Teeth whitening is one of the most popular cosmetic dental treatments, providing a rapid, non-invasive, and cost-effective option to improve one’s smile. Whitening (or bleaching) procedures are universally loved by all, and there are options to suit every budget, time, and temperament. Solutions exist, whether in professional one-hour whitening sessions at a dentist facility, cosmetic salon or at-home bleaching kits purchased at your local drugstore.
The majority of people that chooses a teeth whitening treatment notices a modest to a significant increase in the brightness and whiteness. However, this is not a permanent solution to discolouration and would require maintenance or “touch-ups” to provide a long-lasting effect.
How Can You Get Your Teeth Whitened?
Today, three primary tooth whitening treatments are accessible.
In-Office Whitening
The main advantage of in-office whitening is the significant colour change in a short amount of time. However, this approach calls for the careful application of a relatively high-concentration peroxide gel to the teeth by a dentist or skilled technician after the gums have been covered with a paint-on rubber dam. Those with incredibly tenacious stains may be asked to return for further bleaching treatments or to employ a home-use solution.
Professional Take-Home Kits
Many dentists believe that professionally distributed take-home whitening kits will give the finest long-term outcomes. Take-home kits include an easy-to-apply lower-concentration peroxide gel that may be left on the teeth for an hour or sometimes, longer. The smaller the proportion of peroxide, the longer it may safely remain on the teeth. Then, the gel is administered to the teeth using custom-made whitening trays that look like mouth guards.
Over-the-Counter Products
Over-the-counter bleaching is among the cheapest and most convenient alternative for teeth whitening, using a store-bought whitening kit containing a bleaching gel with a lower concentration than professionally delivered take-home whiteners. The gel is applied to the teeth through the use of one-size-fits-all trays, strips, or paint-on applicators. Unlike custom trays, which can whiten the entire smile, this may only whiten a few front teeth in many cases.
What Are the Risks of Whitening?
When protocols are followed precisely, teeth whitening treatments are deemed safe. However, there are several hazards to bleaching that you should be aware of:
- Sensitivity. Whitening might temporarily enhance your sensitivity to warmth, pressure, and touch. This is more likely to happen when a greater bleach concentration is applied during in-office whitening. Some people get sudden shooting pains (“zingers”) along the centre of their front teeth.
- Gum discomfort. More than half of people who use peroxide whiteners develop gum irritation due to bleach concentration or contact with the trays. Such discomfort can remain for several days after bleaching is stopped or the peroxide content is reduced.
- Technicolour teeth. Other procedures such as dental crowns, bonding, or veneers are not affected by bleach and hence retain their original colour while the surrounding teeth are whitened. This results in what is commonly referred to as “technicolour teeth.”
How Do I Maintain My Results?
Dentists are likely to prescribe the following to extend the life of freshly whitened teeth:
- You can do at-home follow-up or maintenance whitening immediately or as seldom as once in a year.
- Avoid dark-coloured meals and beverages for at least a week following whitening treatment.
- When feasible, sip dark-coloured liquids with a straw.
- Brush and floss after meals and sleeping.
What Are the Costs of Teeth Whitening in Singapore?
The costs of teeth whitening can vary depending on the procedure. In-office teeth whitening can cost between $800 to $1300 in Singapore. This is frequently accomplished in a single session. Prices for a take-home whitening prescription kit from your dentist range from $400 to $600.