The Truth About Teeth Whitening

An increasing trend in modern culture is ensuring that your teeth are glistening, white and bright. Aesthetically, this is becoming the norm, but it isn't always natural or easy to maintain a permanent white smile. If you are looking for a whiter smile, having your teeth professionally whitened could be the answer.

However, with home treatments on the rise, more people are attempting to do it themselves. There are limitations and risks to some home treatments so it is important to learn everything we can about the options. It is best to have this dental procedure done by a trained professional.

Why Should I Have My Teeth Professionally Whitened?

Teeth turn yellow or darken because of a variety of reasons. In some cases, it is from medication or health issues, but the most common cause is food and drinks that cause staining. Foods such as coffee and wine, as well as smoking, are some of the biggest culprits of tooth discoloration and getting your teeth whitened can help to combat this.

Professional whitening uses different materials and higher concentrations of bleaching solution than those allowed to be sold in over the counter home whitening kits. Because of this, better results are achieved with professional whitening.

Risks of Over the Counter Teeth Whitening Kits

• Some Should Avoid It - Dentists don't recommend over the counter whitening on sensitive or damaged teeth (including chipped enamel) or those with gum disease because this can not only damage teeth further, but exacerbate the problem. You should always seek professional advice when it comes to dental care and hygiene to make sure your teeth are suitable for teeth whitening.
• Inconsistent Whitening Due to Previous Work - Dental work, specifically fillings, veneers or crowns will not change color from whitening. If home bleaching, your results can often be unsatisfactory due to this. Your dentist will know your history and previous work that has been done and adjust their treatments to match and suit your specific situation or explain additional options for a whiter, brighter smile.
• It Might Be Illegal - Many assume that getting the service cheaper at a salon may be the answer but it can be illegal if the hydrogen peroxide content is above what can be bought over the counter. Providing this service without a registered dental professional is not legal and could cause damage to oral tissues if done incorrectly.
• Risky Kits - Some kits that contain higher levels of hydrogen peroxide or unknown concentrations. Unsafe chemicals can leave users open to burns or injuries that could lead to scarring or long term consequences.

If is always better to discuss your needs with a trained professional, so for more information on our teeth whitening services or to speak to a member of our team about your options, contact us to arrange a complimentary consultation with one of our dentists.