Teeth Whitening Risks, Results and Costs
Teeth whitening has recently become an incredibly popular option for enhancing your smile. Treatments are quick, non-invasive and affordable. They are an effective way to improve your smile when teeth have become discoloured due to coffee, wine or tobacco consumption. Teeth whitening treatments can be applied using take-home kits. Take-home kits require multiple applications and a few hours of application to work properly. Teeth whitening kits are never a permanent solution to teeth discolouration, but are very effective and will undoubtedly brighten and whiten the shade of the teeth by several degrees. In this article we discuss teeth whitening risks, results and costs.
Teeth Whitening Risks
There are always several teeth whitening risks associated with treatment. Teeth whitening risks become more evident when the dentist’s instructions or instructions on the box are not followed correctly. None of the following risks are life-threatening, but may result in some discomfort to the patient.
Sensitivity
Bleaching can cause a temporary increase in the sensitivity of teeth to temperature, pressure and touch. This is due to the use of a bleaching agent which is present in the teeth whitening solution. Some patients also experience shooting pain down their teeth after teeth whitening. In most cases, increased teeth sensitivity doesn’t last any longer than one or two days. Issues with teeth sensitivity are why Big Smiles Dental does not recommend in-chair teeth whitening treatments. The increased strength of in-chair teeth whitening bleach has historically caused some patients pain, so we only supply take-home kits.
Gum Irritation
Over half of those who invest in teeth whitening treatments experience some form of gum irritation. This can last several days, until the bleaching is stopped or the peroxide concentration is lowered.
Technicolour Teeth
If dental implants or veneers have been installed, they will remain unaffected by the active bleaching ingredient in teeth whitening solutions. This can lead to what is referred to as ‘technicolour teeth’, where some teeth are different shades to others.
Teeth Whitening Results
Prior to commencing treatment, a dentist will ask you what shade of white you would like to bleach your teeth with. Depending on the shade you have chosen, the dentist will recommend a different number of sessions using take home kits.
Maintaining the results of a teeth whitening treatment can be sustained with a few simple behaviours:
- Avoiding dark-coloured foods and beverages for at least a week after whitening.
- Whenever possible, drink dark-coloured beverages through a straw.
- Brushing and flossing teeth after meals and before bed.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
The cost of teeth whitening depends on the treatment option chosen.
- Our take-home kits are very affordable, ranging from $20-$290.
Take-home kits can vary in their efficacy. In most cases, results won’t be evident until two weeks after treatment.
Big Smiles Dental is open for business between 9:00am and 5:30pm Monday, Wednesday and Friday and between 9:00am and 3:00pm on Tuesday and Thursday. Call us today on 02 9921 1799 if you are interested in trying a take-home teeth whitening treatment. Our friendly team will be happy to answer any questions you have when you call before scheduling your appointment.