A bright smile can make you feel happy and confident. It can also help you look your best and make a good impression on others. If your teeth are not as white as you would like, professional teeth whitening might be just what you need.
This guide will explain everything you need to know about professional teeth whitening. We will discuss how the treatment works, why it’s good for you, and how to keep your smile looking great for a long time. You’ll find all the details to decide if professional teeth whitening suits you!
What Is Professional Teeth Whitening?
Professional teeth whitening is a treatment that helps make your natural teeth whiter and brighter. It works by removing stains from food, drinks, and other things that can change the colour of your teeth.
Unlike products you can buy at the store, professional teeth whitening is done by an experienced dentist. This ensures the whitening treatment works well and gives you the best possible results.
Why Consider Professional Teeth Whitening?
If you want a more radiant smile, professional teeth whitening treatment might be the perfect choice for you. Many choose this treatment because it helps them feel better about their smile.
Enhanced Confidence
Having whiter teeth can make you feel confident in many situations. Whether you’re talking to friends or giving a big presentation at work, a bright smile can help you feel good about yourself. With a white smile, you can feel happy when you meet new people, go to work, or take pictures.
It can also make you feel proud of your teeth every day. It can help you look your best, and a positive smile often makes people feel better about themselves.
Customised Treatment
Every person’s teeth are different, so professional teeth whitening is made just for you. Your dentist will make sure the treatment works for your teeth and any particular needs you may have.
Practical And Effective
When a dentist does the whitening, it is practical and works well. The dentist uses proven methods and advanced whitening products to make your teeth look their best.
These whitening products are designed to whiten your teeth without hurting them. The whitening treatment is done carefully so your tooth enamel stays healthy.
Causes Of Stained Or Discoloured Teeth
Many reasons can make teeth become stained or change colour. Some of these causes are things we do every day, like eating certain foods or drinking certain drinks. Other causes happen over time, like getting older.
Let’s take a look at some common reasons why teeth get discoloured.
Diet
Our food and drink choices can stain our teeth or change their colour. Drinks like coffee, tea, and red wine can leave marks that make our teeth look dull or yellow. Eating dark foods like berries can also cause stains.
Smoking
Smoking or using tobacco products can lead to big stains on your teeth. Over time, the chemicals in tobacco can change the colour of your teeth and make them look brown or yellow.
Ageing
As we get older, our teeth naturally change colour. Teeth can get yellower as we age. This happens because the outer layer of our teeth, called enamel, starts to wear down.
Medications
Some medications, like certain antibiotics, can cause your teeth to change colour. These medicines may make your teeth look yellow or grey.
Poor Oral Hygiene
If you don’t brush and floss your teeth daily, food and drinks can stay on your teeth. This can lead to surface stains and cause your teeth to look discoloured.
Types Of Professional Teeth Whitening
There are two main types of professional teeth whitening: in-chair teeth whitening and take-home whitening kits. Both whitening methods are effective, but they work in different ways. Your dentist will help you choose the best possible option for your needs.
In-Chair Teeth Whitening
This whitening treatment is done at the dentist’s office. It works quickly and gives you immediate results. The procedure takes about an hour, making it a great choice if you want to see a big difference quickly.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
If you prefer to whiten your teeth at home, your dentist can provide a take-home whitening kit. This kit includes whitening trays made just for your mouth and professional teeth-whitening gel. You will use the kit on your own, but your dentist will guide you on how to use it correctly.
This option allows you to whiten your teeth at your own pace and is great for people who want to do it in the comfort of their own homes.
What To Expect During The Teeth-Whitening Procedure
Getting your teeth whitened is simple. Before, during, and after the treatment, your dentist will ensure you feel good and well cared for. Here’s what you can expect during the procedure.
Before The Procedure
Before starting the whitening process, your dentist will take a close look at your teeth and gums.
They want to ensure your teeth are healthy and that problems like gum disease or tooth decay are prevented. This step helps your dentist decide if whitening is right for you.
During The Procedure
During the procedure, your dentist will take the necessary steps to protect your gums and other soft parts of your mouth. A teeth-whitening gel will be applied to your teeth.
This gel has ingredients like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that work to break down the stains on your teeth. The whitening gel will help your teeth look whiter and brighter. Sometimes, a light is used to make the whitening gel work even better.
After The Procedure
After your teeth are whitened, you might feel some mild tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. This is normal and will usually go away in a few hours.
Your dentist will give you helpful tips on how to take care of your teeth after the treatment. This will help your smile stay bright and healthy for a longer time.
How Long Does Professional Teeth Whitening Last?
The longevity of your results depends on your diet, oral hygiene habits, and lifestyle choices. On Average, teeth whitening results can last several months up to a year with proper care.
Here are some tips for maintaining whiter teeth:
- Practise good oral hygiene, including brushing twice a day and flossing.
- Limit consumption of staining beverages and foods.
- Avoid smoking and tobacco products.
- Schedule regular dental cleanings.
Professional Whitening Vs. Over-The-Counter Products
When it comes to whitening your teeth, you might wonder if you should use products from the store or see a dentist. While store-bought teeth whitening products might seem easy, there are some things you should know before making your choice.
- They may take longer to see noticeable results.
- They’re often less effective on deeply stained teeth.
- There’s an increased risk of improper use leading to gum irritation or tooth sensitivity.
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does the dentist’s teeth whitening cost?
The cost of teeth whitening can change based on the treatment you choose. In-chair whitening at the dentist costs more than at-home kits, but it works faster.
Does teeth whitening cause tooth sensitivity?
Some people feel a little sensitivity after whitening. If this happens, your dentist can give you certain products to help with the discomfort.
Is whitening teeth possible if I have porcelain veneers?
Teeth whitening works on natural teeth, not on veneers. Veneers do not change colour with whitening.
How often can I undergo teeth whitening?
How often you have to whiten your teeth depends on how you care for them. Ask your dentist how often you can do it.
Can teeth whitening remove all stains?
Teeth whitening can remove most stains from food, drinks, and smoking. Yet, very deep stains or stains caused by medicine might not come off.
Conclusion
Professional teeth whitening is a precise way to get a brighter smile. You can get your teeth whitened at the dentist or use a whitening kit at home. Talking to your dentist will help you get the best possible results.
If you take care of your teeth and follow your dentist’s advice, your bright smile can last a long time, and you’ll feel great every time you smile!
We can help you get a white smile! Contact Beyond Infinity Dental today at (02) 8806 3799 to book your professional teeth whitening appointment. Our friendly team in Castle Hill is ready to help you have a smile you’ll love!
Sources
Healthdirect Australia. Teeth whitening [Internet]. Healthdirect. 2023 [cited 2025 Jan 20]. Available from: https://www.healthdirect.gov.au/teeth-whitening
WebMD Editorial Contributors. Tooth Discoloration [Internet]. WebMD. 2023 [cited 2025 Jan 20]. Available from: https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/tooth-discoloration
Shinde E. Professional Teeth Whitening: Everything You Need To Know [Internet]. Forbes Health. 2023 [cited 2025 Jan 20]. Available from: https://www.forbes.com/health/dental/professional-teeth-whitening/
Watson S. What to Expect from Professional Teeth Whitening [Internet]. Verywell Health. 2024 [cited 2025 Jan 20]. Available from: https://www.verywellhealth.com/how-is-professional-in-office-teeth-whitening-done-1059032
Watson K. How Does Teeth Whitening Work? [Internet]. Healthline. 2022 [cited 2025 Jan 20]. Available from: https://www.healthline.com/health/how-does-teeth-whitening-work
