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Your Complete Teeth Whitening Handbook: Top 3 Whitening Methods, Aftercare Tips, And More!
Are you tired of hiding your smile because of stained or discoloured teeth? Teeth whitening can be a solution to this common problem that many people face.
Despite brushing and flossing regularly, teeth stains can still happen due to various factors such as food, drinks, and smoking. It can be frustrating to deal with stained teeth and can affect one's confidence.
In this guide, we will explore the differences between Home Kits vs Aesthetic Salons vs Dental Clinics, the reasons why your teeth stain, and some tips to help you achieve a brighter, more confident smile.
Stained Teeth Is More Common Than You Think
The average Singapore teeth from what we've seen are slightly yellow. And the most common reason for teeth discolouration in Singapore? Drinking coffee daily. So... If you must, grab your coffee and dive into the article!
So, if you’d ever thought about teeth whitening, you’re in the right place. In this article we’ll talk about Take Home Whitening kits, Aesthetic Salons, Dental clinics, teeth stains, and more!
What Causes Teeth Stains
Teeth stains are a common problem that can affect anyone regardless of age and gender. Stains can be caused by a variety of factors such as lifestyle habits, food and drinks, and even certain medications.
While they may not be harmful, yellow or discoloured teeth can be unsightly and affect one's self-confidence. In this guide, we will explore the causes of teeth stains and the different teeth whitening options available to help you achieve a brighter, more confident smile.
Generally, teeth stains are classified into two: Intrinsic stains and Extrinsic Stains
1. Intrinsic Stains
Intrinsic stains are a type of teeth discoloration that occurs from within the tooth, usually as a result of trauma, certain medications, or excessive fluoride use during tooth development. These stains can be more difficult to remove compared to extrinsic stains, which are caused by external factors like food and drink.
Intrinsic stains are also caused by various factors, such as medications, ageing, certain illnesses, faulty restorations (fillings), too much fluoride as a child, injuries to the teeth. Intrinsic stains are linked with the dentin layer of your teeth, which is directly beneath the hard enamel layer. These stains on the teeth' enamel layer are more difficult to remove as compared to Extrinsic stains. Some treatments for Intrinsic stains would be in office teeth whitening, home tray based whitening treatment, whitening strips, and veneers.
2. Extrinsic Stains
Extrinsic stains are the most common type of teeth discoloration. As the name implies, they are caused by external factors such as smoking, or drinking and consuming pigmented foods. These stains affect the outer layer of the tooth and can often be removed with teeth whitening treatments.
If you drink coffee, tea, soda, or red wine on a daily basis, you're probably more prone to these stains than someone who sticks to water.
Using tobacco products and eating certain brightly coloured meals such as blueberries, beets, curries, and tomato-based sauces can also stain your teeth. Scaling and polishing with your dentist or at-home whitening treatments may help remove these external marks from your teeth.
3 Most Common Methods For Teeth Whitening
1. At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits ($33 - $150)
At-home teeth whitening kits are products that are designed to help people whiten their teeth in the comfort of their own home. These kits usually include a whitening gel or strip that contains hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which are active ingredients that break down the stains on the teeth.
At-home kits are a convenient option for those who want to whiten their teeth but may not have the time or money to visit a dentist for professional teeth whitening treatments.
However, it's important to note that at-home kits may not be as effective as professional treatments and should be used with caution to avoid damaging the teeth or gums.
Teeth Whitening Kit
Mouth guards are commonly included in at-home teeth whitening kits to help protect the gums from the whitening solution.
The mouth guard is placed over the teeth and filled with the whitening gel, which is then left on for a specified amount of time. The mouth guard ensures that the gel remains in place and does not come into contact with the gums, which can cause irritation or sensitivity.
It also helps to evenly distribute the gel over the teeth for a more consistent result. Many at-home teeth whitening kits come with a moldable mouth guard that can be customised to fit the individual's teeth for maximum comfort and effectiveness.
Teeth Whitening Strips
Teeth whitening strips are a highly popular type of at-home whitening since they're inexpensive, simple to use, and effective.
They are a staple of at-home teeth whitening kits. These thin, flexible plastic strips are coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel, and are applied to the teeth for a specified amount of time.
While they can be effective at removing extrinsic stains, it's important to follow the instructions carefully to avoid any potential harm to the teeth or gums. Misuse of teeth whitening strips can lead to tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, and even enamel damage.
It's important to consult with a dental professional before using any at-home teeth whitening kit to ensure it's safe and appropriate for your individual needs.
With correct usage, the peroxide-based solution penetrates your enamel when you apply the gel side of these plastic strips to your teeth, producing results that can last up to several months.
Teeth Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste is a popular option for people who want to remove surface stains from their teeth. One of the main benefits of whitening toothpaste is that it's an easy and convenient way to whiten your teeth, and it can be used at home. Additionally, whitening toothpaste is usually less expensive than other teeth whitening options.
However, it's important to note that whitening toothpaste may not be effective for more stubborn or deep-set stains. Additionally, it may take several weeks or even months of regular use to see noticeable results.
Another potential downside of using whitening toothpaste is that it can be abrasive, which can cause tooth sensitivity or even damage to the enamel if used too frequently or aggressively.
When it comes to stain removal, the most important abrasives include hydrated silica, perlite, and alumina, according to a 2019 study of contemporary tooth whitening ideas in the Dentistry Journal.
However, you must select a toothpaste with the correct level of abrasives. A toothpaste with a higher degree of abrasiveness might harm your enamel over time. While this is a tradeoff for less abrasion on your teeth and a greater chance of staining, exposing the inner layer of dentin would be more damaging.
