Teeth Whitening – Definition, Whitening Process & Results
Teeth Whitening – All You Need to Know
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is the process of polishing and brightening stained or discoloured teeth to make them look naturally clean and attractive.
As well as improving the aesthetic look of your teeth, teeth whitening also helps to improve gum disease and decay, doubling your reasons to smile.
What Causes Discolouration?
- Internal Causes:
Damage to the dentin (inner layer of your tooth) as a result of age, or through high exposure to fluorides or medicines such as antibiotics during childhood.
- External Causes
Staining due to lifestyle and diet, for example, smoking, drinking tea, coffee, wine, or artificial food colourings.
How Does Teeth Whitening work?
Teeth whitening treatment refers to a range of processes that can be used to make your natural teeth appear brighter and whiter, from home gels and toothpastes to sanding down of blemishes, bleaching or ultraviolet (UV) light therapy.
Teeth Whitening Processes
- Over the Counter Teeth Whitening:
Over the counter whitening products include toothpaste and mouthwash, which may contain baking soda, carbamide, hydrogen peroxide or charcoal, and work as a mild abrasive to remove stains. Some of these can damage your tooth enamel if used too often or over a long period, and it is important to research and use with care.
- Professional Teeth Whitening Processes:
- Bleaching Method
Professional grade whitening gels are applied to the teeth, with the peroxide helping to remove surface and deeper stains, brightening the tooth’s natural colour. The most common method is the use of custom-fit mouth trays and professional grade whitening gels, applied at home over a number of days.
- Laser Teeth Whitening
A bleaching gel is applied to your teeth. A laser is then directed onto your teeth, heating up the gel. This activates its whitening properties and breaks apart the bonds of the stain molecules. Clinically proven to be safe, effective and fast, it can offer results that last longer than other options.
What Results Can I Expect?
For professional teeth whitening methods, treatment results in even, consistent teeth whitening of up 6-8 shades lighter. Professional whitening effects may last up to three years. This is longer than over the counter treatments, making it safer for gum and tooth health in the long term.
For best results, your teeth whitening dentist will usually recommend a number of days or three or four sessions in total. Your results will depend on a number of factors. For example:
- The original colour of your teeth
- Your lifestyle habits
- The bleaching gel and lasers used
To get the best results, avoid smoking, coffee, tea, wine, carbonated drinks, spicy food, or hot or cold extremes during and after treatment, for a time period advised by your dentist. Brush and floss regularly to maintain the results of your teeth whitening treatment, and as part of your ongoing oral hygiene program.
What are the Side Effects of Teeth Whitening?
Gum irritation and increased tooth sensitivity are the most common side effects of teeth whitening, and your teeth may be more sensitive than usual for about 48 hours after the process or procedure. Teeth whitening may also result in loss of minerals and increase the risk of enamel decay.
Your dentist will provide you with a treatment care program to help minimise side effects and sensitivity, with advice such as avoiding extremes of very hot or very cold food and drinks.
Who Can Benefit from Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is suitable for people with healthy tooth enamel, who have:
- Age spots
- Spotting due to smoking or diet
- Grey or dark stains from smoking or over exposure to fluorides / medicines
Teeth whitening is not suitable for people who have:
- Worn tooth enamel
- Overly sensitive teeth
- Gum or mouth disease
- Tooth decay (decay must be treated first)
Where Can I Do Teeth Whitening in Dubai?
There are multiple options for teeth whitening in Dubai. To protect your teeth, it’s important to avoid whitening your teeth too often. An experienced dentist can explain the best frequency for you. They can also perform the procedure in a way that protects your teeth and gums.
Al Moosa Clinics and Day Surgery Center, one of the best dental clinics in Dubai, offers a full diagnostic program to determine the safest and most suitable treatment before proceeding.
Not all types of teeth whitening methods are the same, and your teeth are individual to you. During your initial consultation, your dentist will discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each method and recommend the most suitable program for your best smile.
Cost of Teeth Whitening
Al Moosa Clinics and Day Surgery Center offer a range of teeth whitening packages. The final price of your treatment will vary according to the recommended plan most suitable for you.
The cost includes:
- Comprehensive oral health assessment
- Consultation to determine your objectives and program
- Preparation – full clean and plaque removal
- Teeth whitening treatment
- Follow up
Contact Al Moosa Clinics and Day Surgery Center now to ask about how to get your best smile.
We know that when you decide to have teeth whitening treatment, you want to start your journey as quickly as possible. The starting point is a consultant with one of our specialist dentists at Al Moosa Clinics and Day Surgery Center, to provide all of the information you need, and to make sure that you have the right advice tailored to your dental history.
