Thinking about teeth whitening? Most people know that brushing and flossing every day will keep your teeth bright, white and healthy. However due to the daily consumption food, meds, ageing, potential cigarettes and drink, you might feel like your smile is lacking some sparkle at the moment, or your teeth are more yellow than they used to be.
Book a consultation for your teeth whitening appointment here.
How does teeth whitening work?
Stains on teeth can be classified in one of two ways: extrinsic or intrinsic. Extrinsic stains appear on the surface of your teeth. Intrinsic stains live between the micro-cracks in your enamel and deep within your dentine (the layer of your tooth underneath your enamel). Whitening toothpastes and mouth rinses may be able to remove some of the extrinsic stains on your teeth, but only teeth whitening agents can remove the stubborn extrinsic stains and the unsightly intrinsic stains that cause your teeth to look discoloured.
The gels used at Newmarket Family Dental Care contain an active whitening ingredient (either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide) that penetrates your enamel to get to discoloured molecules. Oxygen molecules from the whitening agents react with the discoloured molecules in your teeth, breaking the bonds that hold them together. The oxygen molecules spread, whitening the entire tooth. As a result, you are left with a brighter, whiter smile.
Why have my teeth turned yellow in the first place?
Over time, teeth can turn from white to not-so-bright for a number of reasons. Food and drink (coffee, tea and red wine are major culprits), tobacco use (nicotine is colourless until it is mixed with oxygen – and turns a yellowy tar colour), ageing (over time your outer enamel layer thins out, showing the yellower layer of the tooth below) and medications (side effects of certain antihistamines, antipsychotics and high blood pressure medications can cause tooth darkening).
Does Teeth Whitening work for everyone?
No, which is why it’s important to talk to your dentist before going ahead with a teeth whitening procedure, as whiteners may not correct all types of discolouration. Teeth whitening will not work on veneers, caps, fillings or crowns.
Before you have a teeth whitening procedure, it is important to check your teeth are suitable to be treated. Conditions such as dental decay, cracks, and gum disease may need to be treated prior to the teeth whitening procedure. Root filled teeth will often need more advanced whitening procedures to remove the stain from within the tooth.
Dr Carolyn Langrell-Read will check your teeth and recommend the most appropriate treatment method to suit your individual needs and the level of tooth lightening you desire.
What should I do prior to getting my teeth whitened?
Prior to undertaking a teeth whitening process, the teeth will need a professional cleaning procedure (Scaling and Polishing) to remove discolourations caused by plaque / calculus deposits and extrinsic stains such as tea / coffee / wine / coloured juices / smoking. If the bacterial deposits have resulted in gum infection (gingivitis or periodontitis) then this will need to be treated prior to commencing.
Teeth with recession or wear related to tooth grinding, tooth brush abrasion or to past gum disease may not be suitable for whitening procedures.
What are the teeth whitening options?
Newmarket Family Dental Care offers several options for teeth whitening, dependent on the needs and condition of your teeth.
Why would I book in to see the dentist for teeth whitening when I can do it at home?
Peroxide-containing whiteners actually bleach the tooth enamel. They typically come in a gel and are placed in a tray that fits on your teeth. You may also use a whitening strip that sticks to your teeth. The concentration of the bleaching agent is lower than what your dentist will use in the clinic. If you are thinking about using an over-the-counter bleaching kit, discuss options with your dentist first to avoid any issues.
Overuse of at-home teeth whiteners can also damage the tooth enamel or gums, so be sure to follow directions and talk to your dentist.
Are there any concerning side effects of teeth whitening?
Some people will experience increased tooth and gum sensitivity during treatment. In most case this sensitivity will go away after treatment. Dr Langrell-Read will be happy to discuss options for reducing tooth sensitivity during and after the bleaching process. Long term research indicates that the structure of the tooth is not changed by the process.