Do you find yourself hesitating to flash your smile due to the subtle but persistent stains on your teeth? The coffee you can’t resist, the effects of time, or everyday indulgences that gradually dull your pearly whites. But don’t worry, we’ve got a solution for you. 

Professional teeth whitening can help address these concerns, making it an ideal choice for those seeking to restore the natural brilliance of their smile.

In this blog, we’ll explore everything about professional teeth whitening, from the methods to results and considerations before opting for the treatment, allowing you to make informed choices about your smile. Let’s get started!

What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?

Professional teeth whitening is a dental procedure designed to brighten and rejuvenate your smile. Unlike over-the-counter products, professional teeth whitening is performed under the supervision of a dentist, ensuring secure and successful treatment outcomes.

Professional teeth whitening is known for its efficiency in removing stubborn stains caused by various factors such as coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco. The controlled environment and specific tools ensure a more consistent and noticeable result than at-home alternatives.

There are two types of professional teeth whitening treatments:

In-Office Teeth Whitening

In-office teeth whitening typically involves using a high-strength whitening gel, often containing hydrogen peroxide, applied directly to the teeth. The gel is activated with a special light to accelerate the whitening process.

A gel or rubber shield is used to protect the gums from the whitening agent, ensuring the safety of the surrounding mouth tissues. The whitening gel is left on the teeth for short intervals, usually around 15 minutes, and this process may be repeated several times during the session.

One of the key benefits of in-office teeth whitening is the immediacy of results. Patients often leave the dental office with noticeably whiter teeth after just one session. 

While in-office teeth whitening delivers rapid results, it’s important to note that the intensity of the whitening gel may increase tooth sensitivity for some individuals. 

Before undergoing in-office teeth whitening, it’s advisable to discuss your aesthetic goals and the desired shade with your dentist. This consultation helps determine the most appropriate approach for achieving the desired results and allows for a personalised and effective teeth-whitening experience.

Professionally Made Home Whitening Kit

A professionally made home whitening kit is a teeth-whitening solution that combines the convenience of at-home use with the precision of custom-fitted trays. The process begins with a dental professional taking moulds of your upper and lower teeth to create trays that fit your teeth perfectly. These trays ensure an even application of the whitening gel and enhance the effectiveness of the treatment.

To use the kit, apply the provided whitening gel to the custom-fitted trays and wear them for the recommended duration. The flexibility of these kits allows you to choose between wearing the trays overnight or for a specified period during the day. The treatment duration varies, usually two to four weeks, depending on factors such as the initial shade of your teeth and your desired outcome. The teeth whitening trays can be continued under your dentist’s supervision until you reach your desired shade. 

One notable advantage of professionally made home whitening kits is the gradual and controlled nature of the whitening process. The whitening gel in these kits typically contains a well-balanced concentration of peroxide. This concentration is carefully chosen to effectively whiten tooth enamel while minimising the risk of tooth sensitivity.

At Blue Gum Dental, we offer both take-home and in-chair teeth whitening treatments. Whether you need an instant uplift for an upcoming event or a more gradual whitening from the convenience of your home, our friendly dentists are here to help you enhance your smile while maintaining your oral health. 

Everything You Need to Know About Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a charm for your smile but could be more complex. To begin with, it’s not a one-size-fits-all fix. It would help to keep the following things in mind before opting for teeth whitening:

Good Oral Health

Before beginning your teeth whitening journey, ensure that your oral cavity is in optimal health. Teeth whitening treatments may not be suitable for people with tooth decay or gum disease. Attempting teeth whitening when gum disease or tooth decay is present can be problematic for several reasons. Firstly, these conditions often involve heightened sensitivity in the affected areas. The bleaching agents used in teeth whitening may exacerbate this sensitivity, leading to discomfort during and after the process. Secondly, decayed or damaged teeth can allow the whitening solution to penetrate deeper than intended, potentially reaching the dental pulp and causing increased pain. Furthermore, the aesthetic results may be uneven if some areas are compromised by decay. Therefore, treating gum disease and tooth decay first ensures a safe, comfortable, and effective teeth whitening experience.

At Blue Gum Dental, we can enhance your smile with teeth whitening while ensuring comprehensive oral health care. We prioritise and deeply care about your oral health and hygiene through  dental checkups, thorough cleanings, and dental fillings for a healthy and radiant smile.

Not suitable for everyone

Teeth whitening is not advisable for you if you have heightened tooth sensitivity. The bleaching agents can increase sensitivity, leading to discomfort during and after the procedure.

Pregnant or lactating mothers are often advised to postpone teeth whitening as a precaution. While the risks are not fully established, it’s better to ensure your safety and the developing foetus. 

People with specific allergies or certain oral conditions may not be suitable candidates for teeth whitening. Allergies to the whitening agents or existing oral health issues can complicate the process.

Dental Restorations and Fillings 

Restorations and fillings, commonly composed of materials like amalgam or composite resin, differ in their response to teeth-whitening procedures compared to natural tooth enamel. While teeth whitening agents, such as hydrogen peroxide, work effectively on natural teeth by breaking down stains and discolourations, they don’t have the same impact on dental restorations. These artificial materials resist bleaching, maintaining their original colour despite surrounding natural teeth becoming whiter. Attempting to whiten dental restorations may lead to uneven colouration, creating a stark contrast with the adjacent natural teeth. As a result, if you have a mix of natural teeth and dental restorations, you will find that your restorations remain unchanged in the shade, highlighting the importance of consulting with a dentist to explore alternative cosmetic solutions for achieving a consistent and aesthetically pleasing smile.

At Blue Gum Dental, if you have dental restorations and fillings, we offer alternative treatments to traditional teeth whitening to prevent an uneven shade. Dental Veneers are thin porcelain or composite shells that cover the front of teeth. They  are a viable option that provides a consistent and brighter appearance while maintaining the integrity of existing dental work. Dental veneers also help correct minor teeth imperfections such as crooked or gapped teeth, and size and length adjustments. Our team is dedicated to tailoring solutions that ensure a radiant and harmonious smile, considering the unique aspects of your dental history and needs.

Potential Side Effects of Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is generally safe, but it can have potential side effects like any dental procedure. The most common ones include tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. The whitening agents used in these procedures can temporarily make your teeth more sensitive to temperature, causing discomfort. The whitening gel or solution may irritate the gums, leading to mild inflammation.

It’s essential to follow the instructions provided by your dentist to minimise the risk of these side effects. If you’re concerned or experience persistent discomfort, consulting with your dentist is a good idea.

Maintenance of Teeth Whitening 

After teeth whitening, maintenance is vital to keeping that bright smile. Here are some tips:

• Brush your teeth at least twice and floss daily. This helps prevent new stains from forming and keeps your teeth and gums healthy.

• Avoid staining foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-coloured berries. If you do indulge, rinse your mouth with water afterwards.

• Smoking can contribute to tooth discolouration. If you smoke, quitting is good for your overall health and maintaining a white smile.

• Schedule regular dental check-ups and cleanings.

• Depending on your whitening treatment, you might need periodic touch-up treatments. 
• Eat a balanced diet. Crunchy fruits and vegetables can help clean your teeth naturally.

Professional Teeth Whitening at Blue Gum Dental 

Blue Gum Dental, We understand that everyone’s teeth whitening needs are different. This is why we work closely with you, understanding your aesthetic and dental needs to recommend tailored treatment options. From teeth whitening for a brighter smile to teeth straightening for a more symmetrical smile and a range of general and restorative treatments, we’re here to help you achieve a healthy and beautiful smile. Book a consultation today.