If you are concerned about the shade of your teeth, you might consider a whitening treatment.
If you have noticed stains and discolouration on the surface of your teeth or are simply concerned that your smile appears duller than you would like, you might be a suitable candidate for a whitening treatment. The good news is that most people are suited to this popular and effective cosmetic treatment. One of the most affordable options is to have whitening trays custom-made for you and to whiten your teeth at home — read on to find out what the process involves…
What causes stains and discolouration?
Tooth discolouration occurs when the shade of the teeth alters over time. As you get older, you might notice that your smile doesn’t look quite as bright as before or that your teeth have darkened or developed dark spots.
Tooth discolouration can occur for some reasons. Certain foods and drinks can cause stains on the surface of the teeth. Some of the most common culprits include coffee, tea, soft drinks, and highly pigmented fruits and berries.
Tooth stains can also occur as a result of smoking and other forms of tobacco use.
Poor dental hygiene, such as not brushing and flossing regularly and thoroughly enough, can lead to the buildup of plaque and other stain-causing substances on the surface of the teeth.
Can you prevent tooth discolouration?
If you have noticed stains on the surface of your teeth, the good news is that there are ways to brighten your smile and prevent further discolouration.
It’s important to understand that the foods and drinks that you choose to consume regularly will impact your smile. Anything that would stain a white t-shirt can leave marks on your teeth, so try to enjoy these in moderation only and remember to brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water after you’ve eaten them. If you drink a lot of coffee, you might consider cutting back, as the habit can cause discolouration over time.
If you do drink something that could stain your teeth — juice, soft drinks, or iced coffee, for example — it’s advisable to use a straw. This will help to minimise contact with your teeth.
It’s also a good idea to make sure your oral hygiene routine stays on track. Remember to brush your teeth at least twice a day and to floss daily. This will help to get rid of plaque, which often provides a sticky surface to which stains can attach.
As well as maintaining good oral hygiene, you should have your teeth professionally cleaned every six months. During this process, plaque, tartar, and surface stains can be removed.
Why consider a whitening treatment?
If you are committed to proper brushing and flossing techniques but are still not satisfied with the shade of your teeth, you might consider a cosmetic treatment designed to brighten your smile. Professional whitening targets stains and areas of discolouration that appear on the surface of the teeth and helps to enhance the overall appearance of one’s smile.
If you are considering a whitening treatment, you have the choice of in-office bleaching, which is performed entirely in the dental chair, or take-home whitening. Take-home whitening involves the use of custom-made bleaching trays that are made to fit your teeth, as well as whitening material to be used at home. The treatment is often an excellent choice for those who would like to whiten their teeth at home according to their schedule. A home whitening session usually lasts around 45 minutes each night for one or two weeks.
What are teeth whitening trays?
Custom-made teeth whitening trays look much like a mouthguard designed to protect the teeth from sports injuries. Just like a mouthguard or clear aligner, custom teeth whitening trays are made to fit over the teeth comfortably and securely. A specially formulated whitening gel is placed in the trays, which are worn at home for a recommended length of time. Because the trays are fabricated for each patient, the whitening gel should not cause any damage to the gum tissue.
How do whitening trays actually work?
If your dentist has confirmed that you are a suitable candidate for at-home whitening trays, they will begin the treatment process by making impressions of your teeth to create moulds. Your whitening trays will then be fabricated based on these moulds.
Once your trays are ready, you will take them home along with a bleaching solution. The bleaching solution is placed in the trays, which you will need to wear for around 45 minutes every night for one to two weeks, depending on your particular concerns and aesthetic goals. You will need to see your dentist for a follow-up visit after around two to three weeks to ensure that your results have been achieved.
Are custom trays better than over-the-counter products?
Although it is possible to buy teeth whitening trays and other whitening products over the counter, it is always better to opt for a custom tray that has been fabricated with the guidance of your dentist.
Custom trays are made to fit your mouth accurately, which makes them very comfortable. A secure fit also contributes to more effective results — over-the-counter products often tend to be too big and loose, which affects the whitening process.
If a whitening tray does not fit as securely as it should, the whitening formula can leak. This can then lead to gum irritation, which can be very painful and uncomfortable. Custom whitening trays are much less likely to leak because they are designed to fit snugly on the teeth.
Are there any possible side effects?
Although custom whitening trays are safe and effective — and preferable to over-the-counter options — it is possible to experience some tooth sensitivity during the treatment process. You might notice sensitivity when you eat or drink cold foods and beverages, for example, but this typically resolves within a few days.
If you are struggling with tooth sensitivity that does not resolve within a few days, you should consult your dentist. They may recommend that you adjust your treatment plan to minimise your discomfort.
It is important to understand that teeth with tooth decay, fractured structures, or broken fillings are more likely to experience discomfort than healthy teeth. Your dentist may recommend that you have a check-up before you go ahead with a whitening treatment and that any oral health issues are resolved before you begin any cosmetic procedure.
Why consider whitening trays?
Both in-office and take-home whitening trays are effective options, so the treatment that you choose will depend on your personal preference, budget, and lifestyle.
Custom whitening trays take longer to achieve results when compared with in-office bleaching, but many people prefer whitening their teeth from the comfort of their own homes. Because the trays are custom-made, they feel very comfortable, and the risk of gum irritation and discomfort is minimal when compared with over-the-counter trays that you might find at a pharmacy.
As long as you adhere to your dentist’s instructions, you can expect to enjoy excellent results within a week or two of using your whitening trays. To make the most of the treatment and maintain your results for as long as possible, you must practice proper oral hygiene by brushing and flossing daily. You should also avoid any foods and drinks that can stain your teeth — some of the most common culprits include tea, coffee, wine, dark berries, and tomato-based sauces.
It’s also a good idea to see your dentist for regular check-ups and cleanings. Your dentist will advise you on the best time to undergo another whitening treatment.
How can we help?
At My Dental Care @ West End, we offer a range of cosmetic treatments designed to enhance the appearance of your smile, including teeth whitening. If you would like to brighten your teeth and are considering a professional treatment, you will have the choice of an in-office bleaching procedure or a take-home whitening kit. Our take-home whitening kits include a set of custom-made bleaching trays that are made especially for you, as well as bleaching material that you will need to apply at home.
To find out more about your teeth whitening options at My Dental Care @ West End, please have a look here.
To see the full list of treatments we provide at our practice in Brisbane, please have a look here.
To book an appointment, please contact us here or give us a call at (07) 3846 2548.
