Brightening your smile with teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure. Many people wish their teeth were whiter, but you may wonder, ‘how does teeth whitening work?’ There are various options for teeth whitening, but you should choose a whitening treatment administered by a dental professional for safe, fast, effective results.
Find out what the teeth whitening process entails and why it’s beneficial to seek these treatments through your dentist rather than over-the-counter. At Lakeside Dental Studio, we offer in-chair and take-home teeth whitening treatment options.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Teeth whitening bleaches the teeth to lighten the colour up to eight shades whiter. Whitening treatments containing peroxides such as hydrogen and carbamide peroxide are common bleaching ingredients to change the colour of teeth.
When the dentist applies the whitening treatment to the teeth, the bleach penetrates the tooth’s enamel into the dentine, the part inside the teeth that is slightly softer than the enamel. It then reacts with the molecules causing discolouration. This results in the dentine lightening and makes the enamel more reflective, creating the appearance of whiter teeth.
Can I Use DIY Whitening Kits?
In Australia, over 50% of people buy over-the-counter teeth whitening products from chemists and online, compared to 6% visiting the dentist for teeth whitening treatment. Young consumers may leave their whitening treatment on longer than recommended by instructions.
There are non-dental teeth whitening specialists located in beauty and hair salons, shopping malls, and mobile services who claim to perform teeth whitening procedures. According to the Australian Dental Association, the use of DIY whitening treatments can be dangerous. If a teeth whitening treatment is not used correctly, such as leaving it on for too long, you may burn your mouth and throat.
Only accredited dental professionals such as the dentists at Lakeside Dental Studio can use the most concentrated whitening solutions. You can ask your dentist, ‘how does teeth whitening work?’ and what kind of whitening treatment is safe and effective for you.
Types of Teeth Whitening Treatments
Getting the best results from a teeth whitening procedure starts with a professional hygiefne cleaning. Two teeth whitening treatments are available at Lakeside Dental Studio:
Zoom whitening
The Zoom whitening treatment whitens your teeth significantly in just one dental appointment. During the procedure, your dentist applies hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth. Blue LED light accelerates hydrogen peroxide’s removal of tooth stains.
After 15 minutes with the light, the gel is rinsed and removed. This process happens 3 times to help you achieve your desired shade for your teeth. We can do the entire procedure in one session so you can get a brighter smile quickly.
Take-home whitening kits
Our professional take-home whitening kits use specially designed trays that are made to fit your mouth for a more effective whitening process. You can use this option to touch up your teeth as they discolour over time.
Your dentist can fit your mouth for a custom tray to fill with whitening gel at home. To use the treatment, fill the gel in the trays and place them over your teeth for roughly 45 minutes a day. They can be worn for anywhere between 7 and 14 days as the whitening process progresses.
Using this teeth whitening treatment provides you with the confidence of knowing that the bleaching gel and customised trays are safe to use and can achieve the desired results. Your dentist can explain how to use your whitening kit properly before you bring it home.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work: After a Whitening Treatment
Keep these tips in mind to maximise the effectiveness of your professional teeth whitening procedure and minimise re-staining.
Limit your intake of teeth-staining foods and beverages
Avoid consuming stain-causing foods and beverages in your daily diet, such as coffee, red wine, and berries, to keep your teeth looking bright. Use a straw for drinking darker pigmented liquids and beverages rich in tannins or acidity.
Use a soft toothbrush and desensitising toothpaste
If you have tooth sensitivity after your whitening treatment, brush with desensitising toothpaste and with a soft-bristled toothbrush until the discomfort subsides. Flossing and brushing too hard after treatment can wear down soft enamel and irritate the gum line.
Don’t smoke
Avoid smoking to prevent nicotine stains on your teeth and maintain your general health.
Keeping your mouth healthy is essential
Good oral hygiene practices include brushing twice a day, flossing, and rinsing with mouthwash once a day.
Regular dental cleanings can eliminate plaque and tartar below the gum line that discolours your teeth.
When you maintain these dental habits, your teeth whitening results last longer.
Consider touch-up whitening treatments
Touch-up whitening treatments can help you keep your chosen shade of whitening. Getting a touch-up can restore the radiance of your smile and remove food stains on your teeth.
Lakeside Dental Studio Can Help You Achieve a Whiter Smile
The dentists at Lakeside Dental Studio can create a customised smile treatment plan to achieve your desired smile. Ask a dentist, ‘how does teeth whitening work’ by contacting us on (02) 4971 3366.
Note: Any surgical or invasive procedure carries risks. Before proceeding, you should seek a second opinion from an appropriately qualified health practitioner.
References
Teeth whitening
https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/teeth-whitening
Teeth whitening: Surging popularity brings issues to resolve
https://www.ada.org.au/News-Media/News-and-Release/Latest-News/Teeth-whitening-Surging-popularity-brings-issues-t
Intraoral chemical burn from use of 3% hydrogen peroxide
https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/22313923/
How to whiten your teeth in-office with Philips Zoom
https://www.philips.com.au/c-e/pe/teeth-whitening/zoom-in-office.html
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
https://www.healthline.com/health/how-long-does-teeth-whitening-last
How Desensitizing Toothpaste Helps Strengthen Your Smile
https://www.healthline.com/health/dental-and-oral-health/desensitizing-toothpaste
3 Types of Teeth Stains and Remover Options
https://www.colgate.com/en-us/oral-health/teeth-whitening/teeth-stain-removal-types
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