Teeth Whitening
Teeth Whitening Mackay
It’s no secret that a bright smile will get you noticed. That’s why teeth whitening is one of the most requested cosmetic dental procedures today. Whiter teeth help you feel more confident as your smile always looks clean and refreshed. White teeth make you appear more youthful, which is why it is used as an anti-aging technique, too. At Plaza Dental, our dental professionals are experienced in helping patients obtain a whiter smile with effective and customised treatments.
What Causes Tooth Discolouration?
Discoloured teeth can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, trauma and medications. In most cases all teeth will become discoloured at the same rate, but sometimes just one or a few teeth will discolour. At the same time, discolouration may be inside the tooth or on the surface.
What Causes Tooth Discolouration?
Discoloured teeth can be caused by a number of factors, including genetics, trauma and medications. In most cases all teeth will become discoloured at the same rate, but sometimes just one or a few teeth will discolour. At the same time, discolouration may be inside the tooth or on the surface.
Intrinsic discolouration is when the source of discolouration is inside the tooth. This may be due to old amalgam fillings or decay that is left unchecked. Use of the antibiotic, tetracycline, is also a common cause along with excess use of fluoride.
Extrinsic discolouration is staining on the external surface of teeth. Many factors contribute to this type of discolouration including:
Coffee
Tea
Tobacco
Red wine
Accumulated plaque and tartar
Aging
Intrinsic discolouration is when the source of discolouration is inside the tooth. This may be due to old amalgam fillings or decay that is left unchecked. Use of the antibiotic, tetracycline, is also a common cause along with excess use of fluoride.
Extrinsic discolouration is staining on the external surface of teeth. Many factors contribute to this type of discolouration including:
Coffee
Tea
Tobacco
Red wine
Accumulated plaque and tartar
Aging
Luckily, both types of discolouration can be fixed with the right tooth whitening method.
Methods of Teeth Whitening
While over the counter teeth whitening products are well known, the most effective and safe products are those from your dentist. Dental professionals can customise whitening solution strength and treatment times to achieve the best shade of white for you. And with professional teeth whitening, you can get a custom fit tray to hold the gel in place, so you get the best results for your money. The following are the various teeth whitening methods.
Internal whitening – this is used for when only one or two teeth are discoloured from trauma, a root canal or an amalgam filling. In this case, the bleaching gel is placed inside the tooth and a temporary filling is placed over it. After one to two weeks, the tooth will be whiter.
Not all intrinsic discolouration can be treated with teeth whitening. If this is the case, a porcelain veneer or dental bonding can be used to improve the appearance of the tooth. Your dentist can determine which is appropriate for any situation.
In-Office or Chair-side Whitening – Sometimes called surgical whitening, this is performed in the dental office. Some people prefer this type of whitening because it is quick, and the solutions used are powerful. However, there are some downsides to this in-office treatment.
While some believe the in-office visit is a one-and-done scenario, this is often not the case. It can take multiple visits to achieve the desired results, which can increase the cost of the treatment. Unfortunately, this procedure also has the highest rate of relapse, meaning the teeth resort to their original colour after about one year. Lastly, teeth sensitivity is a common side effect, which can be uncomfortable for some.
Professional Take-Home Kits – These are whitening kits designed by your dental professional. Each kit is customised for the patient by creating a gel or solution with the strength required to give you the results you want. Because the solution is gentler, sensitivity is much less of a problem, and many patients simply will not experience it. Lastly, dentists can customise a dental tray to fit your teeth, which holds the gel in place. This allows the gel longer time to work, so you get better results.
The downside of professional take-home whitening kits is that results will take slightly longer due to the lower strengths of the whitening gel. Also, it will require your cooperation to use it as directed, so consistency is key. Overall, this is the most popular option because the effects last longer, the overall cost is lower, and the procedure comes with fewer side effects.
