Tooth whitening

Teeth whitening is a common and relatively easy procedure used to improve the appearance of discoloured teeth. The safest, most effective treatment will be given by your dentist. Over-the-counter treatments can be less effective and riskier.

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening involves bleaching the teeth to lighten their colour. After treatment, the teeth look a few shades whiter, but not usually bright white.

Whitening products typically use the chemicals hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Only registered dental practitioners can legally use the most concentrated — and thus most effective — whitening solutions.

The bleach soaks through the tooth’s enamel top layer and into the dentine, the main part of the inside of the tooth which is slightly softer than the enamel. The bleach reacts with the coloured molecules that cause discolouration. The dentine then becomes lighter and the teeth look whiter. Bleach can also make the enamel surface more reflective, which looks whiter too.

When might someone need teeth whitening?

Teeth can be discoloured by:

  • tea, coffee, red wine or soft drink
  • smoking
  • excessive fluoride or tetracycline (an antibiotic) when the teeth are forming

If you are considering teeth whitening, you should consult your dentist to see if your teeth are suitable.

Teeth whitening is not recommended if you:

  • are pregnant or breastfeeding
  • have sensitive teeth
  • have gum disease or shrinkage
  • have cracks or exposed dentine

What happens during a teeth-whitening procedure?

At Home Whitening Kits

Your dentist will first create moulds of your top and bottom teeth. These are used to make customised trays, like a mouthguard, that fit over your teeth.

The take home kit contains everything you need to bleach your teeth at home. Adding a small amount of the bleaching solution to the tray and wearing them for 20-30mins daily is all it takes. If you follow the dentist instructions, you’ll notice a difference in 2 to 4 weeks.

In chair Whitening

In chair whitening, also known as laser whitening, is done in the clinic. The dentist covers your gums and then paints bleaching agent on the teeth. A laser light is shone to activate whitening. This takes about 60-90 minutes, and often only needs one treatment.

Benefits and risks of a teeth-whitening procedure

Teeth whitening can improve the appearance of discoloured teeth. It is also cheaper than some other restorative procedures. However, make sure you find out about the cost, risks and likely outcome before going ahead with treatment.

The most common side-effects, which are often temporary, include:

  • tooth sensitivity, especially from power bleaching
  • irritation of the gums

Alternatives to teeth whitening

If you’re not happy with your teeth, alternatives include:

  • having your teeth cleaned by the dentist
  • dental restoration, such as veneers or crowns

Do I need to go to the dentist to whiten my teeth?

Teeth whitening is also offered by unregulated, unqualified practitioners, for example in beauty and hair salons, shopping malls, salons, or via mobile services. Many non-dental practitioner teeth whitening services claim that their practitioners are “teeth whitening specialists” who have the knowledge or training to perform teeth whitening procedures safely. However, the Australian Dental Association advises that only registered dental practitioners have the expertise to assess whether bleaching is safe for you, to recommend the most appropriate technique and materials, and to provide treatment that meets safety and quality regulations.

There are also many whitening options available online, these can be kits or home remedies. At best these are not going to be effective but, in some cases, they can discolour or damage your teeth. If you are thinking of trying a home whitening remedy, please speak to one of our dentist and we can advise you if it is safe to use.