13 Sep Different Types Of Teeth Whitening
Having a white and glowing smile may be important to you, but it can sometimes feel like a difficult goal. There are ways to minimise staining; however, discolouration is possible no matter how well you look after your teeth.
There are now several types of teeth whitening options. These aim to improve the colour of your teeth by increasing whiteness and brightness. Methods involve at-home remedies, over-the-counter choices, and in-chair dentistry approaches.
Selecting the most suitable option for you depends on factors such as the degree of your teeth’s discolouration and your budget. We can discuss with you the various options and their potential advantages and disadvantages and support you towards your goal of whiter teeth.
When exploring teeth whitening options, there are many factors to consider. At Boroondara Family Dentist, we can help you understand the different types of teeth-whitening products and methods.
Why Use Teeth Whitening Methods?
Having stained teeth is generally not a problem in terms of health. If your teeth are discoloured due to issues such as damage or infection, that is an entirely different situation, and we would need to assess your teeth to identify the problem and determine the best course of action.
When it comes to stains alone, however, some people feel uncomfortable with how their teeth look. We want to point out that maintaining good teeth and gum health is the priority, but we understand that teeth whitening is a step many people wish to undertake. Our dentists are experienced in this area and are happy to discuss your options with you.
Teeth whitening most often involves lightening the colour, which is typically done by bleaching, though there are other options. The type of whitening method you use can be dependent on various factors. These may include:
- Budget.
- The severity of staining.
- Oral health.
- Overall health.
There are some factors that mean some people are not ideal candidates for teeth whitening. These include:
- Having veneers, crowns, bridges, or dental implants, particularly if these are at the front of the mouth.
- The presence of gum disease or untreated dental conditions.
- Damage to teeth.
- Pregnancy or breastfeeding.
Why do Teeth Stain?
Eating and drinking certain things have the ability to stain anyone’s teeth. There are ways to prevent it from occurring, such as adequate teeth cleaning, frequent dentist check-ups, and avoiding or reducing the consumption of foods and drinks that stain teeth more easily.
Risk factors for discolouration and yellowing of teeth can include:
- Lifestyle, such as regularly drinking coffee or smoking.
- Genetics.
- Age.
- Some medications.
- Oral health care.
There are two main categories of teeth staining, which we aim to identify and then use to determine which teeth whitening method may be more beneficial. These are:
- Intrinsic stains: These develop inside the tooth enamel and may result from high levels of fluoride exposure, thinning enamel, and antibiotic use.
- Extrinsic stains: These develop on the outside of the tooth and may result from environmental factors, such as artificial food colouring or drinking wine.
What Are The Teeth Whitening Options?
When it comes to different types of teeth whitening products, there are generally two camps: over-the-counter/at-home remedies and professional whitening. Both have advantages and disadvantages, such as the risk to your teeth, cost, and time it takes to carry out and see results.
Teeth whitening often involves bleaching the teeth. This uses ingredients such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide, which break down the molecules that cause the staining. This can be in various forms, such as gels, mouthwashes, and strips.
Other methods for teeth whitening include:
- Ultraviolet (UV) light and laser therapy. We can assess your teeth and overall health to determine whether this suits you.
- Chemical abrasion, such as using specific acids.
- Physical abrasion, such as sanding with specific equipment or materials.
You should be aware that some whitening techniques may have side effects such as irritation and sensitivity. Talk to your dentist about what may be more appropriate for you.
Explore Your Teeth Whitening Options at Boroondara Family Dentist
If you are interested in teeth whitening, it may be important to discuss the options with your dentist. Even if you decide to use an over-the-counter option rather than a professional method, it may be beneficial for your dentist to determine whether your teeth and gums are suitable and what your risk factors are.
Here at Boroondara Family Dentist, we offer a number of teeth whitening options as part of our cosmetic dentistry service. We can work with you during an initial consultation to understand your smile goals and create a tailored treatment plan.
Make an appointment with one of our friendly dentists to assess your teeth, discuss teeth whitening, and gain advice regarding stain prevention.
At Boroondara Family Dentist in Balwyn North, we offer comprehensive dental care to Balwyn residents and nearby suburbs like Alphington, Auburn, Box Hill North, Bulleen, and Camberwell. Book your appointment with us today to experience quality care close to home.
