If you have stained or discoloured teeth, there’s no reason to feel discouraged. Reliable professional teeth whitening solutions can restore your teeth’s sparkle and boost your long-term confidence.
It’s important to remember that many people will experience yellowish or stained teeth as they get older. However, teeth whitening in Annerley can rectify this situation, restoring beautiful teeth and a captivating smile. As professional dentists with over 30 years of experience, we can confirm that teeth whitening is a safe and effective cosmetic dental procedure. Whether choosing the in-office or DIY versions, it can make your teeth sparkle like new.
If you’re considering teeth whitening, we offer insights and guidance to help you make an informed decision. This blog explains how long teeth whitening lasts, enabling you to take charge of your long-term dental health and improve your quality of life.
Tooth Discolouration Explained
As the term suggests, tooth discolouration is when the colour of your teeth changes. Your teeth may appear yellowish, grey, purple, or brown, or form white or dark flecks over time.
The two types of tooth discolouration include:
- Extrinsic: In this scenario, the tooth’s outer surface becomes discoloured due to food or drink stains.
- Intrinsic: Discolouration starts inside the tooth, affecting the dentin (the layer underneath the enamel). Dental trauma and certain medications, such as tetracycline antibiotics and chemotherapy agents, cause this type of tooth discolouration.
What Causes Tooth Discolouration?
Tooth discolouration can occur naturally or with poor lifestyle choices. Common causes include the following:
- Ageing: Thinner tooth enamel comes naturally as one ages. Consequently, a thin enamel exposes dentin, the yellowish layer underneath.
- Genetics: Natural tooth colour and brightness differ among individuals.
- Dental trauma: Falls, accidents, and sports-related injuries can cause trauma leading to tooth discolouration.
- Dental treatments: Silver amalgam for metal fillings can cause your teeth to turn greyish. A root canal can also cause tooth discolouration.
- Health issues: Some health issues, such as liver disease, coeliac disease, calcium deficiencies, and metabolic disorders, can discolour the teeth.
- Medications and cancer treatments: Some high blood pressure medications and chemotherapy/radiation therapy can cause tooth discolouration.
- Food and drinks: Certain foods, such as coffee, tea, berries, and soy sauce, can stain the teeth.
- Smoking: Tooth discolouration is common among smokers and tobacco users.
- Poor oral hygiene: Inconsistent flossing, brushing, and routine cleaning (prophylaxis) can discolour your teeth over time. As a trusted dentist in Annerley, we encourage you to practise consistent oral hygiene to retain your teeth’s natural sparkle.
Teeth Whitening Defined
Teeth whitening is a dental cosmetic procedure that gives the tooth surface a whiter appearance. It’s an effective strategy for tooth discolouration without causing tooth surface damage.
It’s important to note that the effects of teeth whitening aren’t permanent. Although the duration differs among individuals, it can last between several months and three years,
The two types of teeth whitening include:
- Professional teeth whitening: Our dentists take impressions of the teeth to create trays that attach securely to the teeth, similar to the fit of a mouth guard.
Next, we fill the tray with a professional-grade, high-concentration whitening gel. We apply the gel to the patient’s teeth and use LED lights to activate the bleaching agent. A single teeth whitening visit at our dental clinic in Annerley, QLD, usually takes 60 to 90 minutes, making it an efficient and convenient dental cosmetic procedure for individuals with tooth discolouration.
- Home kits/DIY teeth whitening: You can perform teeth whitening yourself using DIY home kits sold at local pharmacies or retail stores. Although these kits are more affordable than professional teeth whitening, they can be acidic and harm your teeth.
The custom trays are often not created by a reputable dental professional, resulting in a poor fit. Worse, the bleaching agent could leak into the mouth and damage your teeth and gums. For this reason, we highly encourage you to consider professional teeth whitening for your peace of mind.
Teeth Whitening Results: How Long Do They Last?
Teeth whitening is a non-permanent dental cosmetic procedure that can last up to three years. Your dental visit can produce results between six months and three years because the whitening gel penetrates deep into your teeth. You can optimise your results by practising consistent oral hygiene (brushing, flossing, and scheduling regular dental check-ups), not smoking, and avoiding or limiting staining foods and drinks, including:
- Coffee.
- Tea.
- Berries.
- Soy sauce.
- Red wine.
- Coloured candies and drinks.
- Sports/energy drinks.
- Dark fruit juices.
- Soft drinks.
- Curry.
On the other hand, at home the effects of teeth whitening kits last only between six and 12 months due to their low-strength whitening agents. Although professional teeth whitening costs more upfront than the DIY version, they deliver longer-lasting results and a higher return on investment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
How long does teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening effects often last between six months and three years, depending on the individual’s preferred technique and lifestyle.
Combining professional teeth whitening and consistent oral hygiene can extend teeth whitening outcomes of up to three years. On the other hand, home teeth whitening kits produce results that last between three and 12 months, depending on the quality of the product.
Does coconut oil whiten your teeth?
Although there has been no strong scientific evidence supporting the teeth whitening benefits of coconut oil, it can minimise plaque and surface stains, causing your teeth to brighten slightly.
Does baking soda whiten teeth?
Baking soda’s coffee and nicotine stain removal properties make it a safe and effective teeth whitening agent, often producing noticeable results within two to six weeks. However, we don’t recommend baking soda for changing natural teeth colour or treating severe teeth discolouration.
Does hydrogen peroxide whiten teeth?
Hydrogen peroxide oxidises stain molecules within the enamel and serves as the main component of many teeth whitening products. The higher hydrogen peroxide concentration we use for our teeth whitening gels in Annerley makes it an effective strategy for removing stubborn nicotine, food, and beverage stains.
Does teeth whitening toothpaste work?
Although teeth whitening toothpaste can remedy nicotine and coffee stains, it isn’t ideal for deep teeth bleaching. These toothpastes can also erode the enamel and make the teeth more sensitive. Consult your local dentist to receive guidance on the appropriate toothpaste for your situation.
Is teeth whitening safe?
Teeth whitening is safe, especially when performed by a highly experienced dentist in Annerley with a proven track record. Our professional-grade whitening gels and experience can prevent enamel damage, gum irritation, and tooth sensitivity. Although at-home teeth whitening products can be safe when used properly, professional dentists can produce safe, longer-lasting results and deliver long-term peace of mind.
Conclusion
Teeth whitening is a safe and effective strategy to correct stained or discoloured teeth. Although the results aren’t permanent, professional teeth whitening in Annerley can last up to three years when combined with consistent oral hygiene habits. Although at-home teeth whitening kits can be convenient, they produce only short-term effects.
Understanding these teeth whitening options allows you to make an informed decision and improve your long-term dental health.
Allow Annerley Dental to brighten your teeth and achieve a radiant smile. Since 1994, we have provided our customers with cost-effective dental solutions that exceed their expectations. Book an appointment today to discuss your options with one of our dental professionals.