When it comes to cosmetic dentistry, one of the most popular forms of treatment is professional tooth whitening.
It’s little wonder. Tooth whitening treatments are non-invasive, simple to perform and who doesn’t want a brighter, healthier-looking smile? (It’s estimated that 14 percent of the US population – 45 million Americans – have had at least one professional whitening procedure).
Of course, the colour of our teeth changes naturally with age. Teeth also stain as a natural side-effect to what we eat and drink. Foods that are darkly coloured, acidic or contain tannins all have a more pronounced effect, with wine and coffee among the worst offenders*.
Medications can also have an effect on the appearance of teeth (the antibiotic tetracycline can cause discoloration of the teeth), as can fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)
How does whitening work?
There’s a lot we can do to maintain the natural whiteness of our teeth. Enjoying a healthy, varied diet, avoiding certain foods and scheduling regular professional teeth cleaning will go a long way to preserving the healthy look of teeth.
Beyond lifestyle changes however, the whitening process usually comes by way of either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide-based treatments. Popular brand-name treatments – such as Opalescence – use this method. When used correctly, these bleaching agents are perfectly safe and both produce similar results.
Is tooth whitening safe?
Yes. Current research shows that tooth whitening is safe and effective when the correct protocols are followed. (The study recommends professionally-administered, in-house treatments).
Whitening treatments can produce temporary tooth sensitivity, however. At Simply Dental we provide patients with a sensitive care toothpaste to minimise these effects and recommend a remineralising gel if discomfort persists.
Note: Whitening treatments won’t work on crowns, caps or fillings. A pre-assessment check from the dentist will let you know of any issues may have an impact on any whitening procedures, and can help you find a solution.
Tooth whitening isn’t permanent. How long a treatment last depends on a variety of factors, but for long-term results, touch ups will be necessary.
Make an appointment
A pre-assessment appointment is the first step. We will assess your teeth and gums for suitability for whitening treatment, as well as identifying any underlying issues which may be causing tooth discolouration. From there, Simply Dental offers both in-house and at-home treatment options, with in-house treatments usually achieving results within 80 minutes.
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*Note: Some foods have staining properties, while others promote a whiter smile. Start with crunchy, fibrous and calcium-rich choices, and maintain a healthy diet year-round for best results.