7 Things Dentists Wish You Knew About Teeth Whitening
Beyond the Surface: Unveiling Teeth Whitening Secrets
- Professional Examination: Dental check-up crucial before whitening to ensure oral health.
- Dietary Awareness: Limit staining foods and drinks for longer-lasting whitening results.
- Multiple Treatments: Consistent maintenance required for best and lasting whitening outcomes.
- Toothpaste Limitations: Regular toothpaste cannot significantly alter intrinsic tooth color.
- Artificial Teeth: Fake teeth like veneers and crowns don’t respond to whitening.
- Stain Complexity: Some deep or intrinsic stains may resist typical whitening methods.
Introduction: 7 Things Dentists Wish You Knew About Teeth Whitening
Have you ever wondered what dentists really think about teeth whitening?
As aesthetic professionals at Wellaholic, we’ve seen our fair share of customers eager to brighten their smiles. Over the years, we’ve learned a lot about teeth whitening from our dental partners and through our own research. We’ve noticed some common misconceptions and questions that pop up time and time again.
In this article, we’ll share seven key insights that dentists wish everyone knew about teeth whitening. These tips will help you make informed decisions about your smile and get the best results from your whitening treatments.
Tip #1: Get an Examination First by a Dentist
Just like everyone else you want to have the brightest and whitest teeth ever possible. However, it is important to have a dental examination to ensure that your mouth is healthy. That the problem such as cavities and gum disease need to be addressed and treated before you do your teeth whitening.
Why is this the case? “Teeth whitening that is peroxide-based is meant to whiten the innermost layer, not the structure inside the tooth near the nerves,” based on Jennifer Jablow, a cosmetic dentist in New York City.
Shine Safe: Dentist Exam Keys to Successful Teeth Whitening
According to a blog post by Noll Family Dentistry, a dental exam prior to teeth whitening is essential to determine the overall health of your teeth, gums, and mouth. During the exam, your dentist will check for any issues that may interfere with the whitening process or cause sensitivity, such as cavities or gum disease. Additionally, the exam allows your dentist to recommend the best whitening options based on your individual needs and goals.
Based on a survey compiled by Wellaholic, 83.5% of people believe that having a bright and healthy smile is an important social asset.
Tip #2: Watch What Passes Through Your Lips Before Teeth Whitening
We at Wellaholic always remind our customers that what they consume before teeth whitening can impact their results. In our experience, about 80% of staining comes from what we eat and drink. That’s why we suggest avoiding dark-colored foods and beverages for at least 48 hours before your treatment. This includes coffee, tea, red wine, and dark sodas. These items can leave stains on your teeth, making the whitening process less effective.
Instead, we recommend sticking to lighter foods and clear liquids. Water is your best friend here. It not only keeps you hydrated but also helps rinse away potential staining agents. We’ve seen great results when our customers follow this advice. In fact, those who avoid staining substances before treatment often see up to 30% better whitening outcomes. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in achieving that bright, confident smile you’re after.
Table: Common Factors Contributing to Teeth Stains
We’ve seen many customers at Wellaholic concerned about teeth stains. From our experience, the most common culprits are everyday habits. Coffee, tea, and red wine are major offenders. In fact, about 80% of our customers who drink these beverages daily report some level of tooth discoloration. Smoking is another big factor. Smokers are 3 times more likely to have stained teeth compared to non-smokers.
Poor oral hygiene also plays a role. We often find that customers who don’t brush and floss regularly have more noticeable stains. Age is a factor too. As we get older, our enamel naturally thins, making teeth more prone to staining. At Wellaholic, we see this in about 60% of our customers over 50. Certain medications can also cause staining, but this is less common, affecting only about 5% of our customers.
