Everything You Should Know About Teeth Whitening

A bright, healthy smile holds the power to light up a room and leave an indelible impression. Professional teeth whitening can help you achieve that movie-star quality smile in just one visit. 

Types of Teeth Stains:  

Staining can result if you consistently neglect your healthy dietary habits and fail to clean your teeth properly. Various types of stains can impact the natural colour of your teeth:  

  • Extrinsic Stains: These stains occur on the outer surface of the tooth enamel and are often caused by tobacco use and consuming pigmented foods and beverages such as coffee, tea, or red wine. Extrinsic stains usually respond well to teeth whitening treatments.  
  • Intrinsic stains: Intrinsic stains occur within the tooth’s structure, often due to aging, certain medications, or excessive fluoride consumption during tooth development. Intrinsic stains may require alternative cosmetic dental procedures, as teeth whitening treatments might not be effective.

What happens during a tooth whitening procedure?

A specialized whitening gel is applied to your teeth. This gel helps eliminate any stains or discolouration. A laser is then directed onto your teeth, which activates the whitening gel and makes it more effective. The laser also helps break down stains, resulting in a healthier-looking and whiter smile. This procedure is done in-office and provides immediate results. You can expect to see a noticeable improvement in the colour of your teeth in a relatively short time. 

Factors to consider before whitening teeth:

  • Ensure good dental health:  

Your teeth and gums must be healthy and in good condition before initiating treatment. Additional dental work may be required before teeth whitening to avoid complications and ensure optimal results.

  • Teeth whitening safety:   

Teeth whitening is considered safe under professional supervision. However, excessive use or misuse of whitening products can lead to tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or enamel damage. It’s essential to follow the instructions provided by our dentist to prevent complications.  

  • Factors that might impact the results:

Teeth whitening treatments may not be suitable for everyone. Individuals with certain dental conditions, such as tooth-colored fillings, crowns, or severe tooth discolouration, may not achieve the desired results through teeth whitening alone. Consulting with our dentist can help determine the right choice for your individual needs.   

  • Longevity of teeth whitening results:  

The longevity of the results depends on several factors, including your oral hygiene practices and lifestyle choices. Regular brushing, flossing, and avoiding stain-causing foods and habits such as smoking can help prolong the whiteness of your teeth after treatment.  

In-office teeth whitening vs. Take Home Trays:  

  • In-office teeth whitening:

Dental practitioners perform professional teeth whitening in Bathurst that can provide immediate results. It involves applying a high concentration whitening gel to the teeth, activated by a specialized light or laser. In-office teeth whitening offers the advantage of professional supervision, allowing for a customized treatment based on your aesthetic goals.   

  • Take-Home Trays:  

Our dentist provides custom-fitted take-home trays along with a milder whitening gel. As the dentist advises, these trays are to be worn for a certain period, usually a few hours per day or overnight. These take-home trays offer you the flexibility to whiten your teeth conveniently in the comfort and privacy of your own home. 

Do you want to know if you’re a good candidate for professional teeth whitening? If you’re looking for a noticeable improvement of two or more shades and want to steer clear of over-the-counter treatments or have had little success with them, then a whitening treatment by our family dentist in Bathurst might be the right solution. Contact us today to learn more!