Teeth Whitening
in Balcatta

• Aesthetics
  It’s an obvious reason why many people consider teeth whitening. Getting whiter teeth may significantly influence your overall appearance and make you look great in photos, meetings, and other special occasions. This may also be helpful in leaving good first impressions on others.
  
  
• Look younger
  If you are worried that your yellowing or discoloured pearly whites might give off an unhealthily old-looking vibe, then it’s time to show them some lovely sparkling teeth! A nice set of brighter teeth may help you feel more confident when you smile, especially on social occasions. It can make you look younger and much more presentable.
  
  
• Affordable treatment
  Many people believe that cosmetic dentistry can be expensive, and sometimes it’s true. However, the average cost of teeth whitening can be relatively inexpensive compared to other cosmetic treatments. Hence, most patients enjoy having brighter teeth through professional whitening rather than using low-cost, over-the-counter products, which can be more expensive over time.

Tooth discolouration can result from many factors, and for some reasons, you may not be able to prevent it. For instance, accidents may damage the enamel, which causes the teeth to have a greyish colour. There are categories that describe the possible causes of tooth staining, such as intrinsic, extrinsic, and age-related factors.

Intrinsic factor

Intrinsic stains develop inside the teeth (beyond tooth enamel) and make them more resistant to over-the-counter whitening products. These types of staining often appear greyish.

• Certain medications, such as taking tetracycline during pregnancy and being exposed to chemicals found in medicines such as antihistamines and antipsychotics, may affect the colour your teeth over time.
  
  
• Trauma to a tooth caused by accidents may disturb the dentin and change the colour of the tooth.
  
  
• Extensive tooth decay.
  
  
• Excessive use of fluoride may leave white streaks on your teeth.
  
  
• The external layer of darker or thicker teeth may appear more yellowish than others due to family history or genetics.

Extrinsic factor

The most common cause of teeth discolouration is extrinsic stains, which come from the food or drinks you often consume or even your lifestyle. This type of stain only affects the tooth enamel or the surface. It may be due to the following:

• Some dark-pigmented foods, such as red sauce pasta, curry, potatoes, and some acidic foods.
  
  
• Dark-coloured fruits like berries and beets.
  
  
• Beverages like coffee and tea contain tannins that may penetrate the enamel, causing a yellowish shade on the teeth. Sodas have phosphoric acid, which may cause tooth erosion and discolouration.
  
  
• Cigarettes and other tobacco products.
  
  
• Poor oral hygiene.
  Not practising proper dental hygiene may lead to poor oral health. This may happen when you don’t brush and floss your teeth, and the stain-producing substances from food and drink may cause plaque buildup.

Age-related factor

As we age, our teeth become less white and more prone to stains. This happens because the enamel wears away over time, resulting in yellow or brown staining.

Professional teeth whitening is considered a common and safe dental procedure done by dentists. The Australian Dental Association recommends that you whiten your teeth only after consulting with an oral health provider to ensure it is the right fit for you. 

Generally, safe use depends on the length of time your teeth are exposed to the whitening agents. Having a dental professional perform the treatment lowers risk as they follow safe and regulated protocols. 

Some factors may affect the amount of time it takes to brighten the shade of your teeth, like the level of discolouration, type of staining, and the methods the dentist use. Professional teeth whitening usually takes one hour and a half to see the results. You may expect a significant change in the colour of your teeth in as little as one visit. However, some cases may require a few more appointments to see the effectiveness of the whitening treatment.

Professional Teeth Whitening

These are the types of teeth whitening professionally done by dental practitioners. They use a higher concentration of whitening solutions for quicker results. Typical examples are the following:

• In-chair teeth whitening: 
  ZOOM, Kor whitening, and BOOST are some of the common teeth whitening procedures performed in the dental office. They have similar active ingredients, and the dentist may use a special light to activate the whitening agent. The procedure can give you fast and reliable results.
  
  
• At-home teeth whitening kit: 
  This is an ideal treatment for individuals who want to remove stains from their teeth at home quickly. Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to create custom trays to provide maximum results, ensure proper fitting, and avoid having the whitening solution touch your gums. You may receive all supplies, including gel, from the dental office.

Over-the-counter teeth whitening products

Over-the-counter whitening products are the most affordable options, but they may take much longer to see results than in-office or at-home solutions prepared by the dentist. You can see the following products on the market:

• Whitening strips
• Whitening toothpaste
• LED whitening kits
• Whitening pens

In-office teeth whitening is a simple procedure that requires skill to avoid damage to the gums and other soft tissues in the mouth. Depending on the procedures, it may take anywhere from sixty to ninety minutes.

Dentists use different techniques in performing teeth whitening. But in general, the process may involve the following:

• A tooth shade chart will be used by your dentist to know and record the current shade of your teeth. Then, the dentist will discuss the possible outcome of how many shades lighter your teeth will be following the procedure.
  
  
• After that, your teeth would be prepared with pumice, a grainy substance used to remove some particles from the surface gently.
  
  
• Your dentist will ensure that your gums, tongue, and cheeks are protected from bleaching products. They will use a cheek retractor and a gingival barrier to avoid exposure to the soft areas in your mouth.
  
  
• Next, your teeth will be coated with a whitening solution only on the surface area. The ingredients typically include either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Once the dentist applies them, they will leave them on the teeth for roughly a few minutes to an hour. The dentist may also use a special light to make the whitening solution work better.
  
