A white smile is something everyone loves, but having naturally perfect bright teeth is rare for most people. To reduce yellow surface stains, there are various options available such as at-home products like teeth whitening strips and gels, as well as professional dental procedures like in-chair bleaching.
What is teeth whitening and how does it work?
Teeth whitening consists of bleaching your teeth to lighten the colour of stained or discoloured enamel, renewing whiteness. There are many methods of teeth whitening, ranging from professional procedures to store-bought treatments. The most effective and safe whitening is done by dentists. In-chair whitening gels contain hydrogen peroxide, a stronger ingredient than is available over-the-counter.
Teeth whitening specifically targets enamel and does not change the colour of dental work like crowns, bridges, veneers, or fillings. If you have restorations like crowns or veneers, they are likely matched to your natural colour, and may stand out after whitening. Your dental practitioner can advise you if this will be an issue for you and how to handle it.
There are two primary types of teeth whitening recommended by dentists: in-chair whitening and take-home whitening.
In-chair teeth whitening
At an in-chair appointment, the dentist applies whitening gel to the teeth and uses a laser light to activate it. This begins bleaching away discolouration. The laser light is used in 15 minute bursts, with an appointment lasting up to 90 minutes. The dentist continually checks progress before applying a sensitivity-reducing gel at the end of the appointment and explaining how to maintain results. In-chair whitening may take place over multiple appointments.
Take-home teeth whitening
Take-home teeth whitening involves dentists creating custom teeth whitening trays based on a mould of your mouth. Along with the trays, patients are given some whitening gel to place in the trays and wear on their teeth. The dentist always provides detailed instructions on how to do this safely and effectively.
When to get teeth whitening
If your teeth are healthy, you can get whitening done at any time. Patients commonly look to whiten their teeth before special occasions like parties and weddings, or when they know they have a lot of social events in the near future. Others will opt to whiten their teeth after they have finished other treatments, like braces, to make sure that their tooth colour is even across all teeth. Overall, whitening is used to combat discolouration when it becomes overly noticeable.
Causes of discolouration
There are two types of teeth stains: intrinsic and extrinsic. Intrinsic stains are caused by internal factors like ageing, medication or infection. Teeth whitening is more effective on extrinsic stains, which are caused by various external lifestyle factors, such as:
- Consuming staining beverages and foods. Drinks like coffee, red wine, and black tea are notorious for staining teeth due to their dark colours and high tannin content. Similarly, brightly-coloured berries, candies and dishes with rich sauces can have the same effect.
- Acidic and Sugary Drinks. The acidity of some wines can soften enamel, making teeth more susceptible to staining. Carbonated soft drinks and sports drinks, which are high in acid, sugar, and pigments, can also cause stains.
- Inadequate Water Intake. Drinking the recommended amount of water daily helps maintain hydration and rinses away staining substances from teeth. If your tap water contains fluoride, it also helps protect against decay.
- Using Tobacco Products. Smoking or chewing tobacco is a major cause of teeth stains. Tobacco use also increases the risk of several oral health problems, including gum disease and oral cancer. Quitting can lead to significant health improvements.
- Poor Oral Hygiene. Failing to brush and floss regularly allows dental plaque to build up, which can retain stains. Dentists recommend brushing twice a day with fluoride toothpaste and flossing at least once a day.
- Skipping Dental Visits. Regular dental check-ups are crucial for identifying and addressing early signs of dental problems, including stains, before they become more serious.
How long does whitening take?
The length of time it will take to see results from your treatment will depend on the type of whitening you opt for. Everyday products like whitening toothpastes, strips and pens will often take at least a couple of weeks, if not months, before you can see a significant difference. By contrast, take-home whitening kits will usually lead to results in one or two weeks, while patients usually see an improvement immediately after in-chair whitening.
How long does teeth whitening last?
The longevity of your teeth whitening results will depend again on the treatment method, but also on how well you look after your teeth after your treatment is finished. Professional in-chair whitening can last anywhere from 6 months to 3 years, while at-home kits will typically last up to a year. In some cases these results can be extended, or easily maintained with a touch-up gel provided by the dentist. By contrast, whitening products will typically only have a subtle effect that fades quite quickly, typically lasting no longer than a few months.
You can maintain results for longer by following good oral hygiene habits, like daily brushing and flossing, and attending your regular check-up. Avoiding the discolouration factors mentioned earlier will also contribute to lasting results.
How often should you whiten your teeth?
If you have had whitening treatment, your dentist will be able to check your results at your six-monthly check-up, and potentially apply a touch-up treatment. However, it is not recommended to undergo a full in-chair whitening treatment more than once a year.
Where can I find teeth whitening near me?
Our team at Oakleigh Dental specialises in professional teeth whitening, helping you achieve a brighter smile. Get in touch to learn more about our teeth whitening options and how we can help you find your perfect smile.