2. Aesthetic Teeth Whitening At Beauty Salons ($69 - $200)
Most spas apply the non-peroxide gel (whitening gel) on the teeth, then use LED light to whiten them. They also often state that a single visit, which might range from 30 minutes to an hour in length, is capable of making your teeth up to eight shades lighter.
Because these procedures are significantly less expensive than those provided by dental clinics, with some costing as little as $100 each session, they are still a popular choice among individuals seeking for whitening teeth in Singapore.
The effectiveness of beauty salon treatments, on the other hand, isn't always certain. Neither is the safety or suitability of the sessions by dental clinics, which are led by non-medically trained therapists and aestheticians.
LED Teeth Whitening Treatments
The acronym LED stands for Light Emitting Diode. It's a form of illumination that activates teeth whitening chemicals. The whitening gel solution is applied with a mouth tray that fits over your front teeth. The whitening solution is activated by an LED light.
These LED whitening systems are available at shops and dentists' offices for personal usage. You may also choose to have your dental professionals perform LED treatments on you. The treatment machines that come with or from your dentist's office are more durable. Many vials of a whitening substance, applicators, mouth trays, and LED lights are included in the system.
Kosme Aesthetics
Here's our teeth whitening cost: $250 for a 60-minute treatment of whitening teeth. We use a non-hydrogen peroxide gel (great for teeth sensitivity) combined with LED blue wavelength light to lighten the teeth.
What sets us apart is that we're extremely focused on delivering a pleasant experience because of our mission. We exist to make hard-selling and big packages a thing of the past. Because we don't sell packages or hard-sell, you can rest assured that you can fully relax during your treatments instead of being locked in the room and sold to.
3. Dental Teeth Whitening Treatment ($778 - $1300)
Dentists are naturally going to be the go-to experts when it comes to teeth whitening in Singapore. In-office teeth whitening procedures usually use hydrogen peroxide which is a common bleaching agent. If you've poor dental hygiene, it might cost a lot more as dentists usually only perform teeth whitening procedures on healthy teeth.
The treatments involve the use of high concentrations of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gels that are applied directly to the teeth. The gel is activated with a special light that accelerates the whitening process.
Dental teeth whitening treatments are fast and can produce significant results in just one session. However, they can be expensive and may cause tooth sensitivity and gum irritation. It is important to consult with a dentist before undergoing any dental teeth whitening treatment.
If you choose the right certified dentist, they'll be able to recommend treatments for sensitive teeth as well. If you have the budget for it, in-office teeth whitening is definitely the top option to whiten teeth among the many whitening procedures.
Is It Worth It To Get Your Teeth Professionally Whitened?
For most people, yes. A take home whitening kit works but is harder to use and slower. If you have good oral hygiene, LED whitening at the $100-$300 mark with beauty salons is a good in-between. And if you have a few extra hundred bucks to splurge on looking pretty, definitely do consider in-office whitening.
All in all, it depends on your objective and how important it is to you to have a brighter smile!
Smiling at you brightly, Kosme Aesthetics - we exist to make hard-selling and big packages a thing of the past.
Do’s And Don'ts After Getting Your Teeth Whitened
After investing time and money into a teeth whitening treatment, it's crucial to follow the aftercare instructions to ensure that the results last as long as possible. It's important to remember that your teeth are still vulnerable after a whitening treatment and need time to recover. Here are some do's and don'ts to follow after having your teeth whitened:
DOs:
- Brush and floss your teeth regularly to maintain good oral hygiene.
- Drink plenty of water to keep your mouth hydrated.
- Eat a healthy diet of non-staining foods.
- Use a straw when drinking coloured beverages to avoid contact with your teeth.
- Continue to use a whitening toothpaste to maintain the results.
DON'Ts:
- Smoke or use any tobacco products.
- Consume dark-coloured foods or drinks such as coffee, tea, red wine, or soda for at least 48 hours after the treatment.
- Use any mouthwash that contains alcohol as it can cause sensitivity.
- Chew gum or eat any sticky foods that can pull off the whitening agents.
- Use any at-home whitening kits without consulting your dentist first.
It's important to remember that these guidelines will help maximise the results of your teeth whitening treatment and keep your teeth healthy and bright for as long as possible.
Conclusion On The Best Teeth Whitening In Singapore
Teeth stains are a normal part of life and can be caused by various factors such as diet, age, and lifestyle habits.
Thankfully, there are many options available to whiten your teeth and restore your smile's brightness. Teeth whitening can boost your confidence and self-esteem, making you feel more attractive and self-assured.
However, it is essential to follow the aftercare guidelines provided by your dentist or teeth whitening professional to avoid any adverse side effects. Remember, a little extra care can go a long way in maintaining your pearly whites' shine and preventing future discoloration.
So why not treat yourself to a brighter, more radiant smile today?
Frequently Asked Questions
What LED Light Is Best For Teeth Whitening?
How Much Would It Cost To Whiten Your Teeth?
How Can I Whiten My Teeth In Singapore?
How Much Does It Cost To Get Your Teeth Whitened?
Is It Worth Getting Teeth Whitened?
Does Polyclinic Do Teeth Whitening?
Do LEDs Work For Teeth Whitening?
How Long Do LED Teeth Whitening Last?
Does UV LED Whiten Teeth?
Is Laser Whitening Good For Your Teeth?
Is Laser Whitening Better Than Bleaching?
How Long Do Teeth Stay White After Laser Whitening?
What Is Better Laser Or LED Teeth Whitening?
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