Teeth whitening is a popular treatment used by many people worldwide to give their teeth a whiter, brighter and more beautiful appearance. The teeth whitening process can be straightforward, but it’s important that you understand it before you do it.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a treatment used to lighten the darkened or discoloured areas of your teeth to make your smile brighter and whiter. Depending on the treatments used, the process can take a few minutes to a couple of hours.
What Is Teeth Whitening Used For?
Teeth whitening is used to treat a number of discolouration problems, such as:
- Teeth discolouration caused by ageing
- Teeth discolouration caused by smoking or drinking coffee
- Teeth discolouration caused by eating certain foods such as tea, coffee or red wine
- Teeth discolouration caused by treatments such as dentures, crowns and orthodontics.
How Should You Prepare for Teeth Whitening
There are two methods of teeth whitening: in-office treatment and do-it-yourself treatment.
In-office treatment is done in just one sitting and does not require any special times or scheduling, other than your regular dental appointments. The dentist will start by numbing the area of your teeth to be whitened. They will then apply a whitening gel to the teeth and apply a plastic lightening tray to your teeth.
After the whitening gel is in place, the dentist will use a special light that activates the whitening gel, which causes it to whiten your teeth. After this process is complete, the whitening tray will be removed, your teeth will be cleaned and your gums will be rinsed with water.
Do-it-yourself treatment is tooth whitening done at home, with the help of a whitening kit. These kits are available over-the-counter and come with a whitening gel, a lightening tray and instructions on how to use them. There are two ways to do the treatment: for a few minutes per day or for 20 minutes per day, for a few days.
Vital Whitening
Vital whitening is the most common type of teeth whitening done with a gel that is applied to the surface of the teeth. This product contains some form of hydrogen peroxide, which removes the stains caused by age and the foods we eat.
Vital whitening is a quick process that usually lasts 30 minutes and can improve the appearance of teeth in a few days.
Non-Vital Whitening
Non-vital teeth whiteners are applied to the back of the teeth, where the surface is whiter and less porous. This method takes longer than vital teeth whitening and is often used to treat teeth discolouration caused by dental work. Non-vital teeth whitening usually takes several weeks to see results.
Follow-Up Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a lasting treatment, but will gradually lose its effectiveness over time. To keep your teeth bright and white, follow-up sessions are suggested. For in-office whitening, the dentist will often schedule follow-up whitening sessions every six months.
For do-it-yourself teeth whitening, the manufacturer of the teeth whitening kit will often suggest a follow-up whitening session at least once a year.
For your teeth whitening to be successful, you must be diligent in following up with the correct safety precautions. Use the proper oral hygiene techniques to keep your teeth clean and healthy. And make sure to get regular teeth cleanings and examine your teeth regularly.
Show Off Your Pearly Whites!
Teeth whitening is a simple and quick procedure that can greatly improve the appearance of your teeth, and make your smile brighter and whiter. You should have it done regularly to keep your teeth white and shiny.
Are you looking for effective teeth whitening in Sydney? The TLC Dentist is where you should go. Get your teeth whitened here today. Schedule an appointment!
