Is Teeth Whitening Right for You? Ask These Questions First 

Are you thinking about whitening your teeth? Before you start, make sure you’re asking the right questions. Many people see results from in-chair whitening or home kits, but the process isn’t the same for everyone. 

In this article, we will discuss what teeth whitening involves, what results you can expect, and whether it’s the right option for you. These are some of the most common questions people ask on Google before whitening their teeth. 

Always speak to your dentist before using any whitening product, even those bought from a chemist. They can assess your teeth, explain what to expect, and help you avoid any complications. What works for someone else may not work for you. 

What is Causing My Tooth’s Discolouration? 

Not all stains respond to whitening in the same way. It’s important to know what’s causing your tooth discolouration before you start treatment. Has it come from food and drink, smoking, medication, ageing, or something else? Each cause responds differently. 

Yellow stains tend to respond best to whitening, while grey, brown, or black discolouration might not improve as much. If your staining is due to foods like coffee, red wine, or berries, or habits like smoking, your dentist might suggest cutting back on these to help maintain the results. 

In some cases, the discolouration may be caused by an underlying dental problem. If so, that condition should be treated before considering whitening. Whitening a tooth that has decay or damage could lead to pain or uneven results. 

Is Teeth Whitening Treatment Safe? 

Teeth whitening is generally safe when supervised by a qualified dental professional. That said, it isn’t risk-free. In Australia, over-the-counter whitening products are limited to a maximum of 6% hydrogen peroxide or 18% carbamide peroxide. These limits help reduce the risk of harm. 

Higher concentrations of whitening chemicals are only legal for use by registered dental practitioners. Using a strong product without supervision could lead to chemical burns or long-term damage to your teeth or gums. 

Even at lower levels, misuse can irritate your mouth or gums. That’s why a professional consultation is so important. Your dentist can guide you toward safe and effective options. 

What are the Side Effects of Teeth Whitening? 

The most common side effect is increased tooth sensitivity, especially to cold or hot foods and drinks. This usually fades within a few days after treatment. Your dentist may suggest using special toothpaste or products to reduce sensitivity during and after the process. 

Other side effects can include gum irritation or soft tissue damage. These happen when the whitening gel touches parts of your mouth it shouldn’t. If whitening trays don’t fit well or gel is applied carelessly, you could end up with burns or sore spots. 

Whitening treatments should not be used by pregnant or breastfeeding women. Some of the chemicals may enter the bloodstream and pass into the placenta or breast milk. It’s best to delay cosmetic treatments until after pregnancy and nursing. 

How White Will My Teeth Get? 

Results vary from person to person. Whitening can improve your tooth colour by several shades, but heavily stained teeth may not respond as dramatically. Lighter starting shades typically show better outcomes. 

Your dentist can show you a shade guide before treatment to help you set realistic expectations. They may also take before and after photos so you can see the difference more clearly. 

Remember that whitening improves your natural tooth colour. It won’t make your teeth paper-white unless they started out quite light to begin with. 

How Soon Before My Big Event Can I Get My Teeth Whitened? 

Got a wedding or big event coming up? Plan ahead. Whitening toothpaste may take four weeks to show visible changes. Home gel kits usually take around two weeks. In-chair whitening treatments at the dental clinic often show immediate results, sometimes in just one visit. 

Even if you’re choosing a quick method, don’t leave it until the last minute. Whitening can cause temporary sensitivity, and you may want a top-up for the best results. Give yourself enough time to see how your teeth react and to let any sensitivity settle. 

How Long Will It Last? 

Teeth whitening doesn’t last forever. The results can last anywhere from six months to two years, depending on your lifestyle and the type of whitening used. Drinking lots of tea, coffee, or red wine, or smoking, will reduce how long the whiteness lasts. 

To keep your smile bright for longer, avoid or reduce staining habits. Brush and floss daily, rinse your mouth after eating, and use a straw for drinks that can stain your teeth. 

Touch-up treatments can help maintain results. These might involve using a whitening toothpaste or repeating a gel treatment every few months. Ask your dentist about a maintenance plan. 

Will Whitening Work on Crowns or Veneers? 

Whitening gels only work on natural tooth enamel. They don’t change the colour of crowns, veneers, fillings, or dental bridges. These materials can sometimes be polished or cleaned, but they won’t whiten like natural teeth. 

If your restorations were matched to a darker tooth shade, whitening your natural teeth might make them look mismatched. This is something to consider before starting treatment. 

Your dentist can discuss whether you’ll need to replace any existing dental work after whitening to keep your smile looking even and natural. 

Can I Get My Teeth Whitened if I Have Braces? 

Whitening while wearing braces is possible, but it’s complicated. Most dentists recommend waiting until your braces are removed. Whitening around brackets can leave uneven results, with lighter areas visible once the braces come off. 

If you’re determined to whiten while wearing braces, special trays can be made to avoid the brackets. In-chair whitening can also be adjusted, but the bleach won’t reach areas covered by the metal or ceramic. 

Once your braces are removed, the enamel underneath might appear darker than the rest of your teeth. A follow-up whitening session can help even things out. 

Is Teeth Whitening Right for Me? 

Not everyone is a good candidate for whitening. If you have active decay, gum disease, cracked teeth, or very sensitive teeth, you’ll need to address these issues first. 

Children under 18 and pregnant women are usually advised against whitening. People with certain health conditions may also need to avoid it. 

The only way to know for sure is by seeing your dentist. They’ll examine your teeth, ask about your goals, and let you know if whitening is suitable. In some cases, other cosmetic options might be better. 

Teeth whitening isn’t a one-size-fits-all solution. The more informed you are, the better your results will be. Always get professional advice before starting any whitening treatment. 

Cosmetic Treatment Options  

There are often multiple options for improving the aesthetics and health of a smile with teeth whitening just being one type of treatment. 

There’s a lot to consider when deciding which treatment option is right for you. It’s best to speak to your prosthodontist about the pros and cons of each one. Not every dentist or specialist will recommend the same treatment, so it’s ideal to see a prosthodontist for a second opinion before commencing any treatment. A second opinion can save you time and money and help you achieve your goal.  

For more information on all our treatments for cosmetic dentistry click here. If you have any queries about mouth restorations, prosthodontics or require a second opinion, call us on (08) 9321 1632 or book an appointment.