Dental hygiene is probably the first personal hygiene care we learn as young children. Despite efforts, your teeth may have stains caused by certain foods and drinks.
Tooth whitening can result in a whiter, brighter and a more attractive smile. There are many teeth whitening products and procedures available on the market today. If you have healthy, unrestored teeth with no fillings and healthy gums then teeth whitening is suitable for you. Tooth whitening is not favorable for everyone. 
Before deciding on a teeth whitening procedure, here are 9 questions you should be considering?

Are my teeth suitable for whitening?


It is important to note that tooth whitening is not an option for all patients. Even though it is successful in 90 percent of cases, there are some stains that do not respond to the procedure. In some cases the stain may be caused by tooth decay, root canal problems or other dental issues. In such cases the underlying cause must be treated first. Whiting is not recommended in the following cases:
  • If an individual has sensitive teeth and gums or has any kind of allergies, then it is advisable to consult with your doctor prior to using a tooth-whitening process.
  • Teeth whitening is not recommended for pregnant or lactating 
  • It is not advisable to proceed with the whitening process if you are suffering from any kind of gum disease, have worn enamel, cavities or exposed roots. 

Does teeth whitening hurt?

You may experience a little sensitivity during and/or after the initial treatment for the first 48 hours. Eating foods that are too hot or too cold is best avoided during this period.

What are the available options for whitening teeth?

Listed below are the common whitening procedures:-

Whitening Toothpaste
Some whitening toothpastes contain gentle polishing or chemical agents that provide additional stain removal effectiveness. Whitening toothpaste can lighten the tooth’s color by one shade.

Whitening gels and strips
Whitening gels are clear, peroxide-based gels applied with a small brush directly to the surface of your teeth, however instructions differ according to the strength of peroxide. The initial results from strips are obtained within a few days and the final results obtained in about four months.

Whitening rinses
Whitening rinses are used in a similar manner as a mouthwash. It freshens up your breath and helps to reduce plaque and gum diseases. You just need to swish it around your mouth twice a day before brushing your teeth. According to the manufacturer, it takes 12 weeks to see any results.

Tray-Based Tooth Whitener
Tray-based tooth whitening systems, purchased either over-the-counter or from a dentist, involve filling a mouth guard-like tray with a gel whitening solution -- which contains a peroxide-bleaching agent. It is worn by the user for several hours a day. It depends on the level of whitening the user desires. 

In-office whitening
In-office bleaching provides the quickest way to whiten the teeth. With in-office bleaching, the whitening product is directly applied to the teeth. With in-office bleaching, dramatic results can be seen after the first treatment. This type of whitening is also the most expensive approach.

How long does the whitening effect last?

The results of whitening effects differs from one individual to another. Longevity of whitening results depend on an individual’s lifestyle, dietary habits, and routine of oral hygiene. If you maintain good and consistent dental hygiene habits, and avoid certain foods, beverages known for staining teeth, the whitening effect can last for years. The success will depend on the condition of your teeth, the level of staining, and the type of bleaching system used.

What is the difference between in-house whitening treatments versus over the counter ones?

The most important thing to look for in-house whitening treatments or at-home kits is whether they fit the size and shape of your teeth. Make sure the at-home bleaching kits cover your whole tooth otherwise you will have two-toned teeth or irritated gums.

How do I maintain the whitening effect for as long as possible?

The easiest way preserve the whiteness of your teeth is to avoid smoking, black coffee, red wine, soda, sports drinks and maintain good dental hygiene habits.

How Often Is Whitening Needed?

It depends on an individual and his/her lifestyle on how often whitening is needed. If you are a coffee lover or you love to sip your wine frequently then chances are that your whitening may not last a long time.  

How much whitening do I really need to improve my smile?

What’s the first thing most people notice about you? Your eyes? Your hair? In most case scenarios, it’s your smile. One of the biggest myths about teeth whitening is the brighter the shade the more attractive the smile. A truly attractive tooth color, however, is more nuanced, and every person’s ideal color is different. The most attractive and natural color is one that matches the whites of your eyes.

What effect will whitening have on existing dental work that I already have?

Composite resins or ceramic dental material have their color “baked in” and bleaching chemicals used in whitening have no effect on them. The concern then is whether whitening nearby natural teeth may produce a color mismatch between them and the dental restorations, resulting in an unattractive appearance

Our experienced dentist, Dr. Thomas Joseph BDS, MDS, ADC strives to ensure that you are informed of various whitening treatment options. He has extensive experience in a wide range of advanced dental procedures including Root Canals, Dental Implants, Crowns and Bridges, Cosmetic Dentistry and more.

Make an appointment with Dr.Thomas by phoning 03 936545105. To find out more about oral hygiene and other dental issues, visit Dr.Thomas at info@drthomasjoseph.com.au.

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