By Dr. Abhi Singh What Can I Do To Whiten My Yellow Teeth?
Teeth whitening treatment is a common dental procedure that aims to remove or reduce tooth stains to achieve a more beautiful smile. There are many ways to do this, but some people may not be aware of them.
Read on to find out about the whitening treatment options available.
How Can I Whiten My Yellow Teeth?
The most popular way to whiten your yellow teeth is through an in-office or in-chair whitening. This is done by a dentist or another certified dental professional in a dental clinic.
In-chair whitening is the safest and most effective method because dentists use higher concentrations of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. These are the two effective bleaching agents used in teeth whitening procedures. This method removes both deep (intrinsic stains) and surface (extrinsic stains). The treatment usually lasts 45 to an hour, depending on the severity of your teeth’ stains. You may need 2 to 3 sessions if the discolouration is severe. However, you can notice that your teeth are 2 to 8 shades lighter after your first appointment.
On the other hand, you can get a take-home whitening kit from your dentist, which is custom-made according to the shape of your teeth. This tray-based teeth whitening system uses a lower concentration of bleaching agent and takes longer to achieve the desired results than in-chair whitening. It works by wearing the trays for 30 minutes to an hour per day or overnight for two to four weeks to achieve results.
What Are Teeth Whitening Options Available Over The Counter?
Other whitening treatment options are over-the-counter whitening products you can buy online or from your local pharmacy. This method is called at-home teeth whitening since you will be the one to perform the procedure using these items in the comfort of your home. While they are less expensive than in-office, they can only eliminate or minimise surface discolourations caused by smoking, as well as consuming stain-causing foods and drinks, such as dark sodas and fruit juices.
Moreover, it takes longer to see noticeable results because these products have lower concentrations of bleaching agents. Before using these products, consult your dentist if you have sensitive teeth or tooth decay.
- Teeth whitening strips
These are thin, flexible strips, usually made of polyethylene, that you need to wear on your teeth for half to an hour a day for at least two weeks. They are coated with peroxide, and some brands have a higher concentration of this agent than others. Depending on the brand, you can see significant improvements after a few days of usage, lasting up to 6 months with proper care. - Teeth whitening toothpaste
Teeth whitening toothpaste contains a low abrasive polishing agent or a mild bleaching agent to help reduce stains on teeth. They can remove surface stains from teeth, making them appear whiter after two to six weeks of regular brushing. In addition, they may contain fluoride that helps strengthen tooth enamel against wear and tear associated with consuming acidic food. - Teeth whitening gels and pens
These products usually come in a syringe or pen form, with a brush tip that contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel. Apply the gel to your teeth and let it sit for at least 30 minutes to an hour before rinsing it off. Like strips, you need to use them daily for about two weeks to see results that can last for a few months. - Teeth whitening rinses
Rinses are mouthwashes with a bleaching agent, such as hydrogen peroxide, helping you have whiter teeth. Swish it for at least 30 seconds to 1 minute before spitting it out. You can use whitening mouthwashes twice a day after brushing your teeth with regular toothpaste. After several weeks, you may see a slight improvement in the colour of your teeth.
How Can I Whiten My Teeth Naturally?
There are some natural remedies to achieve white teeth, but they may not be as effective as over-the-counter products. These include:
- Baking soda
Some studies show baking soda or sodium bicarbonate can help address stained teeth. It is a mild abrasive with anti-bacterial properties, helping improve oral hygiene. Make your baking soda paste by mixing one teaspoon of baking soda with a small amount of water. Apply it directly to your teeth using a toothbrush, then brush your teeth as usual. Rinse your mouth afterwards. You can do this not more than twice a week as an excessive application can wear down your tooth enamel. - Hydrogen peroxide
This substance is one of the major bleaching agents dentists use in professional tooth whitening. To make hydrogen peroxide mouthwash at home, mix 2 ounces of 3% hydrogen peroxide and 2 ounces of water in a small cup. Swish it in your mouth for 30 to 60 seconds before spitting it out. To make a paste combined with baking soda for minor stains, mix a teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with enough baking soda. Apply it directly to your teeth using a toothbrush, allowing it to sit for a few minutes before rinsing your mouth with water. - Vinegar
White vinegar and apple cider vinegar are found to have bleaching effects on teeth. However, white vinegar may cause a higher level of damage to the hardness and surface configuration of teeth.To make a whitewash, mix two teaspoons of vinegar with 6 ounces of water and swish the solution for at least 30 seconds. Rinse with water before brushing your teeth.
Can Dental Restorations Like Crowns And Dental Veneers Be Whitened?
Dental restorations, such as veneers and crowns, cannot be whitened even by professional teeth whitening treatment because they are made of materials, such as porcelain or ceramic, that do not respond to bleaching agents. If your dental restoration is discoloured, the only way to change its colour is to replace it with a new one.
Final Thoughts
Teeth whitening is a good way to achieve whiter teeth, making you more confident to smile often. Two primary ways to do this are in-office or in-chair and at-home teeth whitening. In-office is the most effective and safest method because dentists use a higher concentration of bleaching agents and practice safety measures to protect your teeth and gums from risks. If you are looking for less expensive whitening treatment options, you can purchase a professional take-home teeth whitening kit from your dentist or use over-the-counter whitening products, but the effects take longer to see.
If you are considering professional whitening, call us at 08 9020 7002 to book an appointment.
Prospect Road Dental is equipped with high-quality equipment to provide efficient and favourable results to patients. Our clinic has a team of dentists who have been performing professional teeth whitening procedures for years. At your appointment, one of the dentists will assess your oral condition to ensure that you are a good candidate and answer any of your queries. We also have a custom-made take-home whitening kit.
FAQs
Your dentist will clean your teeth to remove any plaque or tartar. They will place a rubber dam around your teeth to protect your gums from the bleaching agents and avoid increased tooth sensitivity. Then they will apply the bleaching agent to your teeth, and a special light will be used to activate the bleaching process. They will repeat this process a few times for several minutes until you achieve the desired level of whiteness. Your dentist will discuss a few aftercare instructions to follow at home to maintain your white smile.
This varies depending on your location, dentist, whitening method and the severity of your tooth discolourations. A 2017 Australian national dental fee survey reveals that a take-home teeth whitening kit can cost up to $610. On the other hand, you can expect to pay $260 per tooth for in-office teeth whitening and an additional up to $280 for a complimentary consultation and plaque removal. These are just estimates, which could be higher or lower, so ask your dentist for an accurate estimate.
People with minor to severe tooth stains and who want whiter teeth may benefit from this treatment. The stains can be due to consuming certain foods and drinks like coffee, red wine and tea. They can also come from smoking, trauma, medications and ageing. Note that ageing causes your teeth’s outer layer (tooth enamel) to erode. As a result, the dentin underneath, the yellowish layer of the teeth, is revealed.
Medicare doesn’t cover tooth whitening as it is considered a cosmetic procedure. However, it might be covered under Medicare if your dentist recommends teeth whitening for therapeutic reasons. An example is teeth discolouration caused by certain medications. On the other hand, some private health fund providers can cover a portion of the cost, depending on your policy. Ask your health fund provider beforehand to know if you are covered.
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