If you've been longing for whiter teeth, you're not alone. Teeth whitening has become increasingly popular in recent years, as more people recognise the impact it can have on their smiles.

National Dental Care Algester in Southern Brisbane is your go-to dental practice for achieving the brighter, whiter smile you've always wanted.

Patients today have more teeth whitening options than ever before. From in-practice procedures to kits for teeth whitening at home, patients can safely and comfortably enjoy the benefits of a brighter smile.

Your trusted dentist will review your whitening goals along with your oral health and recommend the best teeth whitening treatment to meet your needs.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic procedure aimed at improving the appearance of teeth by applying a gel, which is then activated by lights or lasers (with precautions taken to protect the gums) that breaks down stains on the enamel and dentin, lightening the colour of your natural teeth.

Teeth whitening options

In-chair teeth whitening

In-chair teeth whitening requires one or more visits to a dental practice. You’ll be in the dental chair for about an hour while your dentist applies a professional-grade whitening solution to your teeth.

Depending on the type of solution used, your dentist may also use a bright light to maximise results. Following the application of the solution, your dentist will provide directions for avoiding staining your teeth for the following day or two, then offer general advice to help keep your teeth white in the long term.

Take-home teeth whitening

An alternative option to in-chair whitening is a take-home whitening kit that includes custom dental trays and whitening gel. Your dentist will provide instructions for applying your whitening gel to achieve the desired results.

In most cases, it takes longer to achieve results with at-home whitening kits because they are less potent. However, patients often like the convenience of whitening their teeth at home.

What to consider when getting your teeth whitened

Have you tried whitening toothpaste and other products promising pearly whites, but you're not seeing results? It might be important to start asking yourself if professional teeth whitening might make the difference you've been looking for:

• Does the condition of your teeth adversely affect your self-esteem?
• What method of teeth whitening fits best in your budget?
• How does your schedule align with the different choices for teeth whitening?
• What level of whitening do you want?
• Do you have any underlying health problems?
• What process for teeth whitening makes the most sense for your schedule and household situation?

Your dentist will want to know your answers to these questions, so be sure to think about your goals and budget before you attend a teeth whitening consultation.

Is DIY teeth whitening bad?

If you are looking for a shiny white smile, then teeth whitening might be the solution for you, but it is important to do your research and talk to your dentist before going ahead. Teeth whitening involves bleaching agents to break down stains on the enamel and dentin, lightening the colour of your natural teeth. This has some pros and cons – Pros, you get whiter teeth in and easy and safe way; Cons: you may experience tooth sensitivity or gum irritation, uneven results and if you keep consuming staining foods or beverages, the results may only be temporary.

So, if you are considering teeth whitening as an option, make an appointment and you can talk it all through with your dentist before making a decision.

The leading causes of discoloured teeth

The main causes of teeth discolouration are typically:

• What you eat and drink: Dark-coloured foods and beverages such as coffee and tea, red wine or even soy sauce can stain your teeth yellow or even purple
• Tobacco use: Smoking or other forms of tobacco can stain your teeth yellow or brown
• Poor oral hygiene: Plaque build-up can cause stains to stick to your teeth more
• Aging: As you get older, your teeth become more brittle and are more likely to stain or appear yellow.

Is teeth whitening right for me?

If you are looking for a brighter, whiter, more-attractive smile, then teeth whitening may be right for you. Before you decide though, it is important that you talk to your dentist about the different teeth-whitening options available, the costs involved, any health conditions you may have and which whitening solution may work best with your lifestyle.

Your dentist will also take you through the benefits and risks of teeth whitening so you can make an informed decision that best suits you.

Are there any side effects of teeth whitening?

Side effects of teeth whitening generally happen soon after treatment and may last for several days. The most-common side effects you may experience include:

• Increased tooth sensitivity, particularly to hot or cold temperatures
• Gum irritation in which your gums may become red, swollen, or tender

Your dentist will talk you through any side effects you can expect if you decide that teeth whitening is right for you.

Ready to reveal your brightest smile yet?

With over 20 years of experience working in Algester, our team of dental professionals is passionate about helping you attain brighter, whiter smiles in-clinic or in the comfort of your own home. With a range of proven treatments available, we can help you achieve the results you are looking for.

Make an appointment today with National Dental Care Algester and take the first step toward a smile you love.