  
• The teeth would be rinsed once the optimal shade is achieved or when the maximum time has been reached. As a side effect of teeth whitening, some people may have sensitive teeth. After the treatment, your dentist may recommend applying fluoride to your teeth to help strengthen the enamel.
  
  
• It is important to discuss whether your desired goals are achieved after the treatment. Then, the dentist may give you some tips on maintaining your new bright teeth. It may be helpful to consider your lifestyle habits that may impact the shades of your teeth.

Teeth whitening is considered a safe and routine dental procedure in most clinics. Yet, there may be some potential risks during the treatment and every patient should be aware of them before undergoing it.

• Redness of Soft Tissues
  Hydrogen peroxide is a common chemical present in teeth whitening treatments. While they are safe to use to lighten discolourations on your teeth, accidentally applying them to soft tissues like the gums may cause redness and soreness.
  
  
• Enamel Erosion
  Excessive use of whitening solutions during the treatment may irritate the enamel or surface of your teeth. Thinning or damaged enamel may put you at risk of tooth decay.
  
  
• Translucency of Teeth
  In some rare cases, applying too much bleaching product on teeth may make them look translucent instead of making them appear brighter. This can result in discolouration and make your teeth appear thin, especially on the edges.

The right amount of teeth whitening can give you a brighter smile. But going too far might lead to dental damage in the long run. Some common side effects of teeth whitening are the following:

• Increased tooth sensitivity
  You may feel that your teeth become more sensitive to temperatures like hot or cold drinks after teeth whitening. This may usually occur during the first few days and is expected to subside in time. It may be alleviated by using sodium fluoride gel and potassium nitrate products.
• Gum irritation
  While teeth whitening products can effectively brighten your smile, they may also cause gum irritation. The chemicals in these products may cause the gums to swell. This usually happens when the bleaching solutions get in contact with the soft tissues. If you experienced this after the treatment and it lasted for a few more days, it is important to seek medical attention. Your dentist can prescribe medication to help reduce the swelling and pain.

Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that can help to brighten your smile. However, it is not suitable for everyone.

• Sensitive teeth and allergic reactions
  People with sensitive teeth may experience discomfort or pain during the treatment due to the solutions used to break down the stains. This may also be the same if you have an allergy that may cause adverse side effects or reactions. It is better to consult your dentist before applying any whitening products to your teeth.
  
  
• Dental conditions
  Gum disease is an infection of the gingival (gum) tissue that can cause inflammation, bleeding, and eventually tooth loss. The chemicals used in teeth whitening may aggravate these symptoms, worsening the condition. In some cases, you may need to receive gum treatments before teeth whitening. If you have gum disease, tooth decay, or worn-out tooth enamel, it’s essential to talk to your dentist about alternative ways to improve the appearance of your smile.
  
  
• Age and pregnant women
  The tooth whitening process should not be used on children under 16 years of age as their pulp chambers are still expanding substantially, and it could irritate or make them sensitive. It’s also not recommended to get your teeth bleached during pregnancy or when you’re nursing because of the risk of permanent damage caused by chemical treatments like hydrogen peroxide.
  
  
• Dental restorations
  Applying whitening agents to the teeth with dental restorations, such as fillings, crowns, or veneers can be ineffective or may only result in uneven whitening. Dental restorations  cannot be whitened so, your natural teeth next to them may only get lighter.
  
  
• Greyish to dark stains
  Professional teeth whitening may not whiten some discolourations. If you are looking for a way to make your teeth whiter, consider having them lightened through bonding or veneers. Your dentist will be able to help determine which alternative is best suited for you!

The cost of the in-office teeth whitening in Western Australia can vary depending on the dentist and the type of procedure.

Generally, in-office teeth whitening costs  from $200 to $250 per tooth. It is typically more expensive than at-home teeth whitening kits because of its process, and it may offer more dramatic results. In contrast, the average cost of take-home whitening kits is between $400 and $600 per tray.

The prices vary depending on the type of teeth whitening treatment and other factors. If you are interested in getting in-office teeth whitening, we recommend that you schedule a consultation with a dentist to discuss your options and find out the actual cost.

• Tooth Bonding
  Tooth bonding may also be a great way to make your dark stained teeth look lighter. It involves applying a composite resin material to the tooth surface, which creates a brighter appearance. The dentist can match the composite resin to the natural colour of your adjacent teeth.
  
  
• Veneers
  Another alternative way to give your teeth a new look and hide discolourations is with dental veneers. There is a wide range of veneers, and the most popular is porcelain. The material resembles the shade and texture of a natural tooth, so many people choose it to cover up their intrinsically discoloured teeth. Veneers only cover the front part of the teeth.
  
  
• Dental Crowns
  Crowns are a great solution when you need both cosmetics and restorations for your teeth. They cover the entire tooth, making it perfect for restoring its functions after significant damage. Dental crowns can also help keep our natural set of teeth longer by providing protection against future issues like decay or injury.
  
  
• Lumineers
  Lumineers are a type of dental veneer that requires less preparation than traditional ones. The material is made up of ultra-thin laminate, which takes only minutes to apply. Lumineers are often used by dentists to cover up damaged teeth and dark stains that can’t be whitened with teeth whitening.