Teeth discoloration can be traced back to several causes, including lifestyle habits like tobacco usage. It may also be traced back to dietary habits like drinking colas, coffee, wine, and even eating some starchy foods.
Other possible causes of stained teeth include; trauma, aging, some medications, poor oral hygiene, disease, some dental materials, genetics, or even your environment. However, the good news is that there are just as many alternatives to clean your teeth of the stains and help them regain their luminosity.
Teeth whitening may be recommended for lightening your teeth’ color, so they look just as bright as before. It cannot only lighten your teeth’s existing shade but also give you a complete teeth makeover in terms of color change.
Is it Safe getting your Teeth Whitened?
When it comes to whitening your teeth, you have two options. You can either visit a certified dentist to get professional teeth whitening treatments or products you can use at home, or use the OTC teeth whitening products without consulting your dentist.
Generally, it is safe to get your teeth whitened. However, that does not rule out the possibilities of having a few risks attached to this procedure, especially if you use any teeth whitening products without a certified dentist’s recommendations.
Ideally, to minimize the risks of possible complications, you’d need to follow your dentist’s guidelines or the guidelines for using the product you’ve chosen for whitening your teeth. It is also important to note that there isn’t a one size fits all approach when it comes to teeth whitening in Singapore.
Your choice of a product or method of whitening your teeth will depend on factors like;
- The age (especially if you’re looking for teeth whitening options for your child or an older adult)
- Dental history, for instance, if you have used crowns or dental fillings in the past
- The type of discoloration you’re dealing with and in some cases
- Your budget
What is the Safest Way to Whiten Teeth?
There is no guarantee that a specific teeth whitening option is safe. However, you have better chances of avoiding most complications if you get professional teeth whitening procedure in the hands of an experienced, qualified dentist.
Usually, the most common method your dentist may recommend for whitening your teeth would involve bleaching them using carbamide peroxide. This method is regarded as one of the safest ways to whiten teeth. The bleach used here will be pivotal in breaking down both urea and hydrogen peroxide on your teeth through a chemical reaction.
Alternatively, you may also benefit from in-office teeth whitening treatment. Most people prefer in-office teeth whitening treatments because the results are known to last long and the procedure is usually quick; you’d probably need just one hour or a few appointments with your dentist, and you’ll be good to go.
Your dentist may also recommend in-office treatments for teeth whitening in Singapore if you’re dealing with a pre-existing condition like abfraction lesions or receding gums. For this treatment option, your dentist may use bleaching agents with high hydrogen peroxide concentrations or laser teeth whitening to target the accumulated pore particles and restore your teeth’s brightness.
Other than the use of carbamide peroxide and other in-office treatments, you may also benefit from dentist-recommended at-home teeth whitening treatments. For this option, your dentist may give you custom-made fit trays, which you will fit in your mouth.
These fit trays require a specially-formulated gel to work, so you will need to add the gel to the tray and then wear it for around 30 minutes to 1 hour per day for some weeks as directed by the dentist. If you choose to go with the OTC teeth whitening treatments, you can use;
- Whitening strips that come with hydrogen peroxide but in small proportions. You will need to apply them one to two times each day for a specified period as per the directions on the product.
Alternatively, you can also use
- Whitening toothpaste made with chemical blue covarine or special abrasives to target your teeth’ surface and eliminate the stains. Perhaps your only concern with the whitening toothpaste is that there are some which you may need to be a little more patient to notice the improvements.
What Happens if you Over Bleach your Teeth?
If you’re using the OTC teeth whitening products without your dentist’s guidelines, there is a risk of using too much teeth whitening agents on your teeth. The result may not be really appealing as the product may erode your tooth enamel, thus predisposing you to worrisome conditions like tooth decay.
There is also a risk of increased tooth sensitivity, making your teeth oversensitive to hot and cold temperatures. This would make it difficult for you to eat some foods or drink certain beverages. You may also suffer soft-tissue chemical burns and gum irritation, among others.
Final Word
It is good to do teeth whitening in Singapore. Before consenting to a procedure or beginning to use a product, though, it is advisable that you understand the possible risks, and the results you can expect.
You should also note that even the in-office teeth whitening treatments are not permanent, so you will need a few touchups along the way. If you may have more inquiries about teeth whitening or considering the treatment, set up your appointment with us today to learn more and most probably, get a personalized treatment plan for your condition.