Professional Teeth Whitening

Whiter teeth are universally valued by both men and women. Unfortunately, we are not naturally born with a perfect white smile. The truth is, most of us were born with ivory-colored teeth that get more yellow and darker as we age. Smoking, medicines or medical conditions, lifestyle, colored food, and drinks also contribute to the staining and discoloration of our teeth.

Thankfully, dentists accidentally discovered a way to whiten teeth. In the past, dentists treated gum diseases with mouth rinses that contained hydrogen peroxide. They noticed that teeth became whiter over time with these mouthwashes.

Today, teeth whitening has become the most popular cosmetic dental treatment in the world! Having whiter teeth is no longer a luxury but a part of everyone’s self-care routine. Having whiter teeth is associated with good oral hygiene, health, beauty, and attractiveness.

Compared to other cosmetic dental procedures, teeth whitening is non-invasive and provides visible immediate results. It is the simplest, fastest, safest, and easiest way to improve one’s smile.

Teeth Whitening vs Bleaching

Teeth Whitening

The term “whitening” refers to the restoration of the teeth’s natural color by removing dirt and stains (extrinsic stains) from the surface of the teeth.

In this regard, anything used to clean teeth can be called a whitener. Here are some examples:

Whitening Toothpaste and Mouthwash

Removes stains from the surface of the teeth but cannot change the underlying color of the dentine.

Over the Counter Whitening Kits

Contains a weak solution of a bleaching agent that is unlikely to have much effect on your teeth color.

Oral Prophylaxis

Visiting your dentist for a cleaning removes the extrinsic stains from your teeth with scaling and polishing. It also keeps your teeth and gums healthy.

Teeth Bleaching

Professional Teeth Whitening is a tooth-bleaching process that uses high concentrations of hydrogen or carbamide peroxide to penetrate the enamel and change the color of the dentine underneath. The entire teeth whitening process is professionally supervised by a highly trained dentist.

There are two options to professionally whiten your teeth. Both options use peroxide-based bleaching agents (carbamide or hydrogen peroxides).

Take Home Whitening

As the name suggests, you can have your whitening at home. Professionally dispensed take-home whitening kits include a low-concentration peroxide-based solution (3% to 20% peroxide) and a customized bleaching tray made by your dentist.

Unlike in-office whitening, take-home teeth whitening does not produce instant results. The gel is applied to the teeth using custom-made bleaching trays that you must wear every day for hours. Whitening is achieved over time.

Take-home teeth whitening kits are designed to be safe for you to use on your own. Because of the low concentration of peroxide, the solution can safely remain longer on your teeth. Having custom-made bleaching trays also ensures that the solution fits your teeth perfectly. This avoids leakage and contact with your gums or other tissues in your mouth.

In-Office Whitening

In-office whitening involves the careful and controlled application of a relatively high-concentration peroxide gel (15% to 43% peroxide) on your teeth at 15-20 minute intervals. The peroxide is activated using a special light that intensifies and speeds up the whitening process. The entire process can last up to 2 hours.

Having your teeth whitened by a dentist at the clinic ensures that the entire procedure will be safely and correctly performed.

Before the procedure, the dentist ensures that your oral tissues will be adequately protected during the entire whitening process. A special cheek retractor is used to open your mouth and protect your lips. A special gingival barrier will also be cured onto your gums to protect them from the peroxide solution and the light. During the entire process, a high vacuum suction will be used to reduce accidental ingestion of the whitening solution.

In-office whitening can produce dramatic results. Whitening can be achieved faster and results can be seen immediately after the appointment. Results vary from person to person. Usually, teeth will be 2 to 8 shades lighter after the procedure.

Patients with stubborn staining may be advised to return for one or more additional bleaching sessions or may be asked to continue with a take-home whitening system.

Side Effects of Teeth Whitening

Professional teeth whitening is a safe procedure. While most people experience no side effects, some people may encounter:

Tooth sensitivity

Teeth may become sensitive for a short period of time due to the exposure of the dentine layer during the whitening process. Your dentist may prescribe a mild pain reliever and a tooth conditioner to help with the sensitivity.

Soft tissue irritation

Soft tissue irritation may occur if the gum tissue is accidentally exposed to the whitening solution during the whitening process. Gums will appear white but will return to normal shortly after.

What to avoid after Professional Teeth Whitening?

The teeth whitening process does not end after your whitening treatment. The whitening solution that was absorbed by your teeth is still working and continues to bleach your teeth even after the whitening procedure. This is why your teeth can still get much whiter after you visit the dentist.

Because the “pores” of your teeth are still very much open after whitening, they can absorb stains much faster.

This is the reason why the dentist will advise you to avoid the following for at least 24 to 48 hours immediately after whitening:

Dark-staining drinks like Tea, Coffee, Red Wine, colored soft or alcoholic drinks, and fruit juice.

Colored toothpaste (red or blue) or Mouthwash.

Cigarettes, tobacco, or even vape.

Dark-staining foods like bolognese, soy sauce, red meat, chocolate and all fruit except bananas.

Frequently asked questions

How long does the whiteness of teeth last?

The effects of whitening vary from person to person. It can last as long as 3 years or as short as 6 months depending on how you take care of your smile. The whiteness of your teeth will likely last less if you smoke a lot and consume food and products that can stain your teeth.

Is Professional Teeth Whitening right for you?

Please note that teeth whitening is only for natural teeth. If you have healthy natural teeth and healthy gums then teeth whitening is right for you.

Teeth whitening cannot lighten or change the shade of your existing dental fillings, veneers, crowns, or bridges. Teeth whitening is also not recommended for:

Children below 16 years old
Pregnant or lactating/breastfeeding women
People with very sensitive teeth and gums
People with untreated cavities or defective restorations
People with receding gums and gum disease
People with very worn-out enamel
People with unrealistic expectations
People with intrinsic stains

Do not despair if you cannot have teeth whitening yet. When you are old enough, no longer pregnant, no longer breastfeeding, and once you have addressed your dental issues and have achieved better oral health, visit us again and ask our dentist if teeth whitening can now be right for you.

What are the alternatives to Teeth Whitening?

The results of whitening cannot be predicted. Whiteness varies from person to person. Whitening also is not permanent. If you have intrinsic stains that cannot be addressed by teeth whitening or if you want to achieve a specific shade of teeth or want whiteness to be long-term, you can explore other cosmetic procedures available:

Direct composite veneers
Porcelain dental veneers
Zirconia dental crowns