Teeth can change colour over time for many reasons. Coffee, tea, red wine, smoking, ageing and some dental conditions may all affect the appearance of tooth colour.
If you are considering teeth whitening in Perth, you may be wondering whether professional whitening is suitable for you and how it differs from products available over the counter.
The answer will depend on the cause of the discolouration, the condition of your teeth and gums, and the type of result you are hoping to achieve.
At Connolly Dental, we recommend assessing your oral health before whitening treatment so that the available options can be discussed based on your individual circumstances.
Why Do Teeth Change Colour?
Not all tooth discolouration is the same.
Some staining occurs on the outer surface of the teeth and may be associated with foods, drinks or smoking. Other colour changes can occur within the tooth itself.
Previous dental trauma, ageing, certain medications and changes within the dental pulp may also affect the colour of one or more teeth.
The cause of the discolouration can influence whether teeth whitening is likely to be an appropriate treatment option.
This is particularly important if one tooth has become noticeably darker than the surrounding teeth, as a clinical assessment may be recommended to investigate the cause.
What Is the Difference Between Professional and Over-the-Counter Teeth Whitening?
A range of teeth whitening products is available in Australia.
The type and concentration of whitening ingredients can vary between products. The way the whitening product is applied and the length of time it remains in contact with the teeth may also differ.
Professional teeth whitening involves an assessment of your teeth and gums before treatment. This can help identify dental conditions that may require attention and determine whether whitening is suitable for you.
Your dentist can also discuss the type of tooth discolouration present and the whitening options that may be considered.
Teeth whitening can cause temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation in some patients. The potential risks, expected limitations and appropriate use of whitening products should be discussed before treatment.
Teeth Whitening Options at Connolly Dental
Depending on your oral health and individual treatment goals, professional teeth whitening options may include in-chair whitening or dentist-supervised take-home whitening.
In-Chair Teeth Whitening
In-chair whitening is performed at the dental practice using a professional whitening system.
At Connolly Dental, Zoom teeth whitening may be offered to suitable patients. Whitening gel is applied to the teeth and used according to the treatment protocol for the whitening system.
The degree of colour change varies between individuals and depends on factors including the original tooth shade and the type of discolouration present.
Temporary sensitivity can occur during or after teeth whitening. Your dentist will discuss this and other relevant considerations with you before treatment.
Custom Take-Home Whitening Trays
Dentist-supervised take-home whitening may be another option.
Digital scans or impressions can be used to create whitening trays designed for your teeth. Whitening gel is then used at home according to the instructions provided by your dental team.
Treatment duration and frequency of use will depend on the whitening product and your individual treatment plan.
It is important to follow the recommended instructions, as inappropriate or excessive use of whitening products may increase the risk of tooth sensitivity or gum irritation.
Will Teeth Whitening Work for Everyone?
Teeth whitening does not produce the same result for every patient.
The outcome can depend on the type of staining, the original shade of the teeth and other individual factors.
Existing dental restorations such as crowns, veneers and composite fillings do not whiten in the same way as natural tooth structure. This may affect the overall appearance of the teeth following whitening treatment.
In some cases, whitening may not be the most appropriate option for managing tooth discolouration. Your dentist can discuss alternative treatment options if clinically indicated.
How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?
The duration of a whitening result varies between individuals.
Dietary habits, smoking, oral hygiene and the original cause of tooth discolouration may all influence how tooth colour changes over time.
Coffee, tea, red wine and other strongly coloured foods and drinks may contribute to further staining.
Some patients may choose to use dentist-supervised maintenance or touch-up whitening following their initial treatment. The appropriate frequency should be discussed with your dental team based on your individual circumstances.
Teeth whitening should not be used more frequently than recommended.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost in Perth?
Teeth whitening costs in Perth can vary depending on the type of whitening treatment provided.
In-chair whitening and custom take-home whitening involve different treatment processes and fees.
At Connolly Dental, the cost of the whitening option being considered will be explained before treatment. Where other dental treatment is recommended, this will be discussed separately as part of your treatment plan.
When comparing teeth whitening costs, it can also be helpful to consider whether a dental assessment, professional supervision and follow-up advice are included as part of the treatment process.
Is Professional Teeth Whitening Worth Considering?
Whether teeth whitening is appropriate for you depends on your oral health, the cause of the discolouration and your individual treatment goals.
For suitable patients, professional teeth whitening may be an option for changing the shade of natural teeth. However, results and treatment experiences vary between individuals.
A dental assessment can help determine whether whitening is suitable and allow you to discuss the available options, potential risks and expected limitations before deciding whether to proceed.
Teeth Whitening in Connolly
If you are considering teeth whitening in Perth or the Connolly area, contact Connolly Dental to arrange an assessment.
Our dental team can assess your teeth and gums, discuss the cause of any discolouration and explain the whitening options that may be appropriate for your individual circumstances.
Call Connolly Dental on (08) 9300 1122 or book an appointment online.
Teeth whitening results vary between individuals. Whitening may cause temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation and is not suitable for everyone. Treatment recommendations are subject to individual clinical assessment.