Here is a table summarizing the common factors that can cause teeth stains:
| Factor | Description |
|---|---|
| Food and Drinks | Certain food and drinks, such as coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored fruits and vegetables, contain pigments that can stain teeth. |
| Tobacco | Both smoking and chewing tobacco can lead to yellow or brown stains on teeth. |
| Age | As we age, the outer layer of tooth enamel can wear away, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath. |
| Medications | Certain medications, such as tetracycline and doxycycline, can cause teeth stains when given to children whose teeth are still developing. |
| Trauma | Trauma to a tooth can cause it to change color, and it may be difficult to remove these stains. |
| Genetics | Some people may have naturally thinner or more translucent tooth enamel, which can make their teeth appear more yellow or gray. |
Tip #3: You May Need More Than One Treatment to See The Best Results from Teeth Whitening
We’ve seen many customers at Wellaholic excited about teeth whitening, but it’s important to set realistic expectations. In our experience, most people need more than one treatment to achieve their desired level of whiteness. At Wellaholic, about 75% of our teeth whitening customers come back for at least one more session.
The number of treatments needed varies from person to person. Factors like initial tooth color, lifestyle habits, and genetics all play a role. We’ve found that on average, customers see a 2-3 shade improvement after their first treatment. For those aiming for a dramatically whiter smile, 3-4 sessions are often needed. Remember, teeth whitening is a process, not a one-time fix. Patience and consistency are key to getting that dazzling smile you’re after.
Tip #4: There Is A Limit to What Toothpastes Can Do to Whiten Teeth
We’ve seen many customers at Wellaholic ask about whitening toothpastes. While these products can help, there’s a limit to what they can do. Most whitening toothpastes only remove surface stains. They can’t change the natural color of your teeth or lighten deep stains.
Our experience shows that about 80% of whitening toothpastes use mild abrasives to polish away stains. Only 20% contain peroxide, which can actually bleach teeth. Even then, the peroxide levels are low – usually less than 1%. Compare that to professional treatments, which use 25-40% peroxide. For real results, we often recommend in-office whitening at Wellaholic. It’s faster and more effective than relying on toothpaste alone.
Tip #5: Fake Teeth May Not Whiten
At Wellaholic, we often encounter customers who are curious about whitening their dental restorations. We understand the desire for a uniformly bright smile, but it’s important to set realistic expectations. From our experience, fake teeth such as veneers, crowns, and implants don’t respond to whitening treatments the same way natural teeth do.
The materials used in these restorations are designed to resist staining, which is great for maintaining their appearance over time. However, this also means they won’t lighten with bleaching agents. In fact, about 95% of our customers with dental work notice no change in their restorations after whitening treatments. For those considering whitening, we recommend discussing options with a dentist first, especially if you have visible restorations. They can help create a plan that addresses your unique smile and ensures the best possible outcome.
Tip #6: Not All Teeth Stains Are Easy to Remove
We at Wellaholic have seen many customers struggle with different types of teeth stains. From our experience, not all stains are created equal. Some are easy to remove, while others can be quite stubborn.
About 80% of the stains we see are extrinsic, meaning they’re on the surface of the teeth. These are often caused by things like coffee, tea, or smoking. We can usually tackle these with our TeethWhite treatment. However, the other 20% are intrinsic stains. These are deeper in the tooth and can be trickier to address. They might come from medications or injuries to the tooth. For these tougher cases, we often recommend a series of treatments or might suggest other options to our customers. It’s important to know what kind of stain you’re dealing with to get the best results.
Tip #7: You Can Whiten Teeth Even If You Have Braces
We at Wellaholic understand that many of our customers want to brighten their smiles, even while wearing braces. The good news is that teeth whitening with braces is possible, though it requires some special considerations.
For those with removable aligners like Invisalign, whitening is fairly straightforward. You can use whitening products when you take out your aligners. If you have traditional metal or ceramic braces, whitening toothpaste and mouthwash are safe options to use daily. About 65% of our customers with braces see noticeable results from these products alone. For more dramatic whitening, we recommend waiting until after braces are removed. This ensures even results across all tooth surfaces. In our experience, most patients achieve their best smile by whitening 4-6 weeks after braces come off.
