Teeth whitening – Introduction
Teeth whitening is a dental treatment also known as dental bleaching. It is a procedure that enhances the shade of the natural teeth and makes them brighter. Dull or discoloured teeth can affect your confidence and appearance. Factors like ageing, staining beverages, tobacco use, and poor hygiene contribute to this issue. Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic solution, but if you have sensitive teeth or dental conditions, you should consult your dentist first. Brisbane is a hub for expert dentists who perform cosmetic treatments like teeth whitening for a radiant smile you’ll love to flaunt.
Types of stains
- Intrinsic stains– These stains are those types of stains which are present on the inner layer of the tooth’s enamel. It can be caused as a side effect of certain antibiotics, high fluoride levels on teeth, wearing off and thinning of the enamel, and even genetic factors.
- Extrinsic stains – Extrinsic stains are the stains that are present on the outer surface of the teeth and are mainly caused by tea, coffee or any other coloured food items.
Teeth cleaning is generally done before teeth whitening so that no stains and deposits are present. Then, the dentist can proceed with the whitening procedure, which reduces the discolouration on the teeth and enhances their brightness.
Different types of Teeth whitening treatment methods
- Whitening Products: Most whitening toothpastes sometimes contain mild abrasives along with whitening agents and can damage the enamel layer gradually. Lately, better quality gels and toothpaste have come up, which have minimal side effects and offer desired results. You should consult your dentist, have proper knowledge about these products, and then apply them.
- Home Whitening Kits: Whitening gels or strips are applied directly to teeth to get whiter and brighter teeth. These sometimes come with custom trays to make the application easy. These kits use lower concentrations of whitening agents and typically require daily use for several weeks to see results. Your dentist will guide you through its method of application and everything you need to know about the kit and its materials.
- Professional Treatments: This method of teeth whitening is also known as in-office bleaching, as it is performed by dentists in their dental clinics.
Always consult your dentist if you experience sensitivity or discomfort after the treatment is done.
Steps in the procedure of professional teeth whitening –
The in-office teeth bleaching process is completed in a single visit, and it generally takes around 30 minutes for one complete cycle to get over. Patients can also go for another cycle if they are still not satisfied with the shade change, and the whole process can be over within an hour.
Step I: Check-up
A dentist examines your oral health to determine if whitening is suitable for your stains and addresses any tooth sensitivity issues.
Step II: Shade Matching
The dentist uses a shade guide tool to record your natural tooth colour before starting the teeth whitening process. This helps the dentist track the progress of the treatment and evaluate the level of teeth whitening that has happened after the treatment is over.
Step III: Oral prophylaxis
Teeth are cleaned, and the deposits are removed to ensure the whitening agents can work effectively.
Step IV: Drying
Teeth are dried and isolated well with cotton rolls or rubber dam method to keep them dry and avoid irritation and sensitivity in the gums and the teeth during whitening.
Step V: Whitening
A hydrogen peroxide gel is applied, and UV light is used to speed up the teeth-whitening process. Desired results are visible in 45 to 60 minutes, with teeth potentially whitening by up to multiple shade levels. Proper care can maintain the results for around a year.
How does teeth whitening happen?
Teeth whitening involves applying a gel which contains carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide to your teeth for a specific duration of approximately 20 – 30 minutes. Every product comes with an instruction manual, which dentists follow to achieve desired results. With the help of UV or blue light, your dentist activates the bleaching process, which helps the peroxide penetrate inside the enamel and thereby make the shade of your teeth brighter. This is a quick and effective method of teeth whitening as compared to options like whitening kits and strips, which are less concentrated and take longer to show desired results.
Side effects of teeth Whitening Side Effects:
- Tooth Sensitivity: It is very common for patients to experience mild sensitivity, especially to hot or cold foods. It is usually temporary and gets normal in a couple of days. After teeth whitening, it’s important to follow your dentist’s post-treatment instructions to manage sensitivity. This includes avoiding extremely hot or cold foods and drinks, as well as pigmented foods that can stain your teeth.
- Gum discomfort: It is possible that your gums may hurt, especially when hydrogen peroxide reacts with the gums. This is the reason why dentists protect gums during treatment. This side effect is also temporary, and the condition can be resolved with time.
- Enamel Damage: Excessive teeth whitening can even harm enamel permanently. Always consult your dentist and go ahead with the whitening products and treatments.
Cost of teeth whitening
In Australia, professional teeth whitening treatment, which is performed by the dentist at a dental clinic, typically costs between AUD500 and AUD1,500. For at-home teeth whitening kits provided by dentists, the amount ranges between AUD300 and AUD600. Teeth Whitening treatment in Brisbane, Australia, costs approximately AUD400 to AUD900.
Summary
Teeth whitening brightens your smile and usually costs AUD 500 to AUD 1,500 for in-chair treatments or AUD 300 to AUD 600 for at-home kits in Australia. The process involves applying a peroxide gel activated by light to improve the tooth colour.