A bright smile not only boosts confidence and enhances one’s appearance but may also symbolise good oral and dental health. If you’re considering teeth whitening due to discoloration or dissatisfaction with its current shade, this guide is here to address your concerns and explore the various teeth whitening options available in Singapore.
What Causes Teeth Discoloration?
Many individuals may wonder why their teeth appear yellow despite adhering to a daily dental health routine of brushing twice a day and flossing at least once. This is because the reason behind teeth discoloration may extend beyond dental hygiene.
Frequent consumption of dark-coloured beverages like coffee and tea, along with habits such as heavy smoking (as cigarettes contain substances that can stain teeth), may be common extrinsic reasons for yellow teeth. Improper brushing techniques may also lead to yellow teeth due to the buildup of plaque.
What are the Options and How Long Can They Last?
There are typically two types of teeth whitening options available. The first is chairside teeth whitening, which must be performed at a dental clinic by a dentist. In this procedure, a whitening gel is applied to your teeth to achieve faster results compared to home whitening. This option is ideal for those seeking faster results and who prefer the expertise of dental professionals. The process usually takes one hour in the clinic, delivering faster results in just one session. However, it’s essential to note that it may be more costly compared to home whitening options.
The second type of teeth whitening is home whitening, involving the self-application of whitening gel into custom-made trays designed for your mouth. These trays are placed over your teeth. Home whitening is a slower option as the whitening gels used have a lower concentration compared to those used in chairside teeth whitening. This method allows you to manage the whitening process at your convenience.
Once your custom whitening trays are successfully fabricated (which typically takes about one week), you can apply the whitening gel into the trays and wear them for one hour daily for one to two weeks, depending on your expectations. While this option may take a longer time (up to 3 weeks) to achieve your desired shade, it provides greater control over your result over time.
Can I Whiten Teeth Myself?
Beyond the options of chairside teeth whitening at clinics or using home whitening kits, individuals may explore alternative methods and wonder about their effectiveness and safety. One common approach is the use of whitening toothpaste, which may contain ingredients that help to polish teeth by removing surface stains. However, the natural color of the teeth may remain unchanged. Some toothpaste on the market also includes ingredients that could claim to dissolve stains, but the time required to see noticeable results may vary, and in some cases, it may not be effective at all.
Another common approach may involve the use of whitening strips. While these products may contain active ingredients beneficial for teeth whitening, the concentration of these active ingredients is often lower, similar to that found in home whitening kits. Whitening strips are designed for home use, where they are applied to the teeth for a short period. Although they are generally considered safe to use, frequent or prolonged use may potentially lead to effects on tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. Therefore, we strongly recommend individuals to always consult with their dentist before using teeth whitening strips.
Other than that, there are various other teeth whitening options, such as home-based teeth whitening or using homemade whitening ingredients or remedies found on the internet. However, these methods may have unknown factors and potential risks, and it’s essential to be cautious against such options that could cause permanent damage to your teeth. Seeking professional advice and assistance for oral health is always the best course of action.
