Teeth Whitening for Yellow Teeth
Think you may have yellow teeth? Teeth whitening or teeth bleaching is a professional dental procedure used to lighten the shade of teeth in order to help one achieve a bright and white smile. The most commonly used professional tooth whitening agents are peroxide-based, which are well documented and safe to use.
When Do I Need Teeth Whitening
There are a few common reasons people may consider teeth whitening. Some of these reasons include:
1. Stained teeth:
Foods and drinks (e.g. coffee, tea, and red wine) as well as smoking habits can cause teeth to become stained and yellow over time.
2. Darkened teeth:
With increasing age, there is a natural increase in the volume of yellow dentine in teeth over time, leading to teeth taking on a more yellow appearance. Teeth which have undergone root canal treatment or which have suffered trauma can also darken over time.
3. Grey, yellow, brown or white spots or bands on teeth:
Tooth discolouration can occur due to disruptions to the natural development of teeth caused by genetic and environmental factors, illnesses or medications taken in childhood.
Teeth Whitening Options in Singapore
During the initial consultation, the dentist will listen to your specific concerns about your yellow teeth and examine your oral condition to determine whether tooth whitening is a suitable treatment option for you. There are two main types of professional tooth whitening in Singapore.
1. Chairside Teeth Whitening
Chairside whitening is a convenient and efficient process performed in the dental office, usually lasting around an hour. Your dentist will protect your soft tissues and apply a high-strength whitening gel to your teeth for 15-20 minutes. The cycle can be repeated for optimal results. You’ll leave the office with a noticeably whiter smile, making this method ideal for those seeking immediate improvement.
2. At-Home Teeth Whitening
During your dental visit, precise moulds or a digital scan will be taken to create custom bleaching trays. On your next visit, your dentist will provide you with the trays and provide detailed instructions for whitening your teeth at home. These trays are to be worn for about an hour with a soft whitening gel daily. Results are usually visible within a week. Compared to chairside whitening, at-home whitening is a more affordable option, especially where multiple whitening sessions may be required to attain your desired results.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Enhances Your Smile
- Removes stains and discolouration from yellow teeth
- A cosmetic improvement that boosts confidence
- Helps you make a great first impression in both personal and professional settings
Quick and Effective Results
- Professional teeth whitening treatments in Singapore can achieve significant whitening in just one session
- Experience a noticeably brighter smile without the long wait
Long-lasting Effects
- Teeth whitening can offer long-lasting results when combined with good oral hygiene practices
- Motivates improved oral hygiene practices
Dos and Don’ts After Teeth Whitening
Dos
- Continue with your regular brushing and flossing routine
- Rinse your mouth with water after consuming staining foods or drinks
- Use a straw when drinking beverages that could stain your teeth
- Have regular checkups with your dentist
Don’ts
- Avoid consuming foods and drinks with strong pigments like curry, red wine, etc.that can cause staining
- Don’t smoke
- Avoid using toothpaste with abrasive ingredients
- Don’t skip follow-up appointments with your dentist
Potential Risks and Side Effects of Teeth Whitening
Tooth Sensitivity:
You may experience discomfort with hot or cold foods and drinks. If you’re undergoing whitening treatment in Singapore, it’s important to choose a product or procedure recommended by your dentist to minimise this risk.
Gum Irritation:
Improper application of teeth whitening products can cause irritation or burns to your gums.
Damage to Enamel:
Overuse of whitening products or those with high concentrations of bleach can potentially damage your enamel. This may increase your risk of cavities and sensitivity.
Temporary Results:
Factors such as diet and lifestyle can cause the whiteness of your teeth to diminish over time. To maintain a bright smile and prevent yellow teeth, you may need periodic touch-ups or follow-up treatments.
Frequently Asked Questions
Professional tooth whitening is very effective in lifting stains on yellow teeth, resulting in a brighter and whiter smile. However, severe cases of tooth discolouration may additionally benefit from cosmetic procedures such as veneers or ICON resin infiltration in order to attain the best aesthetic results.
Results from professional tooth whitening can last from a few months to 3 years. This varies between individuals and very much depends on lifestyle habits. For example, regular consumption of tea, coffee or red wine will likely cause the return of yellow teeth more quickly due to their staining effect.
Increased tooth sensitivity is the most common side effect of teeth whitening and usually improves within 48h of the last whitening session. Your dentist can provide desensitising agents and advise on painkillers if required to manage any discomfort. Irritation to the gums can also occur but is typically mild and temporary. It is important to note that tooth whitening does not whiten any existing dental work so old fillings and crowns may not match the new shade of the lightened teeth.
Over-the-counter products are generally limited to only contain a certain concentration of active whitening ingredients. As a result, some products do not contain enough whitening ingredients to be effective. It can take a very long time before any visible results are seen. Whitening toothpastes contain abrasive particles that remove superficial stains and can give short-term results. However, prolonged use can abrade the enamel layer of teeth. This can cause tooth wear, exacerbating the appearance of already yellow teeth and making them more prone to stains.
Teeth whitening treatments can cause some sensitivity, particularly if you have sensitive teeth. While most people experience only mild sensitivity, it’s important to choose a reputable dental clinic in Singapore who can offer customised solutions to minimise discomfort.
The results of teeth whitening can vary based on factors such as diet, oral hygiene, and lifestyle. On average, the effects can last from 6 months to 2 years. To maintain your bright smile and prevent yellow teeth, follow good oral care practices and consider periodic touch-ups as recommended by your dentist in Singapore.
Yes, it is possible to whiten a single tooth if it is discoloured or darker than the surrounding teeth. Consult with your dentist to determine the best approach for achieving a uniform appearance and addressing specific whitening needs.
