Article

Best Ways to Whiten Your Teeth

Written by Dr Reuben Sim

22 January 2022

This article was published in

Lost in the confusing world of ‘at home kits’ and ‘UV whitening’? This might help.

Have you noticed your smile looking dull and discoloured?

Years of drinking coffee, tea and red wine may be the reason why.

Melbourne based aesthetic and cosmetic dentist, Dr Reuben Sim from Dental Boutique™ gives you a guide into the different whitening options available on the market today.

The key points to consider when selecting teeth whitening service are:

  • What is the cause of your teeth discolouration?
  • How effective is the option for your particular condition?
  • Will it cause any harm in the short and long term?

Whitening Toothpastes

Whitening toothpaste can be easily purchased over the counter. They work by using abrasive ingredients (silica most commonly) to scrub your teeth surface and remove external stains from your daily diet. Prolonged use of whitening toothpaste can wear down your enamel (the protection layer of your teeth), slowly causing the inner yellow layer (dentine) of your teeth to be exposed. Enamel damage is long-term and irreparable. If the underlying layer of the teeth becomes exposed, no whitening treatment will be effective anymore. Exposed dentine will cause your teeth to be yellow, and very sensitive. Long term usage of whitening toothpaste should be used with caution and you should always follow the recommendation of your dental professional.

Over the Counter Whitening Kits

DIY home whitening kits are becoming more popular. They can be purchased online or over the counter. These whitening kits have a low percentage of whitening active ingredient (less than 6 per cent hydrogen peroxide or equivalent) and they may also contain some abrasive particles to aid with stain removal. These kits often fail to achieve a noticeable change in colour due to the low percentage of active ingredient allowed.

If the DIY kit comes with a tray (that is not custom made by a dental professional), they can result in the whitening gel not covering your teeth evenly. This may result in gum burns or uneven patchy colour across your teeth. If you have undetected tooth decay, the ingredients may cause irritation to the nerve of the tooth leading to pain and sensitivity. Be wary of some of the DIY kits purchased online that do not make known to the public what their active ingredients are.

Non-dentist Whitening Services

According to Australian Dental Industry Association guidelines, non registered dental professionals are not allowed to administer any peroxide based whitening product greater than 6 per cent hydrogen perxodie (or 18 per cent carbamide peroxide equivalent). Because of this reason, non-dentist prescribed whitening services are generally ineffective, and may cause harm to the teeth and gums.

They do not have the qualification to perform a proper examination prior to applying products on your teeth. They also are not trained to pick up any teeth conditions that may not whiten properly, and they do not place gum barriers to protect your gums from getting “burned”. Some of these non-dental-professionals will ask you to place the whitening gel yourself, so if you get “burned” they will not get in trouble.

Dentist In-office Whitening Treatment

Dentist in-chair whitening treatment is the most effective whitening option that gives you a relatively immediate result (as little as one hour). Zoom teeth whitening is one of the most popular in the market. It can whiten your teeth by up to 8 shades in a single appointment. Dental professionals are trained to perform this procedure safe and effectively.

The procedure involves the dental professional conducting a checkup to ensure your teeth is suitable for whitening. Discuss your goals and expectations ahead of the treatment with your dentist, to ensure it meets your expectations once completed. The dental professional then apply a barrier to protect your lips and gums, before carefully applying the whitening liquid gel evenly over the teeth. A special light is then placed over your teeth that warms and activates the whitening gel to whiten your teeth efficiently.

When done properly and carefully, professional in-chair teeth whitening is the perfect solution for people who desire effective and immediate teeth whitening results.

Dentist Made Custom Whitening Tray and Gel Kit

Custom-made take home kits prescribed by dental professionals are a popular option when in-office whitening is not within your budget. Unlike over the counter, custom fitted trays made by a professional ensure that gels stay in place, and thus avoids the gel spreading over the gums, which can cause irritation. Plus, the whitening gel sits on your teeth evenly without causing potential patchiness on your teeth.

