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.

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.

Release the power of teeth whitening at National Dental Care Hughesdale, your trusted dental expert in the heart of Hughesdale. We are dedicated to giving you the brighter, whiter smile you are looking for.

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?

You may have heard that teeth whitening can be bad, leaving you with damaged teeth and gums. But that is simply not true if it is done under the supervision of a dental professional. Teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to get a bright, white, confident smile. As with everything, there are benefits and risks involved, so it is important that you consider all sides before deciding to go ahead and whiten your teeth.

The leading causes of discoloured teeth

Have you ever wondered why your teeth are discoloured? You can tell a lot about the cause by the colour of your teeth:

• Yellow staining is usually from eating dark-coloured foods and beverages such as coffee and tea, or even because of poor oral hygiene.Our teeth also become more yellow naturally with age
• Brown staining may be caused by smoking or tobacco use
• Purple staining is usually from consuming lots of red wine

All these causes are avoidable, so if they sound familiar, you may want to avoid them to prevent your teeth discolouration from becoming worse.

Is teeth whitening right for me?

Everybody is different, so whether teeth whitening is right for you or not depends on who you are and what is important to you.

The best way to work it out is to talk to your dentist. They will help you understand:

• What is involved in the treatment
• Any associated risks
• The costs involved
• The whitening process and time required

Once you have had that discussion, you should have a good idea if teeth whitening sounds right for you, but if you have any other questions or concerns, make sure you raise them with your dentist. They are the very best person to give you all the information you need.

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.

Interested in teeth whitening?

If you are interested in a radiant, whiter smile, National Dental Care Hughesdale would love to help. Bringing over 50 years of expertise and dedicated service to Hughesdale, our team of dental professionals is passionate about helping you get the results you desire.

Dental whitening can make a massive difference for a person with discoloured teeth. If you are tired of having dull, yellow teeth, contact our friendly team and schedule a consultation.

With a range of different whitening options available, we can work together to find a solution that suits you and your lifestyle. Make an appointment today and discover your confidence in every bright smile.