How Teeth Become Discoloured
Teeth can become discoloured for a variety of reasons, often stemming from factors related to lifestyle, genetics, and aging. Understanding the causes of teeth discolouration is essential to identify the most effective teeth whitening solutions. Here are some common reasons why teeth become discoloured:
- Food and Drink – consuming certain food and drinks such as coffee, tea and red wine can lead to staining over time. These substances contain chromogens, which adhere to tooth enamel.
- Tobacco Use – smoking or chewing tobacco products exposes teeth to nicotine and tar, leading to significant discolouration and yellowing.
- Poor Oral Hygiene – inadequate brushing and flossing can result in the accumulation of plaque and tartar on teeth, causing them to appear yellow or brown.
- Ageing – as we age, tooth enamel naturally wears down, revealing the yellowish dentin beneath.
- Medications – some medications, such as certain antihistamines, antipsychotics, and high blood pressure drugs, can cause teeth discolouration as a side effect.
- Genetics – genetics can play a role in the thickness and colour of tooth enamel, making some people more susceptible to discolouration.
- Dental Trauma – injury to the teeth can result in internal discolouration due to changes in the tooth’s nerve or blood supply.
The Different Types of Teeth Staining
Teeth staining can be categorised into two main types:
- Extrinsic staining refers to discolouration that occurs on the outer surface of the teeth, primarily on the enamel. It’s this type of staining that’s often caused by external factors, such as dietary choices and lifestyle habits. Extrinsic stains typically appear as surface-level discolouration and are easier to address.
- Intrinsic staining, on the other hand, occurs within the tooth structure, beneath the enamel, affecting the dentin or pulp of the tooth. This type of staining is often linked to factors that affect tooth development or internal changes, such as certain medications or dental trauma. Intrinsic stains tend to be more challenging to remove.
Understanding the underlying causes of tooth discolouration and the type of staining is the first step in addressing the issue. Depending on the specific cause and the extent of discolouration, various teeth whitening treatments and procedures are available to restore a bright and radiant smile.
Why Consider Teeth Whitening?
Whether you want to brighten your smile to improve your appearance, boost your self-confidence or attend a special occasion, teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that offers several benefits:
- Enhanced Self-Confidence – a brighter, whiter smile can boost your self-esteem and confidence, leading to a more positive self-image and improving overall well-being.
- Improved Appearance – whiter teeth can take years off your appearance and make you look more vibrant and attractive.
- Quick and Non-Invasive – teeth whitening is a relatively quick and non-invasive procedure that delivers visible results in a short time.
- Boosted Oral Hygiene – people who undergo teeth whitening often become more conscious of their oral hygiene, leading to better brushing and flossing habits.
- Safe and Effective – professional teeth whitening procedures are safe and monitored by dental professionals, ensuring the best results without damaging the teeth.
- Customisable Options – dentists can tailor teeth whitening treatments to meet individual needs, allowing for personalised results.
- Long-Lasting Effects – while teeth whitening may require occasional touch-ups, the results can last for an extended period with proper care.
- Affordability – teeth whitening is a cost-effective cosmetic dental procedure, making it accessible to a wide range of individuals.
While teeth whitening offers numerous advantages, it’s essential to consult with a dentist to ensure it’s the right option for you. Professional teeth whitening treatments are safer and more effective than over-the-counter products and can be customised to suit your specific needs and goals.
The Teeth Whitening Process
At Sensational Smiles Dental, our teeth whitening process involves two key steps to ensure safe and effective results:
- Initial Consultation – our highly experienced dentist will check for any underlying dental issues, determine the suitability of teeth whitening for your specific case and help you choose the best treatment option for your needs.
- Treatment – we offer both in-chair and personalised take-home whitening kits to give you flexibility in your treatment. Both methods work by applying whitening agents to your teeth to break down stains and discolouration. However, they differ in application:
- In-Chair Teeth Whitening – we use the industry-leading Philips Zoom WhiteSpeed teeth whitening technology, which uses LED light to speed up the whitening process. A whitening gel is combined with the light to create a powerful and controlled whitening effect in a single session.
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- Personalised At-Home Whitening – our take-home teeth whitening kits include custom-fitted trays, effective-strength whitening gels and professional guidance so you can gradually whiten your teeth. You have control over the process but can be assured of the safety and efficacy of your treatment.
How Much Does Teeth Whitening Cost?
The choice between in-chair and take-home teeth whitening depends on individual preferences. In-chair whitening is ideal for those seeking immediate results and professional supervision. Take-home kits, on the other hand, are suitable for those who prefer a more gradual approach, greater control, and budget-friendly options.
At Sensational Smiles Dental, in-chair teeth whitening costs $750 and personalised take-home kits cost $350. However, we also offer a special ‘whitening for life’ deal where you can benefit from in-chair whitening plus a take-home kit and a free whitening gel every six months, all for $950.
Why Choose Sensational Smiles Dental
At Sensational Smiles Dental, we’re passionate about providing high-quality dental treatments and put your comfort and care first and foremost. By coming to us for teeth whitening treatment, you’ll receive the best possible advice and treatment as well as long-lasting results. While teeth whitening isn’t a permanent solution, lasting several months to a few years, we’ll make sure you get the best possible results and will help you maintain your bright smile for as long as possible.
