Teeth Whitening
About Teeth Whitning
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure that involves bleaching teeth to make them appear whiter. Maintaining healthy teeth and gums is important for a bright smile, but additional assistance may be necessary at times.
Teeth whitening can be considered for various reasons. Teeth may lose their whiteness due to aging or become stained by activities such as smoking or consuming tea, coffee, or red wine.
Professional whitening treatments are available to remove stains effectively and safely, without causing harm to the teeth. Many patients have experienced increased confidence from having a brighter, whiter smile.
Is Teeth Whitening Suitable for You?
- You must be at least 18 years old to undergo teeth whitening.
- Your dentist will ensure your teeth and gums are healthy during the initial consultation.
- It is advisable to postpone teeth whitening if you are pregnant or breastfeeding, as the effects of whitening products on the baby are not well established.
- Please note that teeth whitening will not alter the colour of crowns, veneers, bridges, or dentures.
Professional whitening treatments are available to remove stains effectively and safely, without causing harm to the teeth. Many patients have experienced increased confidence from having a brighter, whiter smile.
Your teeth whitening options
Learn more about the different types of teeth whitening
In chair teeth whitening
Zen Smiles offers Pola Rapid, a professional teeth whitening treatment using a gentle and effective hydrogen peroxide formula. Your dentists will first polish the teeth to make it free of food biofilm, following which your gums and soft tissues are carefully protected to prevent irritation from bleaching gel. Your dentist then applies the gel and uses a blue light to amplify the effect of gel. Most people, experience temporary sensitivity, known as zingers, lasting for a day or two. Our dentists take measures to minimize this. Avoid stain-causing foods and drinks for 48 hours after treatment.
Teeth whitening at home
Your dentist will give you a teeth whitening kit, with trays and gel, to take home. The tray should be worn as recommended by your dentist. It may take a few weeks to achieve the shade of white you’re looking for.
Teeth whitening aftercare:
To maintain your results, follow these tips:
- Brush twice daily with fluoride toothpaste
- Floss every day
- Get regular professional cleans
- Reduce or quit smoking
- Limit foods and drinks that stain teeth, like coffee and red wine
In-office whitening lasts 6 months to 2 years. Take-home kits from a dentist last 3 to 6 months. Over-the-counter products, like toothpaste, strips, and gels, last 1 to 3 months.
Why do some teeth look patchy after Whitening?
Occasionally, some teeth may exhibit varying degrees of whiteness due to their individual responses to bleaching. The composition and structure of teeth influence their reaction to bleaching. For instance, teeth with lower calcium content will whiten more rapidly.
In most instances, the colour of your teeth will eventually become more uniform over time, typically within a period of three to ten days.
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Zen smiles offers a range of payment plans for your needs. Please feel free to discuss this with our friendly front desk, to plan your payments before hand.
FAQs
Teeth whitening is effective when performed by a qualified dental professional. This procedure involves the application of a peroxide-based gel that lightens the teeth. As these chemicals activate, they release oxygen, which penetrates the hard, outer surface of the teeth (the enamel) and results in whitening.
Yes, when done properly. The common side effects can be sensitivity and mild gum irritation. These are mostly temporary in nature.
Due to mass production, over the counter trays often do not fit properly, which can cause rubbing and irritation of gums or allow the gel to leak, leading to gum and stomach discomfort. The key differences between OTC systems and professional systems are the application method of the chemically active gel and its concentration level. Professional systems use a custom-manufactured tray that holds the hydrogen peroxide gel in contact with the teeth, preventing gum contact or spillage. Furthermore, a trained professional applies the gel, significantly reducing the likelihood of errors.
Teeth whitening can be done either at-home or in-practice. In-practice treatment involves a dentist performing the whitening procedure, with results typically visible in about an hour. A top-up kit can be used at home to maintain these results.
For at-home teeth whitening, a dentist provides a whitening kit that individuals can apply themselves. This method usually takes around two to three weeks to achieve the desired effect.
No, whitening is effective only on natural teeth. Fillings, crowns, and dentures cannot be whitened.
The outcome of whitening varies depending on your individual teeth. Your dentist will be able to advise you on the likely results following an initial consultation.
The duration of teeth whitening effects is influenced by various factors, such as the technique employed, individual lifestyle choices, and adherence to oral hygiene practices. In-office professional whitening generally offers longer-lasting results compared to over-the-counter products or at-home treatments.
In-office whitening lasts 6 months to 2 years. Take-home kits from a dentist last 3 to 6 months. Over-the-counter products, like toothpaste, strips, and gels, last 1 to 3 months.
Occasionally, some teeth may exhibit varying degrees of whiteness due to their individual responses to bleaching. The composition and structure of teeth influence their reaction to bleaching. For instance, teeth with lower calcium content will whiten more rapidly.
In most instances, the colour of your teeth will eventually become more uniform over time, typically within a period of three to ten days.
