Teeth whitening is all the trend these days and the demand just keeps growing for this cosmetic procedure. Amidst all the different brands and methods out there, we are here to clear up the fog and provide you with a straightforward guide on how to make your teeth whiter and on what to expect in terms of cost of teeth whitening.
When considering teeth whitening treatment, it's also important to be aware of potential side effects, the length of time it takes to see results and the methods used. Whether you're seeking a quick touch-up or a comprehensive whitening plan, we've got all the information you need to make an informed choice about your oral health and achieve that white smile you've always wanted!
Natural healthy teeth often have a hint of yellow so it is normal for them not to appear pearly white. But several factors can give rise to tooth discolouration, contributing to intrinsic and extrinsic stains.
Diet is a big factor. Regularly consuming coloured foods and drinks like coffee, tea and red wine can lead to darker teeth as these substances deposit pigments on them.
Loss of enamel can also cause yellowing. The outer layer of natural teeth, known as enamel, is translucent while the inner layer dentin, is typically pale yellow. As we age, enamel wears down to reveal more of the yellow dentin. Consuming acidic foods and drinks can also erode the enamel faster, making teeth look yellower.
This includes smoking or chewing tobacco. Nicotine and tar from these products can lead to stained teeth.
Genetics is also a factor. Some people are just born with teeth that are more yellow than others.
Tooth injuries and certain medications such as certain antibiotics and antihistamines might cause teeth stains. However, these types of intrinsic stains might not be removed with teeth whitening. If medications are the cause, it is advisable to consult your dentist for personalised advise.
All types of teeth whitening help to lighten tooth colour by using active ingredients such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Click here to read how these bleaching agents work.
However, the effects of teeth whitening are not permanent— it can last from a few months up to 3 years. Nevertheless, you can prolong their longevity by maintaining good oral hygiene, avoiding the factors listed above that make the teeth yellower, to give you a confident smile.
Teeth whitening can be achieved in a variety of ways. For example, whitening strips are a popular choice for many, as they are easy to apply and can activate the whitening process quickly. Another way is to use a whitening toothpaste but whichever method you choose, following the instructions carefully is essential to minimise any adverse effects, such as teeth sensitivity.
The most effective teeth whitening method for a brighter smile is professional teeth whitening at a dental clinic. Additionally, it is important to start with a healthy mouth to get effective results. It is recommended to get dental procedures done to treat existing dental issues like tooth decay and gum disease before starting any whitening treatment. This is because:
Whitening products can sometimes cause teeth sensitivity or irritation and these effects can be exacerbated if there are existing dental problems.
It give the whitening agents a clean surface to work on. Plaque and tartar buildup can interfere with the whitening process, leading to uneven whitening where some areas of the teeth enamel lighten more than others.
This is why at Dental Designs, our teeth whitening options for teeth discolouration under our WHITEN+ programme start with a full dental scaling & polishing, followed by airflow prophyjet stain removal to maintain your dental hygiene. This allows us to remove extrinsic stains on your teeth and prepare for whiter teeth and a bright smile. Listed below are the in-office treatments as well as take-home kits we offer.
| WHITEN+ Copper | WHITEN+ Silver | WHITEN+ Gold | WHITEN+ Diamond |
|---|---|---|---|
|
|
|
|
| This package is great for giving your teeth a quick colour boost during your regular cleaning. It’s an easy way to keep your smile bright with minimal effort. You can easily add it to your routine 3-6 month cleanings. | This comes with a take-home kit that includes custom-made trays for even whitening. Just wear them daily for two weeks to get the best results. It’s a convenient way to manage your whitening right at home. | This professional teeth whitening package uses a high concentration gel to tackle deep stains. It also comes with a gingival barrier and fluoride gel to help with tooth sensitivity. It’s perfect if you want to see noticeable results quickly. | This option combines an in-office teeth whitening and a take-home kit that includes custom-made trays for best results and ongoing maintenance. It’s great for tackling deep stains and achieving serious whitening goals. |
| $327 | $817.50 | $1,199 | $1,580 |
*Prices are inclusive of 9% GST
*These are teeth whitening packages available at Dental Designs Clinic for the year 2024. For updated pricings, please leave us a message here.
This is an essential step that is included for all our packages. It aims to prepare your teeth for whitening by ensuring they are clean and free of surface stains. Full dental scaling and polishing involves removing plaque and tartar buildup from teeth. Airflow prophyjet stain removal is then performed to remove any remaining stubborn teeth stains. Together, these professional treatments create ideal tooth surfaces for whitening, ensuring effective and uniform results.
After your teeth are cleaned, the next step is to apply the whitening gel. We use professional teeth whitening gel that adheres to HSA standards in Singapore. The whitening gel works by breaking down extrinsic stains and intrinsic stains to effectively lighten your teeth. It is carefully applied to each tooth enamel to ensure even coverage after which, a blue light/LED teeth whitening lamp is used to hasten the whitening process.
Click here to read about how blue LED light works during teeth whitening.
For WHITEN+ Gold and Diamond, a high strength whitening gel will be used over multiple cycles. Hence during the whitening process, we use a protective gingival barrier to shield your gums from the whitening agents, preventing irritation and discomfort. After the treatment, we apply a topical fluoride gel onto your teeth to help strengthen them and minimise any tooth sensitivity. This combination ensures that your gums are protected and your teeth remain strong and resistant to any type of stain.
To extend and maintain your whitening results, we provide a Take-Home Teeth Whitening Kit that includes customised trays. They are fabricated in our in-house dental lab which significantly reduces the turnaround time. These whitening trays fit your teeth snugly, ensuring that the whitening gel is evenly distributed and does not leak onto your gums, hence preventing gum irritation. You can use this kit at home to continue the whitening process to maintain and enhance the effects of in-office procedures.
It's important to consider a few key factors about teeth whitening before you head to the dental offices. It is a good idea to talk to your dentist so that they will be able to come up with a treatment plan and help to decide on the most suitable one for your oral health.
Think about the type of whitening results you want. Do you have sensitive teeth? We tailor our recommendations based on whether you want a subtle enhancement or a dramatic whitening.
Consider how much you’re willing to spend on the professional whitening treatment. We understand that budget is a key factor so we provide a range of options to fit different financial situations. This ensures you achieve a brighter smile without having to stretch your budget.
Are you looking for quick results for an upcoming occasion? Or do you need gradual whitening for an important event a few weeks away?
Think about how often you can commit to the whitening process. For example, in-office whitening treatments are completed in a single visit at a dental clinic while take-home whitening trays means you need to remember to apply them regularly for two weeks straight!
Understanding how long teeth whitening takes and the side effects will help you decide the best treatment for your smile. Dental treatments like teeth whitening is a great way to get white teeth enamel and boost your confidence. Whether you choose a basic package for in-office teeth whitening option like WHITEN+ Copper or go for the comprehensive WHITEN+ Diamond, there’s an option for everyone. Be sure to consult with your professional dentists to choose the best in-office treatment options for tooth whitening.
We also provide other dental services such as dental veneers/porcelain veneers to mask any intrinsic staining as well as extrinsic staining.
Ready to find out if you are a suitable candidate for teeth whitening? Simply leave us a message here for a dental checkup with one of our dental professionals.