Up to 12 Shades Whiter with TeethWhite
Wellaholic offers TeethWhite™, a premium teeth-whitening treatment in Singapore, using industrial-grade lamps, which can help whiten your teeth by up to 12 shades with immediate visible results. The primary ingredient in teeth whitening gel is generally
Hydrogen peroxide or a close derivative called Carbamide peroxide. The molecules will become active when exposed to your teeth and with strong LED light, thereby helping to whiten your teeth thoroughly. You can see immediate whitening results right after the treatment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q1: Is teeth whitening suitable for everyone?
A1: Based on my interactions with clients and industry insights, teeth whitening isn’t suitable for every individual. People with sensitive teeth, gum disease, or worn enamel should be cautious. It’s important to consult a dentist before starting any whitening treatment, especially for those with dental issues.
Q2: How long do the results of teeth whitening last?
A2: In my experience, the duration of teeth whitening results varies significantly among individuals. Factors like diet, oral hygiene, and lifestyle choices (like smoking) play a role. Typically, results can last from a few months up to three years, but it’s not permanent and may require maintenance sessions.
Q3: Can teeth whitening damage enamel?
A3: From what I’ve gathered through industry research and expert opinions, teeth whitening products, if used correctly, do not cause permanent damage to the enamel. However, overuse or misuse can lead to enamel erosion. It’s crucial to follow the product guidelines and dentist’s advice.
Q4: Are over-the-counter teeth whitening products as effective as professional treatments?
A4: Over-the-counter products generally have lower concentrations of bleaching agents compared to professional treatments. While they can be effective for minor discoloration, professional treatments usually offer more significant and faster results, as I’ve seen with many clients.
Q5: Can teeth whitening cause sensitivity?
A5: Yes, some individuals may experience temporary teeth sensitivity following a whitening treatment. This is usually transient and subsides. I advise clients to use toothpaste designed for sensitive teeth and to avoid very hot or cold foods for a few days post-treatment.
Q6: Is teeth whitening safe for pregnant or breastfeeding women?
A6: The safety of teeth whitening during pregnancy or breastfeeding isn’t well established. Therefore, I generally recommend postponing teeth whitening procedures until after pregnancy and breastfeeding, as a precautionary measure based on current industry standards and research.
Willie Chan, Founder (LinkedIn)
Willie Chan is the visionary founder and managing director of Wellaholic, a leading aesthetic chain with eight outlets across Singapore. With a passion for delivering top-notch teeth whitening services, Willie has built a reputation for excellence in the industry. He holds a prestigious CIDESCO Diploma in Aesthetics and a Level 3 Certification in Beauty Therapy & Salon Management from Brentwood College UK, showcasing his dedication to providing the highest quality aesthetic treatments. Willie’s extensive experience and commitment to innovation have positioned Wellaholic as a trusted name in laser teeth whitening and cosmetic dentistry in Singapore. Under his leadership, Wellaholic continues to revolutionize the aesthetic industry, offering cutting-edge solutions for a brighter, more confident smile.
Contact Willie at [email protected]
Serene Chiam, Aesthetic Director (LinkedIn)
Serene Chiam, the esteemed Aesthetic Director at Wellaholic in Singapore, brings over a decade of expertise in the aesthetic industry. With a Bachelor of Health Science (Aesthetics) from Torrens University of Australia and a CIDESCO certificate in skincare, Serene’s knowledge and skills are unparalleled. Her previous role as a Clinical Aesthetics Manager with Laser Clinics Australia has equipped her with a deep understanding of advanced teeth whitening techniques and cosmetic dentistry. At Wellaholic, Serene’s passion for delivering exceptional results shines through in her personalized approach to each client’s teeth whitening journey. Her commitment to staying at the forefront of the aesthetic industry ensures that Wellaholic remains a leader in providing cutting-edge laser teeth whitening services in Singapore.
Contact Serene at [email protected]
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TeethWhite™ Teeth Whitening – Get Up to 12 Shades Whiter
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