Is Tooth Whitening Right For You?

Your teeth and gums must be healthy, which your dentist will check during your initial consultation* It’s best to delay having your teeth whitened if you’re pregnant or breastfeeding, because it’s not clear whether the whitening products can affect the baby Be aware that teeth whitening won’t lighten the colour of any crowns, veneers, bridges or dentures You’ll need to have a consultation* to check you’re suitable for whitening treatment. If you’re eligible, your dentist will discuss which whitening option might suit you best, and the associated cost.

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What Happens During Tooth Whitening?

During tooth whitening, a safe bleaching agent is applied to your teeth to break down stains and discoloration. The process begins with a thorough cleaning to remove plaque and debris. Then, a protective barrier is placed on your gums to shield them from the whitening solution. The whitening gel is applied to your teeth, often activated by a special light to enhance results. This process typically lasts about 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the desired level of whiteness. After treatment, you’ll notice a brighter, more radiant smile. It’s a quick and effective way to boost your confidence! Laser whitening, also known as power whitening, is another type of teeth whitening system that a dentist can provide. A bleaching product is painted onto your teeth and then a light or laser is shone on them to activate the whitening. Laser whitening takes about an hour.

What Causes Tooth Staining?

  • Age

    There is a direct correlation between tooth color and age. Over the years, teeth darken as a result of wear and tear and stain accumulation. Teenagers will likely experience immediate, dramatic results from whitening. In the twenties, as the teeth begin to show a yellow cast, whitening may require a little more effort. By the forties, the yellow gives way to brown and more maintenance may be called for. By the fifties, the teeth have absorbed a host of stubborn stains which can prove difficult (but not impossible) to remove.

     

  • Starting color

    We are all equipped with an inborn tooth color that ranges from yellow-brownish to greenish-grey, and intensifies over time. Yellow-brown is generally more responsive to bleaching than green-grey.

     

  • Translucency and thinness

    These are also genetic traits that become more pronounced with age. While all teeth show some translucency, those that are opaque and thick have an advantage: they appear lighter in color, show more sparkle and are responsive to bleaching. Teeth that are thinner and more transparent – most notably the front teeth – have less of the pigment that is necessary for bleaching. According to cosmetic dentists, transparency is the only condition that cannot be corrected by any form of teeth whitening.

     

  • Eating habits

    The habitual consumption of red wine, coffee, tea, cola, carrots, oranges and other deeply-colored beverages and foods causes considerable staining over the years. In addition, acidic foods such as citrus fruits and vinegar contribute to enamel erosion. As a result, the surface becomes more transparent and more of the yellow-colored dentin shows through.

     

  • Smoking habits

    Nicotine leaves brownish deposits which slowly soak into the tooth structure and cause intrinsic discoloration.

     

  • Drugs / chemicals

    Tetracycline usage during tooth formation produces dark grey or brown ribbon stains which are very difficult to remove. Excessive consumption of fluoride causes fluorosis (discoloration marked by the appearance of faint white marks on the teeth) and associated areas of white mottling.