February 20, 2020

Whether you are at home or in a dental surgery, there are many ways to whiten your teeth. For example, over-the-counter toothpastes or whitening kits are a popular choice among patients. However, these products can take several weeks to produce the desired results.

On the other hand, in-chair teeth whitening with your dentist can produce results in one appointment!

So, what is involved with teeth whitening at the dentist?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure to achieve a brighter smile. The process involves the use of dental bleach to remove stains discolouring the teeth. Once your dentist has carefully applied the high concentration whitening gel to your teeth, it is activated by a light source.

Teeth whitening by a dental professional is more likely to produce long-lasting results. This is because your dentist can individualise treatment and assess which whitening treatment is best for your teeth. Dentists also have access to highly concentrated bleach (compared to low concentration over the counter products), which enables them to produce visible results within a single dental appointment.

Reasons why your teeth are discoloured

Discoloured or stained teeth can be caused by variety of daily habits. Over time and with age, your teeth will discolour naturally.

Excessive smoking

If you regularly smoke, you are more likely to develop discoloured or stained teeth. In addition, smoking can also stain your dental bridges, implants and dentures.

Drinking and eating

Foods and drinks rich in colour such as coffee, tea, berries and even wine can impact your teeth. A simple protective tip is to drink plenty of water right after consuming any staining foods or beverages.

Poor oral hygiene

If you do not maintain your oral hygiene, your teeth can become discoloured from bacteria build up and decay.  Effective brushing and flossing daily will help to remove plaque from your teeth.

From a dentist’s perspective, it is recommended that you brush your teeth at least twice a day for a minimum of two minutes to ensure optimal oral health. Rinsing your mouth with water after eating can remove food that may be stuck within your teeth after meals.

Aging

As you age, your enamel begins to weaken. As a result, your teeth will discolour. This natural process is hard to avoid. However, regular dental visits will help you to stay on top of your oral health. Whitening may assist to restore your white, aesthetic smile.

Teeth whitening at the dentist

If you would like to whiten your teeth in a safe and efficient way, we recommend visiting your dentist. Your health practitioner is highly qualified and will be able to provide you with a professional whitening treatment that best suits your needs.

By assessing your teeth and dental history, your dentist will be able to determine the cause of your teeth discoloration and advise you if you are a good candidate for whitening (and which type of whitening treatment is best for you).

At Coastal Dental Care, we offer Philips Zoom! In-chair teeth whitening. This whitening treatment can whiten your teeth by up to eight shades within one dental visit.

During this treatment, a high strength whitening bleach containing hydrogen peroxide is applied to your teeth. Our dentists will then use an LED heat lamp which allows the bleach to break down and allow oxygen to enter your enamel. This is what removes the stains on your teeth without damaging them.

Alternatively, if you prefer to whiten your teeth at home, you can access our take-home whitening kit. Compared to an over-the-counter product, our take-home whitening kits contain a higher concentration of bleach. This means you can obtain similar results to an in-chair whitening treatment.

Benefits of teeth whitening at the dentist

Safe and comfortable

Teeth whitening by a dentist is usually the safest option as you are being treated by a professional. Your dentist will be able to monitor your progress and ensure the procedure is done correctly.

In addition, some over-the-counter products can be harmful to your gums and make your teeth more sensitive.

Time efficient

Generally, one appointment is enough to restore your white smile. In-chair teeth whitening can take roughly one to two hours to complete, depending on the complexity of your case.

Moreover, alternative whitening methods can take up to two weeks to produce your desired results.

Teeth whitening at Coastal Dental Care

Are you looking for a whiter smile? Our practices offer Philips Zoom! In-chair teeth whitening and take-home whitening kits for your convenience.

Contact one of our friendly practices today to book an appointment with your dentist. Alternatively, you can book an appointment online 24/7.