Teeth Whitening Demystified

What is teeth whitening?

Teeth whitening refers to the process of lightening the natural colour of your teeth.

There is a common misconception that after having your teeth whitened you will be left with unnaturally brilliant white teeth. Whitening is quite simply the process of lightening the existing shade of your natural teeth, as opposed to a complete teeth colour change.

At Smile Studio our dentists work closely with you to choose the shade that suits you best.

Why would I need to have my teeth whitened?

Teeth tend to become discoloured as we grow older. This discolouration is sometimes as a result of extrinsic staining which is caused by drinks such as tea, coffee and red wine, or habits such as smoking.

Calculus or tartar can also affect the colour of your teeth.

Staining under the surface (intrinsic) of the teeth is sometimes caused by certain antibiotics, fluorosis, some blood disorders, and some birth defects of the teeth.

If you have discoloured teeth visit Smile Studio, where our dentists will identify the cause of discolouration, and determine the best treatment plan for you.

Does it work?

Tooth whitening can be an excellent way to improve the overall appearance of your teeth and smile. Once the procedure is complete you should follow the below tips to ensure your teeth and smile remain your chosen shade of white:

1.  Brush your teeth twice a day;

2. Reduce your intake of teeth staining food and drinks;

3. Visit your dentist at least once every six months, or as often as she/he recommends.

Is the treatment “guaranteed” for a period of time?

Whitened teeth can remain the same shade for up to 3 years, but this varies from person to person. Smoking, drinking a lot of red wine, tea and coffee can stain your teeth and reduce the white effect.

Your dentist may recommend that you use a whitening toothpaste once your teeth have been professionally whitened. This can help with the lasting effect of the whitening procedure.

What is the difference between professional whitening and whitening toothpastes?

Whitening toothpastes can be effective at removing stains, but they cannot change the shade of your teeth.

Is it safe?

While there are DIY teeth whitening kits, teeth should only be whitened by a dentist, a dental hygienist, or a dental therapist. This is because your gums may be sensitive to the chemical used in whitening procedures. If you experience any sensitivity during the process a dental professional can manage this adequately to avoid any damage to your teeth or gums.

There are no permanent side effects associated with teeth whitening. Some patients experience sensitivity to cold after a teeth whitening procedure, mild discomfort in the gums, sore throats, or white patches on the gum line. These symptoms are normally temporary and should disappear within a few days of the treatment. If the aforementioned symptoms persist you should consult your dentist.

Teeth whitening may not be suitable for you if you have gum disease or crowns, dentures, veneers or fillings.

For more information please visit Smile Studio, Yaya Centre, Nairobi or call us on: 020 44 00 62 | 0711 279 035.