Teeth Whitening

About teeth whitening

The brighter your teeth, the more attractive your smile turns out to be. White teeth reflect good health and indicate youthfulness. On the other side, dull teeth can make a person look unhealthy and sad. Tooth whitening is one of the most effective cosmetic solutions to discolored teeth. It is quite affordable among all cosmetic dentistry treatments and requires just one visit. The results for the whitening process are quickly visible. At our office in Sandgate, Queensland, we regularly have many patients who visit us seeking for teeth whitening. It would be probably our most asked question! Patients look for teeth whitening when they are preparing for an upcoming event, if they are unhappy with their dull teeth, or when they are looking for a transformation in their smile. Our treatment has been effective in brightening the pearly whites of our patients.

Why do teeth discolour?

The discoloration of teeth can be broadly classified into two main categories, which are intrinsic and extrinsic discoloration. Extrinsic discoloration occurs from environmental factors. Consumption of dark coloured liquids such as wine, tea and coffee and smoking can cause extrinsic discolouration. The porous enamel layer gets stained and the natural colour of teeth is masked during the process.

Teeth discolouration – Causes

The color of natural teeth differs from one person to another. It depends on the thickness of enamel layer and oral health. The colours can be broadly classified into four types that are reddish brown, reddish yellow, grey and reddish grey. The discolouration of natural teeth can occur in two ways, which are intrinsic and extrinsic.

Extrinsic discolouration

The enamel layer is porous and can hold stains. Dark coloured liquids such as wine, tea and coffee and smoking can lead to extrinsic discolouration of teeth. Poor oral hygiene is another major contributing factor, which can lead to the formation of plaque over teeth surface. Teeth whitening can help clear stain and dark elements to brighten teeth.

Intrinsic discolouration

This occurs when the contributing factors for the dullness of teeth are from within. Certain antibiotics such as tetracycline are known to cause intrinsic discolouration. Exposure to a high amount of fluoride is another factor that can cause the teeth to discolour. The most famous form of intrinsic discolouration is a ‘dead’ tooth.

Teeth whitening process

Tooth whitening can reduce stains and brighten a smile. The dentist firstly checks the oral cavity and finds out if there are any infections present. If a dental infection is found during an examination, it may have to be treated before starting the whitening process. Tooth whitening is safe and very effective when performed in an office set up. Our dentist and/or hygienist will take images of the teeth prior to starting and examine your teeth for whitening suitability. The teeth are cleaned to remove any plaque or tarter buildup. A protective gel is applied to your gums to protect them from the whitening agent. The whitening agent used during the course may be hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These whitening agents enter the porous enamel layer and undergo oxidation when they react with stain. The stain is cleared during the process. A special light or laser may help in accelerating the reaction through introducing gentle heat. After the completion of treatment, our team informs patients about how to care for the pearly whites.

Are you unhappy with your dull smile? Do not worry. Make an appointment and meet our team. Teeth whitening procedure performed at our Dental Seasons practice located in Sandgate, Queensland can help you get a brighter and more beautiful smile.

Frequently asked questions

My old fillings in the front have turned dark, can they be bleached?

Unfortunately, dental bondings, composite resin fillings (tooth coloured fillings) and old crowns cannot be bleached. Fillings that have discoloured indicate that they are either leaking or have secondary decay, so it is best to replace them. A better choice may be to replace them with porcelain laminate/veneers for longer lasting results. Remember; only replace these fillings after bleaching in order to match the new improved color of your teeth. How long does bleaching or laser teeth whitening really last? It depends on many factors including your diet, the original color of your teeth, and your personal habits like smoking, drinking red wine, etc. Also darker teeth will need more than one whitening session to achieve the desired result. What’s most important is what you do for maintenance. Professional office visits are not enough. You must incorporate an effective maintenance regimen at home such as using whitening toothpaste which is specifically designed to non-abrasively remove surf ace stains like coffee, tea, tobacco and red wine, as well as remove plaque and bacteria. Also use the touch up kit given by your dentist to keep bleached teeth at their whitest.

I have one dark tooth in the front. Will regular at-home bleaching makes it lighter?

First of all, the cause of the dark tooth must be determined. It could be due to an earlier trauma to the tooth or previous root canal treatment. In such a case external teeth whitening treatments may not help. Your dentist may try internal bleaching which may take several sessions. If not, consider dental bonding, porcelain veneers, or capping the tooth to mask the darkness.

Will my teeth be sensitive following Bleaching?

Teeth may be sensitive during the week following the in–office bleaching. This can be dramatically reduced by using Sensodyne toothpaste to brush your teeth the week prior to and the week following the bleaching process. Also, your dentist may recommend fluoride treatment following the bleaching process.