Teeth Whitening

It’s hard to imagine life without tea, coffee or a glass of red wine now and then. Though most people enjoy these little indulgences, unfortunately they can come at a cost. Sipping your favourite cup of tea or enjoying a nice cappuccino can cost you your smile.

Dental experts are of the opinion that having too much of any of these can result in staining your teeth. The natural whiteness of your teeth can give way to a yellow stain that looks ugly. People become self conscious about their teeth, which takes away your freedom to smile. Fortunately, your smile hasn’t been lost forever. You can get it back with the help of a cosmetic dentist on the Sunshine Coast who after a thorough examination of your teeth can carry out a teeth whitening procedure.

Teeth whitening, once the preserve of Hollywood actors, has now become more commonplace. It is not magic and the results can vary from person to person, but for most people it can make a significant difference.

So, How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Teeth whitening is a process that helps to lighten the colour of your teeth. A Sunshine Coast cosmetic dentist can help remove stains and discoloration through this process. It is one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures and it helps to improve the appearance of your teeth. However, taking care of your teeth afterwards is necessary if you want to retain the result of the teeth whitening process.

As we all are aware, the outer layer of our teeth is the enamel. The natural colour of our teeth is created by the reflection and scattering of light off the enamel, combined with the colour of the dentin that lies beneath. Our genes often determine the thickness and smoothness of the enamel. If you have a thinner enamel, then it will allow more colour of the dentin to show through. The roughness or smoothness of the enamel will affect the reflection of the light and therefore, the perceived colour of the teeth.

The stains that occur on teeth happen slowly over time. A thin coating known as the pellicle forms on the enamel and retains stains. Often, the pores in the enamel also hold stains. Though stains might sound easy to get rid of, that is often not the case. If you have intrinsic stains (which are stains inside a tooth) then it can be very troublesome to deal with. Mere brushing of your teeth won’t help in any way. One has to attempt teeth whitening to get the desired results. Studies show (as your cosmetic dentist will confirm) that teeth whitening is far more effective on surface stains.

Why Should You Try Teeth Whitening?

Teeth Whitening

There is a saying that a smile is a frown turned upside down. Your teeth are the main reason for your beautiful smile. When something bad happens to your teeth, it is very noticeable to the people you interact with. But now that a pain-free, cost effective option is available to reverse those effects, so why not give it a try? Teeth Whitening on the Sunshine Coast can be carried out by any reputable cosmetic dentist. However, before you opt for the procedure, make sure the dentist answers all your questions and that you feel comfortable proceeding.

What Teeth Whitening Process Is Available?

There are whitening toothpastes, gels and other products that are available across the counter or from supermarkets. But these will generally not create the result you are looking for. Proper teeth whitening is an exclusive cosmetic dentistry procedure available from reputable dental centres in Maroochydore. The processes and materials used will vary somewhat from dentist to dentist on the Sunshine Coast. In the hands of expert dentists, teeth whitening will not hurt.

In comparison to the traditional techniques and products used in decades past, dentists now use teeth whitening solutions that are not only cost effective but promise long lasting results. For example, Opalescence Go, available from some dental centres in Maroochydore, is a powerful whitening gel that comes in disposable, adjustable whitening trays. These trays are comfortable in the mouth and all you need to do is wear the tray for the recommended time. After the treatment is over you can look forward to whiter and brighter teeth than before.

Why Wouldn’t I Go Ahead With Teeth Whitening Procedure?

Every dental treatment has a certain preparation period and teeth whitening is no exception. That is why prior consultation and an examination of your oral health is a must. Visit a cosmetic dentist and they will carry out a thorough check up before beginning the treatment. They need to ensure that there is no other dental problem that might affect the result of the treatment. If your teeth have decayed areas, then the teeth whitening solution may pass through those areas and reach the inner parts of the tooth.

Also, if your gums have receded then the exposed roots of your teeth might appear yellow. A teeth whitening will not make these appear brighter. Also, teeth whitening does not always work on ceramics, veneers or porcelain crowns. These have to be dealt with before the treatment commences.

Looking After Your Whitened Teeth

Teeth whitening does not have any serious side effects, but some people can experience sensitivity. Gum irritation is also a possibility. These are not a concern but if you do have soreness that does not reside, get back in touch with your cosmetic dentist.

The treatment usually lasts for a long time, but it depends on how you maintain your teeth. Routine follow-up should be a priority as it can prolong the effect of the treatment.