In recent years we’ve experienced incredible growth in the demand for teeth whitening. Whether that’s because of celebrities, social media influencers or advancements in science and technology – or a combination of all of these – teeth whitening is a growing market. There are a few things to consider before you take bleach to your teeth.

You’re not imagining it – smiles are getting whiter and brighter everywhere you look. According to IBISWorld research, oral hygiene products account for around $222 million of Australia’s cosmetics and toiletry retailing sector, with the research suggesting teeth whitening is on the rise.

With improvements in technology, and a society focused on physical appearance more than ever, there many effective teeth whitening available to you. Whether you’re wanting your pearlers to be a few shades whiter for a more confident smile or want the full Hollywood smile for an upcoming event, there are some things to consider before you bleach your teeth.

 

OPTIONS
Incorrect use of bleaching agents can do irreversible damage to your teeth and gums, so it’s advised to only begin a whitening treatment following consultation with your dentist.

A dentist can diagnose the reason for your discolouration and can recommend the most effective treatment for you. Before whitening is carried out a general check-up is needed to eliminate if there is any decay in the mouth or gum issues. A clean is also essential to first remove any ‘external’ staining. Whitening procedures will remove any ‘internal’ staining of the teeth. 

Of course, if your teeth are not eligible for whitening treatments, your dentist can recommend other procedures such as direct and indirect veneers and crowns can also be used to create a whiter smile for you.

 

In-chair whitening
This is a highly effective treatment, with immediate results. Chairside bleaching, as its also known, is carried out by your dentist who will use a higher concentration of bleach than you can use at home. This is applied to the teeth and activated using an ultraviolet light.

This treatment usually takes an hour or a little more, and most
people can expect their teeth to whiten by 6–8 shades. To maintain this treatment, you can also purchase a take-home whitening kit to use once a month from around 12–18 months after receiving the in-chair treatment.

In-chair whitening costs around $1,000 in Australia. 1300SMILES offers in-chair whitening from $499.

 

At-home whitening
Your dentist will take impressions of your teeth to construct bleaching trays that fit over your upper and lower teeth. You then fill the trays with bleaching gel and use as instructed by your dentist.

The peroxide used in at-home whitening treatments is less concentrated than in-chair treatments, and so it takes a little longer. 

The standard cost for at-home whitening with a custom tray is around $300–500 in Australia. 1300SMILES Dentists currently offers at-home whitening packs for only $199.

 

 

“Incorrect use of bleaching agents can do irreversible
damage to your teeth and gums.”

 

 

 

SENSITIVITY
After bleaching, some people may experience sensitivity to hot and cold for 1–2 days after the procedure or ‘zingers’, which feel like a tiny electric shock going down the length of the tooth. Usually, greater sensitivity is felt if you have a hole in your tooth, decay, gum recession or grind your teeth, which is why it’s important to consult your dentist pre-whitening. Some people experience no sensitivity at all. Of course, your dentist can recommend some products that will minimise these any short-term side effects from whitening.

 

POST-WHITENING CARE
To keep your newly pearly-whites pearly white, dentists recommend avoiding food and drink that stain teeth. The most well-known being coffee, tea, red wine and chocolate. Smoking is also a no-no.

Other less-known food items that stain teeth are curries, berries (and berry drinks), and lemon juice in room-temperature water – as good as your beautician may tell you that lemon and water is for your digestion and skin, it can leave little patches of erosion on your teeth which appear as stains. 

If you insist on drinking lemon juice and warm water, drink it through a straw, drink plain water right after to wash the acidic juice off your teeth, and do not brush your teeth immediately after – that will just cause further erosion.

For advice on whitening your teeth, make an appointment with your dentist.

 

FULHAM ROAD 1300SMILES Dentists
07 4775 6655 | 49 Fulham Road, Pimlico

DOUGLAS 1300SMILES Dentists
07 4725 5800 | Medilink Retail Centre, Douglas

 

1300smiles.com.au