Thinking about whitening your teeth? Whether you have a special occasion coming up or simply want to brighten your smile, professional teeth whitening can be a great option.
But before booking a treatment, there are a few things you should know. Not everyone’s teeth respond to whitening in the same way, and the best whitening option can vary depending on your teeth, existing dental work, sensitivity and the result you’re hoping to achieve.
At Toowong Orthodontics, we offer teeth whitening consultations to help assess your individual needs and tailor a whitening approach that’s right for you.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment designed to lighten the colour of your natural teeth and reduce the appearance of certain types of staining and discolouration.
As we get older, our teeth can naturally become darker. Foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine and highly coloured foods can also contribute to staining.
Professional teeth whitening uses whitening agents to help break down stains within the tooth and lighten its overall appearance.
The amount of whitening achieved will vary from person to person depending on factors such as your starting tooth colour, the type of staining and the condition of your teeth.
Which teeth whitening option is right for me?
There are several different approaches to teeth whitening, and it isn’t necessarily a case of choosing the strongest treatment available.
The most appropriate option depends on your individual circumstances.
We’ve previously covered the different whitening options available in our guide:
The Best Ways to Whiten Your Teeth in Brisbane
Our teeth whitening consultations at Toowong Orthodontics allow us to assess your teeth and discuss your goals before recommending the most suitable approach.
Why have a teeth whitening consultation?
A consultation gives you the opportunity to discuss what you would like to achieve and allows us to consider factors that can affect your whitening results.
During your consultation, we can consider:
- Your current tooth colour
- The type and cause of any discolouration
- Existing fillings, crowns, veneers or other dental restorations
- Tooth sensitivity
- Your oral health
- Whether you are currently undergoing orthodontic treatment
- Your desired outcome
This personalised approach helps ensure that your whitening treatment is appropriate for you and that you have realistic expectations about the results.
Will teeth whitening work on all types of stains?
No. Different types of tooth discolouration respond differently to whitening.
Surface staining caused by foods, drinks and lifestyle habits can often respond well to whitening. However, some deeper or intrinsic forms of discolouration may respond differently.
This is one reason why a consultation can be helpful. Rather than assuming whitening will produce the same result for everyone, we can assess your teeth and discuss what you can realistically expect.
Will teeth whitening whiten fillings, crowns or veneers?
No. Teeth whitening changes the colour of natural tooth structure but does not whiten dental restorations such as:
- Fillings
- Crowns
- Veneers
- Bridges
- Dental implants
If you have visible restorations, whitening your natural teeth may make them appear a different shade from your existing dental work.
This is something we can discuss during your whitening consultation before you decide whether treatment is right for you.
Does teeth whitening cause sensitivity?
Some people experience temporary tooth sensitivity during or after whitening.
Sensitivity can feel like a short, sharp sensation when your teeth are exposed to something hot, cold or particularly sweet. Not everyone experiences sensitivity, and the level of sensitivity can vary between individuals.
If you already have sensitive teeth, let us know during your consultation. We can take this into consideration when discussing your whitening options.
Is teeth whitening safe?
When appropriately prescribed and used according to professional guidelines, teeth whitening is considered a safe way to lighten the colour of natural teeth.
However, whitening isn’t necessarily appropriate for everyone at every stage. We do not recommend teeth whitening in patients who:
- May be breast feeding or in lactating mothers
- Those currently treated for a serious illness or disorder e.g. immune compromised etc.
- Children under 13 years of age (typically we recommend waiting until at least 18 due to risk of sensitivity)
- Light sensitive individuals
- Take any photo-reactive drugs or substances (over the counter, prescription or homeopathic)
Issues such as untreated tooth decay, gum problems or significant sensitivity may need to be addressed before whitening.
A consultation allows us to consider your oral health and determine whether whitening is suitable for you.
How long do teeth whitening results last?
Teeth whitening isn’t permanent.
Over time, your teeth can become darker again due to ageing and exposure to staining foods, drinks and lifestyle factors.
How long your results last varies from person to person. Maintaining good oral hygiene and being mindful of foods and drinks that cause staining can help you maintain your results.
Your whitening team can also provide advice on maintaining your results over time.
What should I avoid after teeth whitening?
Following whitening, you may be advised to limit foods and drinks that are likely to cause staining.
These can include:
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Cola and other dark-coloured drinks
- Curry and strongly coloured foods
- Tobacco products
Following your individual aftercare instructions can help you get the most from your whitening treatment.
Can I whiten my teeth while wearing braces?
If you’re currently wearing traditional braces, it’s important to think about the timing of whitening.
Brackets cover parts of the tooth surface. Whitening while brackets are attached can therefore result in uneven colouring because the areas underneath the brackets may not whiten in the same way.
For many orthodontic patients, it may be preferable to wait until braces have been removed before whitening.
If you’re considering whitening during orthodontic treatment, speak with your orthodontist first. We can help you determine the most appropriate timing for your individual treatment.
When is the best time to whiten your teeth?
Many people choose to whiten their teeth before an event or special occasion, such as:
- Weddings
- Birthdays
- Graduations
- Holidays
- Christmas parties
- Professional photographs
- Other special events
If you have a particular date in mind, it’s worth planning ahead. This gives you time to complete your treatment and allow any temporary sensitivity to settle.
Is teeth whitening suitable for everyone?
Teeth whitening isn’t automatically suitable for every person.
Your oral health, the cause of your tooth discolouration, existing dental restorations and your expectations can all influence whether whitening is appropriate.
That’s why we recommend starting with a teeth whitening consultation at Toowong Orthodontics.
Rather than taking a one-size-fits-all approach, we can assess your individual needs, discuss your goals and help tailor the whitening option that’s best suited to you.
If you’re considering professional teeth whitening in Brisbane or would like to find out whether whitening is right for you, contact Toowong Orthodontics to book a whitening consultation.
