Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that includes the bleaching of teeth to enhance their appearance and reduce their colour. The main component in whitening cosmetics is usually given as gel, hydrogen peroxide, or carbamide peroxide. Sometimes these compounds are enhanced in action by the use of a light source.

Causes of Discoloured Teeth?

Eating foods like spices, berries, and beetroots, as well as drinking tea, coffee, and red wine, may all cause teeth to discolour. Additionally, discoloration is the result of smoking cigarettes. Your teeth may seem yellower as time goes on because the enamel on the outside of your teeth might wear away and expose the yellowish dentine layer underneath.

Teeth discoloration may also be the consequence of trauma or injury or from the childhood use of certain medicines like doxycycline or tetracycline.

Feasibility of Teeth Whitening

Find out from a dentist if teeth whitening is right for you. 

You should not get teeth whitened if you:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding

  • have sensitive teeth

  • have gum disease

  • have cracks or holes in your teeth

  • have untreated dental problems

Crowns, veneers, or fillings on teeth will not respond to teeth whitening procedures. A whitening gel put on the exterior of your teeth won't make them whiter if the issue causing the yellowing is deep inside them. 

The Process of Teeth Whitening

Your dentist's consultation is the first step in any teeth whitening therapy. In-chair methods start with the gums being protected with a rubber barrier or gel, and then the whitening agent—usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide—is administered. As the bleaching ingredient decomposes, oxygen may enter the enamel and lift stains. A laser or light source is used in certain treatments to activate the whitening agent.

Choosing a Qualified Organisation

Strong whitening products with above 6% hydrogen peroxide can only be used by licenced dentists. Seeking treatment from licenced dentists is advised by the Australian Dental Association to guarantee effectiveness and safety. Risks may be involved with unlicensed professionals providing services in malls, beauty salons, and via mobile services. 

Teeth whitening kits are also available in supermarkets and online. These might include charcoal, bicarbonate of soda, or bleaching agents. Certain kits might not work well, and using them wrong could lead to further tooth issues.

Unqualified dentists bleaching teeth may cause gum and tooth damage. Dental professionals are in charge of adhering to quality and safety standards and may evaluate your teeth in a qualified manner.

Types of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening procedures may be done at home or in-chair by your dentist or other dental professional.

In-chair Zoom whitening

Clinical trials show that this 45–60 minute procedure may brighten teeth up to six shades. 

  1. Your teeth are visible because protection covers your lips and gums.

  2. After applying the whitening gel, the LED accelerator light is used to activate it. Any extrinsic tooth discoloration is lifted by this when the gel penetrates the surface.

  3. Around fifteen minutes after application, the gel is washed off and reapplied. This is to provide for careful monitoring of the whitening of the teeth.

  4. Your teeth will be visibly whiter, and your teeth whitening treatment will be finished after three to four repetitions of this procedure.

It should be mentioned that the whitening gel will keep working for a few days after that, so it will take a few days to get the best possible teeth whitening results.

Take home Zoom teeth whitening in Central Coast

Apart from chairside tooth whitening procedures, we also provide expert take-home kits made to brighten your smile in the convenience of your own home. 

  1. Your teeth will be (digitally) impressioned by our skilled staff at our cutting-edge facility first. It will be from this that your teeth whitening trays are created. You're set to go after the trays have been made.

  2. Utilising the pre-measured syringes, fill the trays with tooth whitening gel in the comfort of your own home. After that, cover your teeth with the trays and wear them for the prescribed duration of time.

  3. You will noticeably observe an improvement with the Zoom take-home whitening kit after around 10–14 days.

Benefits and Risks of Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening may give discoloured teeth a much more beautiful, brighter look. People who make this cosmetic enhancement may feel more confident and self-esteemed in social and professional situations. For many individuals who want to rapidly and efficiently enhance their smile, teeth whitening is also a more affordable and less intrusive cosmetic dentistry treatment than crowns or veneers.

But whitening your teeth has some possible hazards and adverse consequences. Temporary sensitivity of the teeth and painful gum or mouth inflammation are frequent problems. Particularly if the teeth have fissures or untreated dental issues, improper application of the whitening solution might result in inconsistent results or even injury to the teeth and gums. High-level bleaching agent solutions should be used under the guidance of a dentist to prevent serious irritation or burns. Swallowing the whitening gel might cause nausea and stomach distress. Thus, to reduce these hazards and guarantee a safe and successful result, teeth whitening treatments must be carried out by licenced dental professionals.

The Cost

The kind of therapy and the provider determine how much teeth whitening costs. It's critical to weigh the procedure's efficacy and safety in addition to its price.

Possible Alternatives to Teeth Whitening

To prevent dental stains, try these tips:

  • Daily flossing and brushing with a gentle toothbrush.

  • Don't puff on smoke.

  • After each meal or beverage that might discolour your teeth, give your mouth a quick water rinse.

Some substitutes for teeth whitening treatments include: 

  • Having a dentist or other dental expert clean your teeth.

  • Utilising whitening toothpaste.

  • Enquiring about dental treatments like veneers or crowns to restore your teeth with your dentist or dental practitioner.

Summary

Lightening discoloured teeth is a common and successful way to improve the look of your smile. To be sure the procedure is appropriate and safe for you, you should, nevertheless, speak with a licenced dentist. Even though teeth whitening may have a big cosmetic impact, it's important to know the possible hazards and side effects. 

A brighter smile may also be achieved for people looking for alternatives by maintaining excellent oral hygiene and looking into other dental procedures. When thinking about teeth whitening or other cosmetic dentistry treatments, always put safety and efficacy first.