Teeth whitening is a common dental request. Many people turn to their dentists, chemists, and supermarkets for whitening supplies to help them get the smiles they’ve always wanted. But is teeth whitening safe? Are certain methods better than others? How safe is teeth whitening from a dentist versus a chemist?
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening generally refers to the process by which natural teeth are treated for intrinsic and extrinsic discolouration. This means that the whitening is treating your natural teeth and not dental restorations such as implants or crowns.
Here are the kinds of discolouration that teeth whitening can help treat:
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Intrinsic discolouration
- This comes from within the tooth, and can be the result of tooth trauma, aging, infection, medication, or childhood illness.
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Extrinsic discolouration
- Extrinsic discolouration happens due to outside materials staining your teeth. This could be from smoking, highly pigmented beverages (such as red wine, tea, or coffee), or foods with dyes.
Is teeth whitening safe?
When administered or monitored by a dentist according to the guidelines set forth by the Dental Board of Australia, teeth whitening can be a very safe and beneficial procedure.
A qualified dentist can help you assess the health of your teeth and determine if your teeth discolouration is intrinsic, extrinsic, or mixed. Throughout this conversation, you can discuss your desires and goals for your teeth and ask any questions you might have. From there, your dentist can customise a specific teeth whitening protocol for your individual needs.
In short, working with a dentist can help you maximise the health of your mouth, your whitening results, and the longevity of your new smile.
What’s the problem with the over-the-counter teeth whitening treatments?
If you’re looking into using over-the-counter teeth whitening products, it may be helpful to do some research. As tempting as it is to browse the shelves at the chemists for teeth whitening solutions, it’s always better to talk to a dentist ahead of time. Is teeth whitening safe in over-the-counter treatments? Maybe, but maybe not.
Simply put, it’s hard to tell if your teeth discolouration is intrinsic, extrinsic, or a mix. Additionally, as a layperson, it can also be difficult to know if you have any underlying teeth or gum issues that could be adversely impacted by over-the-counter teeth whitening options.
It’s hard to know what specific teeth whitening route is the safest or most effective for you and your own set of individual needs. A dentist can discuss the whole range of teeth whitening options with you. They can offer you treatments that are unavailable at pharmacies, provide you with personalised, take-home teeth whitening, and help you logically weigh the benefits of each option.
Types of teeth whitening
Here are some top teeth whitening brands your dentist at Dental Spot might discuss with you. Dental Spot offers both in-office and take-home whitening treatments.
- Colgate
- Opalescence
- Poladay
If you and your dentist decide that in-office whitening is right for you, teeth whitening will be carried out by an experienced, knowledgeable team as you relax in the dentist’s chair. The session will last for about an hour, during which a strong and specially formulated whitening gel will be applied directly onto your teeth. After the gel is removed, you will notice that you have a brighter smile. Over the course of the next week, the results will reach their full strength and you can enjoy your new smile.
On the other hand, if you choose a take-home treatment, your dentist will design you a personalised whitening kit. This kit will consist of a lower-strength whitening gel and customised whitening trays. Depending on the specific treatment plan designed for you by your dentist, you will fill the trays with gel and wear them for a few hours or overnight. Patients usually notice a difference within a few days, but after approximately 14 days you will start to see the full results.
Conclusion
If you feel like your life and your confidence can be bettered by a brighter, whiter smile, contact Dental Spot today. With an experienced team at your side, you can maximise the health of your teeth and your whitening results. Call today on (02) 9158 6115 or fill out our online contact form to start your journey towards a happier smile.
