What Results Can Be Achieved with Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dentistry treatment in Australia, helping people from all walks of life to cover up teeth stains and restore faded smiles. But, like all dental treatments, whitening isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. Results can vary from person to person, depending on factors such as:
- the type of stains or discolouration you have
- the quality of the whitening treatment
- whether the treatment is provided by a dentist or done at home
- the size and mineral composition of your teeth
Read more about what to expect from your teeth whitening treatment below or book a consultation with our Mosman dentists to discuss your options today.
What can teeth whitening fix?
Generally, chemical teeth bleaching treatments can remove surface stains and deeper stains left on teeth by contact with food and drink or tobacco products. If your teeth have yellow or brown stains, whitening will usually be an option.
If your teeth have turned dark or grey, this discolouration may be due to trauma or a side effect of medications. Chemical whitening treatments are not usually effective in these cases. Whitening also only works on natural enamel, so it can’t be used to whiten fillings, other restorations or prosthetic teeth.
If whitening isn’t an option for you, your dentist can discuss alternative cosmetic treatments, including:
Professional teeth whitening results
For the most dramatic results for your smile, in-chair whitening provided by a dentist can whiten teeth by 7–8 shades on average, and the process usually takes just over an hour. This is because dentists are qualified to use whitening gels at a stronger concentration than those available to the public.
Some smiles can be made 10–15 times whiter, though this is less common. Your dentist will aim for a natural-looking smile that complements your features, keeping in mind that most smiles are naturally off-white rather than pure white.
Home teeth whitening results
Results from home whitening kits and products are generally subtler and take longer to achieve than professional treatments, but it’s possible to whiten teeth by several shades when using a personalised kit provided by your dentist.
Over-the-counter whitening products, such as gels, strips and toothpastes, may whiten teeth by 1–2 shades over several weeks or months, but only when used correctly. Improper use of whitening products may damage your teeth or produce uneven results, so it’s important to talk to a dentist for advice before getting started.
How long will my white smile last?
Teeth whitening isn’t a permanent treatment, and may last from a few months to a few years. This depends on the type of treatment and how well you take care of your teeth. To help your smile stay whiter for longer:
- Brush twice a day using fluoride toothpaste and floss daily
- Avoid staining food and drink and foods high in sugar
- Don’t smoke
- Use a smile maintenance kit provided by your dentist or schedule a top-up treatment
Transform your smile today
If you want to cover up stains or enhance your teeth’s natural whiteness, book a consultation with our experienced cosmetic dentists at Mosman 3D Dental. Call us on (02) 9969 8610 or book online so we can help you to smile with confidence.