5 Things You Should Know About Teeth Whitening

Everyone wants whiter, brighter teeth and a Hollywood smile, but did you know that not all teeth whitening products are created equal? In fact, some over-the-counter teeth whitening systems contain harsh bleaches and peroxides that can do your pearly whites more harm then good, and actually damage teeth enamel in the long term.

Getting your teeth whitened by a professional is a great option for anyone who is looking for a brighter smile. If you are thinking about undertaking this procedure then here’s what you should know before booking your consultation:

1. Why should I get my Teeth Whitened?

If you’ve always wanted a beautiful bright smile, professional tooth whitening is an effective and affordable option. Natural-looking bright, white teeth can significantly improve your smile, boost your confidence and enhance your self-esteem. Whiter teeth can also help to make you look younger, since tooth discolouration and yellowing is a sign of aging.

Whether you’re considering teeth whitening to improve your appearance every day of the year, or to enhance your smile for a special upcoming event such as a wedding, birthday or job interview, professional teeth whitening is a fantastic non-surgical, affordable, and a relatively quick option.

2. What are the causes of Tooth Discolouration

Tooth discolouration is a natural process – often associated with aging – but as with any physical feature some people’s teeth are just naturally whiter than others. Dentine naturally yellows with age, and as the enamel that covers teeth wears and gets thinner, the dentine beneath becomes more visible.

As well as the natural aging process, tooth discolouration and staining can be caused by a number of lifestyle and biological factors, including:

• Smoking
• Trauma to teeth
• The use of some antibiotics in early childhood
• Drinking coffee
• Tea
• Red wine
• Fizzy drinks
• Eating richly coloured foods like blueberries
• The accumulation of tartar and plaque (which is another reason regular dental check ups are so important).

Fortunately, cosmetic dentistry has come a long way in recent years, ensuring tooth staining and discolouration can be reversed safely and effectively with professional teeth whitening at a dental clinic.

3. What about over-the-Counter and DIY Whitening?

Tooth staining and yellowing can be caused by a number of biological and lifestyle factors, and while cheap over-the-counter and DIY whitening options can be tempting for those on a budget, they can actually be really damaging to your teeth – producing the exact opposite result over time by further wearing down tooth enamel to reveal the dentin underneath.

Buying a cheap product online or from the supermarket can even be harmful to your health, having the potential to cause gum irritation and damage to the oesophagus or stomach. Even natural ingredients or products found in every kitchen (such as lemon juice or baking soda, which are commonly mentioned on blogs as whitening agents) can be acidic and abrasive, and can cause significant damage to your teeth.

4. What are the benefits of getting my teeth professionally whitened at a Dental Clinic?

If you want a gorgeous, Hollywood-white smile, it’s important to leave teeth whitening to your dental clinic professional. There’s really no safe and effective alternative to expert advice and professional service, so trust only your dentist to brighten your smile for beautiful long-term results.

5. How much does teeth whitening cost?

The cost of teeth whitening at a dental clinic will vary depending on the number of treatments required, how stained or discoloured your teeth are, and the professional teeth whitening option your dentist recommends. Your dental clinic professional will discuss your teeth whitening options with you.