Teeth Whitening

Tooth staining can be extrinsic, meaning the staining is through exposure to external factors. These include various foodsin-chairnks, poor oral hygiene (as dental plaque can discolour the teeth) and tobacco use. Alternatively, staining can be intrinsic, meaning it starts inside your tooth through dental trauma or certain medications. However, it’s important to note that some teeth are yellower than others — we are all different.

Both in-chair and at-home teeth whitening have their merits. Choosing which is better is more about what is better for you. In-chair teeth whitening is faster but costs a little more and requires visiting the dental clinic. At-home teeth whitening is just as effective but takes a little longer and requires that you wear a tray for several hours at a time.

Teeth whitening typically lasts for up to 2 years. You’ll have more chance of your teeth stay whiter for longer if you avoid smoking and eating and drinking foods and drinks that stain teeth, such as tea, coffee and beetroot.

Tooth whitening is not suitable for everyone. For example, whitening teeth is not recommended if you have gum disease or other dental health problems such as tooth decay. Damaged or injured teeth should also not be whitened. If you have a partial denture, dental crown or feeling, be aware that tooth bleaching is not a good option as these materials will not whiten.

If your teeth are whitened by a dentist, professional teeth whitening does not harm enamel. However, you may not be a good candidate for professional teeth whitening if you have very thin enamel. NB: We strictly do not recommend buying teeth whitening kits over-the-counter or through the Internet, as many of these products can irreversibly damage the enamel of your teeth.

Typically, at-home teeth whitening takes a little longer than in-chair whitening. However, you’ll notice the effects of at-home teeth whitening almost immediately, with even more noticeable effects visible within 2 to 4 weeks.

Yes. Tooth bleaching is simply another name for tooth or teeth whitening.

Teeth whitening can dramatically lighten the shade of your teeth. However, it does not last forever. Your teeth will remain white for 6 to 12 months and possibly longer if you take good care of your teeth and avoid foods and drinks notorious for staining, such as curry, soy sauce, tomato sauce, red wine and coffee.

We strictly advise you not to use charcoal to whiten your teeth. While there are many claims on the Internet that charcoal removes stains from coffee, tea and wine, there is no scientific evidence to back this. Importantly, charcoal can permanently damage the enamel of the teeth, making them appear more discoloured.