What is teeth whitening? This is a commonly asked question by many people.
Teeth whitening refers to several different procedures or approaches used to lighten the colour of ‘natural’ teeth.
Currently there are no methods in which to whiten the colour of dental restorative options eg. Fillings, crowns, veneers, bridges, implants etc.
TYPES
The 2 main methods which teeth whitening fall into include ‘professional’ approaches which are performed/prepared for by the Dentist eg. In-chair whitening, ‘customised’ home whitening kits etc., or ‘over the counter’ (OTC) options which can be purchased at pharmacies and other sources eg. Whitening strips, whitening toothpastes, DIY whitening kits etc.
SAFETY
Teeth whitening does not change the structure or weaken your natural teeth, only aiming to alter the colour.
However, it is important to ensure that your teeth and areas planned for whitening are in good structural state prior to starting the process eg. Absence of tooth decay, gum disease etc.
DURATION
The change in colour will generally last for a period of time eg. Most commonly for several weeks-months, or sometimes even longer.
The ‘duration’ of the colour change varies between individuals depending on their situation eg. Dental hygiene, frequency of routine dental visits, diet, changes occurring within teeth due to age, colour of the teeth prior to whitening, composition of their natural teeth, pre-existing conditions etc.
As the whiter colour tends to fade over time it is common for patients to “touch up” or refreshen the whiter colour to help maintain and/or improve the results achieved.
CONCLUSION
Based on the points mentioned above there are several different considerations and options available regarding teeth whitening. Some of the above points will be further discussed in later blog entries.
If you ever wanted to know more about teeth whitening or whether it was suitable for you it is recommended to arrange a consultation with your local dentist. The Dentist can assess your individual situation and discuss with you whether teeth whitening is appropriate and whether it can help improve the colour of your smile.
Whether you are searching for a dentist in Chatswood, or from the nearby suburbs of Lindfield, East Lindfield, Roseville, Roseville Chase, Killara, East Killara, Gordon, Pymble, West Pymble, St Ives or the North Shore then please feel free to contact Crown Dental Surgery on (02) 9090 2059.