Dreaming of a dazzling smile? National Dental Care in Toowoomba is your go-to dental practice for achieving the brighter, whiter smile you've always wanted.

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.

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?

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

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 reading this, then you may be unhappy with how you look based on the colour of your teeth. It might be affecting your self-confidence, or you might have tried some DIY whitening techniques without enough success.

Regardless of why you are looking, if you are considering teeth whitening it is important that you consider the pros and cons before you make a decision:

Benefits

• Improved appearance with brighter, whiter teeth
• Non-invasive quick and easy procedure at the dentist or in the comfort of your own home
• Safe when done under the supervision of a dental professional

Constraints

• Tooth sensitivity especially to hot or cold temperatures
• Gum irritation
• Uneven results, especially if your original tooth discoloration is uneven
• Temporary fix as the whitening may fade over time, especially if you continue to consume staining foods and beverages

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?

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.

Ready to reveal your brightest smile yet? With over 25 years of experience working in Toowoomba, 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 Toowoomba and take the first step toward a smile you love.