Brighten your smile the right way

Is teeth whitening effective? This is a question that many people have when it comes to improving the appearance of their teeth. The short answer is yes, teeth whitening is an effective way to remove stains and discolouration from teeth and improve their overall appearance. However, it's important to understand the different methods of teeth whitening, their effectiveness and some of the risks that you should be aware of.

There are 2 main forms of professional teeth whitening - in-chair whitening and take-home teeth whitening. Both methods are effective, but both work differently and have different results.

In-chair teeth whitening typically produces more dramatic and longer-lasting results than take-home teeth whitening. However, take-home teeth whitening is a more convenient and affordable option for many people. Find out more about the 2 options below.

In-Chair Professional Teeth Whitening

In-chair teeth whitening, also known as professional teeth whitening, is a procedure performed by a dental professional in which a bleaching agent is applied to the teeth to remove stains and discolouration.

The procedure typically takes about an hour to complete and can result in a significant improvement in the colour of the teeth. It is done in the dental office and is generally considered to be more effective than at-home whitening methods.

The dentist will apply a high-concentration of peroxide gel to the teeth which will be activated by a special blue LED light. This procedure may cause sensitivity, but it is temporary and usually subsides within a few days.

In-chair professional teeth whitening costs $790 at Paramount Dental Sydney.

Within 1-hour, your teeth could be up to 5 shades whiter and the entire treatment will be overseen by a dental specialist so you know you’re in safe hands.

Take-Home Professional Teeth Whitening

Take-home teeth whitening, also known as at-home teeth whitening, is another effective method of whitening teeth that is done outside of a dental office. The patient is provided with a kit that contains a bleaching agent and a custom-fitted tray that is worn over the teeth.

The patient applies the bleaching agent to the tray and wears it for a specified period of time, usually 30 – 60 minutes each day, or in some cases longer depending upon your dentist’s instructions.

Take-home teeth whitening kits typically use a lower concentration of bleaching agent than in-chair teeth whitening and thus may take longer to produce visible results. However, many people find take-home teeth whitening to be a convenient and affordable option for improving the appearance of their teeth. Another advantage of take-home teeth whitening is that they are more suitable for sensitive teeth.

The custom-fitted tray that is provided will ensure that the bleaching agent is applied correctly and will not come into contact with gums or other soft tissues. The dentist will give instructions on how to use the kit and the duration of the treatment. It is important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid overuse and side effects such as tooth sensitivity and damage.

Take-home professional teeth whitening costs $450 at Paramount Dental Sydney.

You will receive a thin plastic tray that is professionally moulded to your teeth by one of our dental specialists. Within 7 – 14 days, your teeth could be 4-5 shades whiter after just 45 minutes of application per day.

Why is dental teeth whitening better than other methods?

Dental teeth whitening is considered to be more effective than other methods of teeth whitening because a dental professional performs it and a higher concentration of bleaching agent is used. The procedure is done in a controlled setting with the guidance of a trained professional, ensuring that the bleaching agent is applied properly and that the patient's teeth and gums are protected.

Additionally, dental teeth whitening typically produces more dramatic and longer-lasting results than over-the-counter methods, such as at-home whitening kits or whitening treatments that beauticians can offer you. The dentist can also assess the cause of discolouration and recommend the best solution for you. Also, they can monitor the sensitivity during the procedure and make necessary adjustments.

Is non-dental teeth whitening safe and effective?

When wondering is teeth whitening effective, this is where the answer becomes more complicated… Non-dental teeth whitening is certainly something that should not be used without caution.

Shop-bought teeth whitening kits often provide very minimal results and don’t last as long as dental whitening. While they are much cheaper alternatives to professional whitening, due to their low strength, slower effectiveness and shorter-lasting results, over time, it is likely that you will spend lots of money and likely not achieve the same results as you would with professional whitening.

It is also advisable to avoid teeth whitening from other in-house sources, such as from your beautician or hair salon because their whitening solutions can be very harmful. Their products are often unregulated and their ingredients can contain toxic chemicals in order to provide fast extreme results. Furthermore, without the expert opinion of a trained dentist, your teeth may also react negatively to teeth whitening.

Therefore, if the person administering treatment to you is not medically qualified, they can cause further damage to existing problems and also damage enamel.

Meanwhile, dental teeth whitening formulas are ADA and FDA-approved so you know exactly what you are getting and you have the peace of mind that a dental professional will ensure that whitening is safe for you. According to Choice Magazine, 2020: “The teeth-whitening industry is largely unregulated and practitioners in salons don't necessarily have any dental training.”

What Are The Benefits Of Dental Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is an effective and popular cosmetic dental procedure for a reason. It comes with a whole host of benefits that can improve the appearance of your smile and boost your self-confidence. Here are the 7 main benefits of teeth whitening:

1. Improved appearance: One of the most obvious benefits of teeth whitening is that it can make your teeth look significantly whiter and brighter. This can be especially beneficial if your teeth have become discoloured or yellowed over time due to factors such as ageing, smoking, having poor dental hygiene or consuming certain foods and drinks – including coffee, wine and dark berries.

2. Increased self-confidence: Having a pearly white smile can make you feel more confident in social and professional situations. You will be more likely to smile and laugh, which can help you make a positive impression on others.

3. Enhanced oral hygiene: Teeth whitening can also improve the overall health of your teeth and gums. This is because the process removes surface stains and plaque, which can help prevent tooth decay and gum disease.

4. Non-invasive: Teeth whitening is a non-invasive procedure, which means that there is no need for drilling or cutting. This is a huge advantage compared to other cosmetic dental procedures such as veneers or crowns, which can be expensive and require multiple appointments.

5. Customisable: Many teeth whitening systems today are customisable to fit individual's needs. For example, whitening gels come in different strengths and whitening trays can be tailored to the individual's sensitivity level or desired level of whiteness.

6. Cost-effective: Teeth whitening is a relatively affordable cosmetic dental procedure. While veneers provide a complete change to the appearance of your teeth, they can cost upwards of $10,000 and be quite invasive. Meanwhile, professional whitening treatments can be completed in a single office visit and still have very positive long-lasting effects.

7. Long-lasting results: Teeth whitening results can last for years, depending on your oral hygiene habits and the type of whitening treatment you choose.

When wondering is teeth whitening effective, overall, it is an extremely safe and effective way to improve the appearance of your smile and boost your self-confidence. With its many benefits, it's no wonder that it is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures today.

Is professional teeth whitening right for me?

It's important to note that teeth whitening is not a one-size-fits-all solution and if you have certain dental issues such as cavities, gum disease or tooth sensitivity, it is best to consult with your dentist before undergoing any whitening treatment.

Teeth whitening is also not necessarily a one-time solution and may require multiple treatments or touch-ups to maintain the desired results. Additionally, it's important to maintain good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing and flossing regularly and visiting your dentist for regular cleanings, to keep your teeth looking their best.

It's also worth mentioning that teeth whitening will not be effective on all types of discolouration. For example, it is not effective for the discolouration caused by certain medications or medical conditions. In these cases, other options such as dental veneers may be necessary.

In conclusion, while we do not recommend getting your teeth whitened from anywhere other than your dental clinic, teeth whitening is an effective way to remove stains and discolouration from the teeth and improve their overall appearance.

If you are interested in brightening your smile, then book a consultation with Paramount Dental Sydney today and find a solution that works best for you.