The procedure involves the dental professional making a fitted tray for you, and prescribing you with a peroxide-based whitening gel, which percentage of chemicals is tailored to the client’s needs. Some whitening gel even contain fluoride, which works in conjunction to strengthen your teeth while whitening. The main disadvantage of the take home whitening compared to in-office whitening (which only takes one hour) is that it may take from days to weeks, depending on your condition, to see a result.

Non-dentist prescribed whitening can be lower in cost, however, they may carry the following risk:

  • Whitening performed without a dental checkup can cause potential damage to teeth and gums — especially if there are undiagnosed condition
  • Some people have teeth conditions that may not be suitable for whitening. This may cause teeth to whiten unevenly, and sometimes result in white patches on the teeth.
  • Non-dentist prescribed whitening products can be harmful to the teeth and gums.

Dentist-prescribed whitening will ensure the greatest possible change in colour, as dental practitioners have access to whitening products of a much higher strength than those available over-the-counter. Safety is ensured when:

  • A proper consultation and examination to determine the cause of staining and discolouration will ensure you get the best possible result without damaging your teeth and gums
  • Under the supervision of a professional dentist, the whitening procedure can be tailored to suit your individual condition and goals. Options will be provided with professional opinion so you can get a realistic expectation of what can be achieved.

For the original article, click here.

Summary

  1. Whitening toothpastes contain abrasive ingredients that can remove surface stains but may damage enamel over time, leading to sensitivity and yellowing of teeth.
  2. Over the counter whitening kits are often ineffective due to low peroxide concentrations. These kits can cause uneven results or gum irritation, especially with ill-fitting trays.
  3. Non-dentist whitening services are often ineffective and risky, as they lack proper training and may lead to potential harm, like gum burns and improper application.
  4. Professional whitening, either in-office or with custom-made take-home kits, provides safer, more effective and tailored solutions, with better results and fewer risks.

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Frequently asked veneer questions

Are Porcelain Veneers right or me?

Porcelain veneers can be used to help correct many concerns related to the colour, shape and size of your teeth. In order to determine if you are suitable for porcelain veneers we suggest coming in for a complimentary consultation with our team. During your consultation, we will thoroughly examine your teeth and discuss both your concerns and goals to assess if porcelain veneers are best for you. 

Do my teeth need to be shaved down for veneers?

We understand this is a very common concern around porcelain veneers and also a very big misconception. At Dental Boutique™ we have the most advanced technology and a highly skilled team, where we prioritise minimal preparation where possible. However, depending on your current smile, in some cases, some preparation may be required to allow a stable surface for the veneer to be cemented on. 

Is the veneer application procedure painful?

During both your preparation and final application appointment, local anaesthetic will be used to ensure you feel as comfortable as possible during and after your procedure. At Dental Boutique™, we also offer many other pain management options if you require them.

How long do Porcelain Veneers last?

With proper care and maintenance of your veneers, the lifespan of Porcelain Veneers is approximately 15+ years.

How should I care for my Porcelain Veneers?

Once your porcelain veneers are cemented on, they will act and feel like normal teeth. Therefore taking care of your veneers will be very similar and will require you to continue brushing your teeth twice daily, floss and ensure you are visiting the dentist every 6 months for your checkup and clean. 

Can Porcelain Veneers be replaced?

Yes, porcelain veneers can be replaced. This typically occurs when the Porcelain Veneers have reached their lifespan. Dental Boutique™ offers a warranty on all of our VeneerMe® treatments and are here to support all of our patients if or when they need assistance.

Are there any risks associated with Porcelain Veneers?

It is important to understand Porcelain Veneers are a commitment. At Dental Boutique™ we use the most advanced technology and place a huge importance on the safety of all of our patients. We see many patients who come to us wanting their teeth fixed or redone, after having offshore treatment at clinics that lack quality assurances and have fewer safety regulations to adhere to. 

What other treatments compliment Porcelain Veneers?

Many of our patients who get porcelain veneers may also look at our Invisalign treatment to align their teeth prior. As well as Teeth Whitening to ensure a seamless match between their veneers and regular teeth.

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