Everyone wants to have the most brilliant smile possible, and most people often think that the importance of teeth whitening is purely cosmetic. In reality, teeth whitening can also have tangible benefits for your oral hygiene and overall health.
Teeth whitening products and procedures at TEETH @ Tiong Bahru may be one way to achieve a brighter smile, whether performed in our dental clinic or at home.
Teeth whitening can be beneficial for your oral hygiene and improve your smile. In our experience, we have found that teeth whitening has boosted the confidence of many of our patients. Not only is their confidence increased with the whitening, but they also become motivated to brush diligently and incorporate flossing into their daily routine to maintain their brilliant smile.
Before deciding on the various benefits of tooth whitening methods, we strongly recommend that you visit your dentist to determine whether teeth whitening is right for you. There are over-the-counter teeth whitening options, but some methods may cause complications if you have pre-existing conditions. If you’re wondering if teeth whitening is safe, read our article about different treatment options.
Professional whitening procedures provide quick results with minimal pain. Most patients generally have minor sensitivity during treatment. You can keep your smile white with proper care, maintain a healthy oral hygiene routine, and visit your dentist every six months for examinations and cleanings.
The cosmetic effects of tooth whitening typically last between six months to a year, depending on your personal daily oral care, lifestyle, and maintenance programme.
Professional versus Over-The-Counter Teeth Whitening Products
How teeth whitening works depends on the option that you choose. Many products are available, including whitening strips, teeth whitening kits (both over-the-counter and those prescribed by a dentist), and in-clinic treatments at dentists’ offices. Store-bought products use a lower concentration of bleaching agents to whiten teeth, allowing them to be administered safely without the guidance of a dental professional.
While they may appear straightforward, these treatments often require multiple applications over several weeks to months to achieve the intended results.
Two similar over-the-counter methods are whitening gels and whitening strips. In both situations, you apply the procedure yourself. It is essential to note that both processes require time and diligence to achieve optimal results.
Another option is whitening toothpaste. These contain hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which destroys bacteria, prevents cavities, and maintains good gum health. Some whitening toothpastes contain abrasive elements that can wear down the enamel on your teeth [1]. It is best not to make them part of a long-term dental routine.
We offer teeth whitening beyond these options at TEETH @ Tiong Bahru. Our dentists will begin with a comprehensive evaluation, discuss the benefits and risks of teeth whitening, and develop a personalised treatment plan tailored to your needs. Additionally, our dentists utilise professional-grade whitening agents, which differ from those available over the counter, and take measures to protect your gums from irritation.
The benefits of professional teeth whitening frequently outweigh the cost. For example, patients who are unhappy with their teeth often visit our clinic, asking for veneers.
However, in many cases, our dental team will often recommend tooth whitening as a first step before a more intensive restoration procedure, such as permanent veneers, which is usually the most straightforward, least invasive, and most cost-effective option.
Our professional treatments deliver teeth whitening in Singapore, producing quicker and more effective results. If discomfort is your concern, our dentists will ensure adequate protection for your gums during the whitening. If you experience tenderness or sensitivity, they can apply high fluoride desensitising gels to counter the effects.
Who Shouldn’t Have Their Teeth Whitened
Can tooth whitening damage your teeth? The dental procedure is one of the safest options in cosmetic dentistry, but it may not be suitable for everyone. Here are some factors to consider:
- Patients with gum disease, excessive tooth sensitivity, or damaged dental restorations may not be ideal candidates for bleaching.
- Patients with teeth that have become transparent as part of the ageing process should not undergo whitening procedures.
- Women who are pregnant or breastfeeding are at risk for adverse effects.
- Bleaching outcomes cannot be guaranteed and will vary based on your age, lifestyle, genetics, and the colour and condition of your teeth at the start.
Additionally, any current restorations, such as crowns, veneers, or fillings, may require replacement after teeth whitening, as they may not match your teeth after the procedure is completed. Our dental team will discuss your expectations to achieve your desired teeth whitening results.
Bleaching substances that seep into your tooth through a crack or an unfilled cavity can be highly painful and cause internal tooth damage. In severe cases, this may necessitate root canal surgery. If these concerns sound familiar to you, please arrange an appointment with our dentists at TEETH @ Tiong Bahru before proceeding with any whitening procedures, whether over-the-counter or not.
Tooth whitening will not remove all stains. Teeth that have experienced internal trauma, have fluorosis, or contain inorganic stains may not be impacted by whitening.
The results of your whitening process may be inconsistent, especially with whitening strips. For example, crooked or overlapping teeth hinder the strips’ ability to reach every area of the enamel, resulting in patchy coverage. Smoking and consuming tannin-containing foods and beverages, such as red wine, coffee, and citrus fruits like oranges, can cause stains to resurface more quickly.
Sometimes, people become over-reliant on whitening procedures to boost their confidence, causing them to repeat treatment unnecessarily. This can lead to long-term consequences, like pain in the mouth, chewing issues, or enamel erosion.
Which teeth whitening option is best for you? Before making a purchase, consult our dentists to determine which teeth whitening tips and techniques are most effective in brightening your smile.
How Important Is Having White Teeth
One of the first things we notice about the people we meet daily in life is their smile. Teeth whitening results do not only have visible benefits, but they can also have tangible benefits on your oral health.
Whiter teeth also make people more conscious of maintaining their dental hygiene. Maintaining better brushing habits to preserve whiteness can continue long after the initial whitening process, making dental hygiene a consistent part of the routine. Not only will your smile shine brighter, but it will also be cleaner.
To discover how cosmetic dentistry can enhance your oral health, schedule an appointment with us today. Our TEETH @ Tiong Bahru dental team will be happy to help you achieve and maintain the beautiful smile you deserve.
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