Providing that a professional carries out teeth whitening, it can be safe. Professional teeth whitening is expensive, which can put some people off and push them to cheaper alternatives in stores or online. While these might brighten your smile, they aren't always the safest options or regulated in the same way as professional teeth whitening products are. Our guide today walks you through how safe teeth whitening is, the dangers you must consider, and how you can safely whiten your teeth today.
Teeth whitening is considered safe when a qualified dental professional performs it. They will have had the necessary training and experience to help brighten your smile without it seeming too white for your complexion, keeping it looking as natural as possible. We offer teeth whitening services where you can brighten your smile in as little as an hour.
Only registered dentists can use teeth whitening products with over 6% hydrogen peroxide and 18% carbamide peroxide to keep you safe while having your teeth whitened in Australia. These two chemicals help you achieve a brighter smile, and in these higher percentages, they must only be purchased and administered by professionals. Buying at-home treatments with high percentages or having your teeth whitened by someone who isn't a professional can have severe consequences, like chemical burns or damage to your teeth.
Learn more about teeth whitening at our Melbourne clinic.
Some online sellers, especially those from overseas, will market their products as dentist-grade whitening treatments to tempt you to buy them. They aren't necessarily dentist-grade, though, and although they may have higher percentages of hydrogen peroxide, it does not mean they are safe to use or will effectively whiten your teeth. When you buy these treatments, there is no guarantee of the ingredients used or the quantities, and you could be wasting your money on ineffective or dangerous products.
Some dentists will offer treatments you can use at home, but they must be purchased from them directly. At Gorgous Smiles, we offer this option and a few at-home treatments you can choose from.
You can buy at-home teeth whitening products and toothpastes online and from most retailers. These will have a lower percentage of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, but can still lighten your teeth. These at-home treatments should be administered in line with the instructions, and you will need to use a fluoride toothpaste and follow good oral hygiene to keep your mouth healthy.
At-home teeth whitening can be safe when you follow the instructions correctly and use the right products. You will want to purchase approved teeth whitening kits from reputable brands and carefully read the instructions before applying them.
These treatments are not considered as safe as professional teeth whitening treatments, and there are a few risks that you need to consider. The risks for at-home whitening kits differ slightly from professional teeth whitening, including enamel damage and increased sensitivity. We have detailed the risks you need to consider below:
Gum irritation is commonly caused when whitening your teeth at home. This usually happens when you are using a mouthguard that doesn't fit properly. They can cause the bleaching gels to leak or dig into your gums, causing irritation. In extreme cases, you can get chemical burns, which will require medical attention.
While you whiten your teeth, you might feel temporary sensitivity in your teeth and gums. For most, this will pass, but for some, excessive use of whitening treatments can cause permanent sensitivity. When this happens, you will need to stop using whitening treatments and switch to toothpastes suitable for sensitive teeth.
Enamel is needed to protect your teeth and can be damaged if you use whitening products too often. Enamel damage typically occurs when you are using whitening treatments with high peroxide concentrations or abrasive ingredients. Whitening toothpastes that feel abrasive or gritty can damage your tooth enamel, and you should not use them often. Enamel damage can increase your chance of tooth decay or plaque buildup, and you might need to visit the dentist more often.
Over-the-counter products aren't as effective as dentist-grade whitening treatments. They will have a lower percentage of chemicals and typically won't give as good results. It is not uncommon to use whitening treatments and see no or very little results, which can be very frustrating for customers.
Some products, especially those bought online, can have dangerous levels of bleaching agents. These can pose a serious risk to your oral health and should be avoided. When purchasing at-home whitening kits, you will need to check the chemicals included and their amount to ensure they are safe for you to use. If you are unsure or worried about these products, it is best to visit a dentist and use their teeth whitening treatments.
Having your teeth whitened by a dental professional is considered the safest option. This must be done by a professional who will assess your teeth and smile and make recommendations for a whitening treatment to enhance your smile. Dental grade whitening treatments are not suitable for everyone, though. You will likely have a consultation with your dentist to determine if you are an ideal candidate. For professional teeth whitening, you need to have a healthy mouth, with no untreated cavities, gum disease or sensitivity. Any of these issues can be rectified before your whitening, and your dentist will provide you with guidance on how to do this.
If you have dental crowns or veneers, they don't respond to bleaching, so you will need to speak to your dentist about how these can be whitened to give you the smile that you want.
Sometimes, you can whiten your teeth at home using dental-grade whitening products. Sometimes, your dentist will allow you to take your whitening treatments home and complete them yourself. This service is usually offered at a lower price, and is a more gradual process where you will apply the treatment over several weeks to whiten your teeth. We offer at-home teeth whitening services, which are a great option for anyone on a budget, and even offer payment plans to help you spread the cost.
If you have more money to spend or are looking for instant results, you can have your teeth whitened instantly by your dentist. They will usually include a consultation with this whitening treatment and discuss the aftercare procedure that you need to follow.
Looking after your whitened teeth is simple. You will want to regularly brush and floss your teeth, keeping them free from bacteria and food debris. You should also attend regular dental appointments so that your dentist can monitor your whitening treatment and provide additional cleanings where needed.
Over time, it is likely that your teeth will start to stain again, but you can reduce this by avoiding staining foods and drinks. These include tea, coffee, soda, wine, and soy sauce, which can stain your teeth over time. Your dentist might also recommend a whitening toothpaste to keep your smile bright. During your treatment, your dentist will provide you with aftercare guidance that you should follow to keep your teeth whiter for longer.
Whitening your teeth at home comes with more risks than using a dentist, and we recommend that you only use professional whitening treatments. Not only will you see better results with dental-grade whitening treatments, but you can enjoy a safer smile without worrying about chemical burns or damage to your enamel. At Gorgeous Smiles, we offer teeth whitening services that allow you to transform your smile. Book an appointment with us to see what we can do for your smile.
How long your teeth whitening lasts depends on the method you choose and how effective it is, lasting from a few months to several years. In-chair teeth whitening treatments tend to last for three years or longer, depending on how well you care for your teeth.
You can have teeth whitening treatments if you have sensitive teeth, but you must speak to your dentist beforehand. They can recommend the right treatment option to ensure you do not suffer any side effects.
Teeth whitening can cost between $350 if done at home, and $895 if done witha. professional dentist. The price does depend on how many treatments you require and if additional cleaning is required before your teeth can be whitened.
Yellow teeth can become white, but not every tooth can completely white. Before beginning your teeth whitening treatment, your dentist will discuss this with you and provide you with a realistic idea of how white your smile will be.
You must be logged in to post a comment.
Disclaimer: every treatment has risks. The treatment posted on this page might not be appropriate for your oral environment. You need a full consultation with an Australian qualified dental professional before we can confirm if you are a good candidate for any treatments. Results vary from person to person. This page’s posts does not replace real life dental professional’s examination & opinion. We are a very experienced team of general dentists with special interests in different fields if dentistry. Learn more about the risks here.
