Professional teeth whitening is both safe and effective, provided it is performed by a qualified dentist.
If you have noticed stains and discolouration on the surface of your teeth, you are not alone. These issues are, unfortunately, common. Often caused by dietary choices, stains can detract from an otherwise beautiful smile. The good news is that there are some ways in which stains and discolouration can be addressed, the most common of which is with a whitening treatment. But are these treatments safe? And are there any potential side effects?
What causes discolouration?
Teeth can be discoloured for some reason. Extrinsic discolouration, which affects the outside surface of the teeth, is most often caused by foods and drinks that stain the enamel. Some of the most common culprits include red wine, tea, coffee, highly pigmented fruits, berries, and dark sauces like soy. Lifestyle habits like smoking can also cause discoloured teeth.
Intrinsic discolouration, on the other hand, occurs from inside the tooth. This can be caused by several factors, including damage caused by trauma, infection, certain medications, and the natural ageing process.
What teeth-whitening options are available?
When it comes to whitening your teeth, there are numerous methods available. You may have noticed that there are many whitening products available over the counter. For best results as well as optimal safety, it’s preferable to go for a treatment that is administered by your dentist or that is dispensed by your dentist for home use.
The specific whitening method you choose will depend on a few factors, including the type and severity of your discolouration; your budget; and your aesthetic goals. In-office teeth whitening is very quick and produces long-lasting results. A high concentration of hydrogen peroxide is used, which means that dramatic results can be achieved in just one dental visit.
At-home whitening treatments are also an effective option, but they take longer to achieve results than in-office whitening. Your dentist will fabricate a tray to fit your mouth and explain how much whitening product to apply each day.
Over-the-counter products include whitening toothpaste and whitening strips.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Professional whitening (either administered or dispensed by your dentist) is considered safe. It is possible, however, to experience certain side effects. One possible side effect of a teeth-whitening treatment is tooth sensitivity. You might notice that your teeth feel more sensitive than usual after a whitening procedure, but this should resolve with time.
Gum irritation is another possible side effect — this issue occurs when the gums come into contact with the whitening product. Your dentist will take great care to protect your gums and prevent any irritation.
How can we help?
At Dental Pearls, we offer a comprehensive range of cosmetic dental treatments, including teeth whitening. If you would like to brighten your smile but are unsure what to expect from a professional whitening procedure, we encourage you to come in and see us. We will explain the process to you in detail and discuss your treatment options depending on your concerns and aesthetic goals.
To find out more about the teeth whitening treatments that we offer at Dental Pearls, please have a look here.
If you would like to arrange a consultation, please don’t hesitate to get in touch with us here or give us a call at (07) 3210 2144.
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