Professional Take-Home Kits vs Over the Counter Whitening Kits
Over the Counter (OTC) – This is the cheapest option, although with the lowest strength of whitening solution. There are three ways an OTC kit might be set up: bleach trays, paint-on liquids and whitening strips. The strip is the most popular, but they can slip. Also, the strips are designed to use on only a few front teeth.
The paint-on liquids are difficult to keep on the teeth due to saliva, but are best for treating trouble spots.
Bleaching trays are considered to be the best OTC option, with the biggest complaint being the trays are uncomfortable. When using any home OTC, one must be careful to avoid using too much solution or for too long as it can damage gum tissue or the root surfaces. Also, overuse of these kits is the greatest cause of tooth sensitivity.
Professional Take-Home Kits vs Over the Counter Whitening Kits
Over the Counter (OTC) – This is the cheapest option, although with the lowest strength of whitening solution. There are three ways an OTC kit might be set up: bleach trays, paint-on liquids and whitening strips. The strip is the most popular, but they can slip. Also, the strips are designed to use on only a few front teeth.
The paint-on liquids are difficult to keep on the teeth due to saliva, but are best for treating trouble spots.
Bleaching trays are considered to be the best OTC option, with the biggest complaint being the trays are uncomfortable. When using any home OTC, one must be careful to avoid using too much solution or for too long as it can damage gum tissue or the root surfaces. Also, overuse of these kits is the greatest cause of tooth sensitivity.
Professional Teeth Whitening Take-Home Kits
Using a take-home kit customised for you by your dental professionals is the best method for teeth whitening, and here’s why:
You will see professional results in just 1-2 weeks
Lower cost than chairside whitening
Custom-fitted trays that are comfortable to wear as they keep the whitening gel on your teeth
Apply and let the treatment work while in the comfort of your own home
Easy to repurchase your customised whitening solution (just keep your tray)
Your dental professional can design a perfect solution to wear in an Invisalign tray, so when your treatment is complete, you will enjoy straighter teeth and a brighter smile
Professional Teeth Whitening Take-Home Kits
Using a take-home kit customised for you by your dental professionals is the best method for teeth whitening, and here’s why:
You will see professional results in just 1-2 weeks
Lower cost than chairside whitening
Custom-fitted trays that are comfortable to wear as they keep the whitening gel on your teeth
Apply and let the treatment work while in the comfort of your own home
Easy to repurchase your customised whitening solution (just keep your tray)
Your dental professional can design a perfect solution to wear in an Invisalign tray, so when your treatment is complete, you will enjoy straighter teeth and a brighter smile
Talk to Your Dentist
Not everyone will experience good results when it comes to teeth whitening. In fact, one of the biggest complaints of over-the-counter solutions is that they simply don’t work, or they create too much tooth sensitivity. And as mentioned, in-office visits can add up. The best option is to see your dental professional and talk to them about your goal for a whiter smile. Together, you can find the best teeth whitening solution for your needs.
Download Our Price List
Whether you’re looking for general, restorative or cosmetic dentistry, it’s important to know what the investment is upfront so you can make an informed decision.
We offer clear and transparent pricing for all of our dental services in our price guide. Simply click the button below, enter your details, and we will email you a copy right away!
Download Your Price List
Call Us Today
Our team here at Plaza Dental is experienced and skilled when it comes to whitening teeth. Our patients love the personalised care because we love to see them happy. Call today for a dental examination and let us evaluate the best teeth whitening solution for you, and you will be on your way to a new and improved smile in no time.
Call Us Today
Our team here at Plaza Dental is experienced and skilled when it comes to whitening teeth. Our patients love the personalised care because we love to see them happy. Call today for a dental examination and let us evaluate the best teeth whitening solution for you, and you will be on your way to a new and improved smile in no time.
Disclaimer: The material posted is for informational purposes only and is not intended to substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. Results vary with each patient. Any dental procedure carries risks and benefits. If you have any specific questions about any dental and/or medical matter, you should consult your dentist, physician or other professional healthcare providers.
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