SHINE WITH BRILLIANCE ALWAYS

TEETH WHITENING DENTIST IN SINGAPORE

A sparkling row of white teeth can do wonders for confidence and appearance. Yellowish teeth however, can do the reverse.

Persistent stains or a yellowish tinge on the teeth sometimes cannot be removed with simple dental scaling and polishing. Such deep stains can only be gently removed by teeth whitening procedures by a trained dentist.

WHAT IS TEETH WHITENING IN SINGAPORE?

Teeth whitening is an increasingly popular dental treatment in Singapore that can drastically improve your appearance and confidence. It is a simple process involving bleaching the teeth with products containing peroxide, making teeth brighter in as little as one teeth whitening appointment by a trained dentist. With teeth whitening, you can rid yourself of stubborn surface stains caused by coffee, tea, cigarettes, wine and other lifestyle choices. Not only does it make teeth look healthier, but teeth whitening could also be beneficial to your oral health by killing bacteria in plaque and gum pockets.

WHAT ARE THE CAUSES OF TEETH DISCOLOURATION?

Teeth discolouration is a fairly common problem in Singapore. It occurs when the teeth accumulate stains and tints from sources such as wine, coffee, tea or tobacco – items that are often consumed on a regular basis. However, teeth discolouration can also occur due to teeth ageing – long exposure to acidic foods, brushing your teeth too aggressively or having teeth root infections that cause damage to the teeth’s outer layer. To combat teeth discolouration, patients in Singapore can seek out teeth whitening solutions provided by dentists that offer these services. Other preventative measures such as better oral hygiene and abstaining from regular consumption of acidic foods can also help to reduce the chances of teeth discolouration.

WHAT CAN PATIENTS EXPECT FROM THE TEETH WHITENING PROCESS?

Teeth whitening services in Singapore are considered among the most professional dental procedures around. Patients can expect a consultation with their local dentist to assess their teeth and decide on an effective teeth whitening plan tailored to their specific teeth type and whitening goals.

Usually, teeth whitening can be completed within an hour, depending on the severity of stains or discoloration. During the process, the dentist will first apply a protective gel on your gums before painting on hydrogen peroxide-based teeth whitening gel onto all visible surfaces of your teeth. Afterwards, depending on your chosen procedure, a special light may be used for around 15 minutes to activate the ingredients in the teeth whitening gel. Overall, patients can expect a comfortable and personalised experience during the process.

TYPES OF TEETH WHITENING PROCESSES IN SINGAPORE

HOME KIT WHITENING

For Home Kit Whitening, a customised tray is made which fits nicely over your teeth. You have to wear the whitening solution either overnight when you sleep or wear it as per the manufacturer’s or dentist’s instructions over a period of two weeks. The whitening solution comes in different concentrations depending on how white or light you want your teeth to be.

CHAIRSIDE WHITENING

For chairside whitening, LED or LASER is used to activate the whitening gel over three cycles of about 20 minutes per cycle in the dental office. The result is instantaneous as compared to using home kit whitening.

WHO IS SUITABLE FOR TEETH WHITENING IN SINGAPORE?

Teeth whitening is not recommended for children under the age of 16. This is because the pulp chamber, or nerve of the tooth, is enlarged during this age. Teeth whitening done on children under the age of 16 could cause their teeth to become sensitive.
Individuals with sensitive teeth and gums, receding gums and/or defective restorations should consult their dentist prior to using a tooth whitening system. Anyone allergic to peroxide (the whitening agent) should not use a bleaching product.
It is advisable that teeth whitening is done only on patients with healthy teeth and gums. This means that there should not be any gum problems and that the teeth should be decay-free or otherwise there will be irritation to the gums and teeth. In addition, before whitening is done, the teeth should be plaque/tartar-free so that the whitening gel can be in contact with the teeth directly. As such, dental scaling and polishing by a dentist needs to be done.
Teeth with uneven discolouration may not yield optimum effect with whitening as it will result in patchy teeth. Also, whitening will not work well on crowns and teeth with fillings.

The potential risks of teeth whitening

There is a risk of sensitivity especially for patients with pre-existing sensitive teeth.
The solutions used in whitening may result in irritation or ulceration to the gums.
After the whitening process you need to ensure that you avoid eating or drinking food (e.g red wine, tea, coffee, curry, green spinach etc ) that may stain your teeth so as to ensure that your teeth remain white longer (however you may need touch up kit once every 9 to 12 months to ensure whiteness).

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT TEETH WHITENING IN SINGAPORE

1. What are the ways to maintain and enhance the results?

Avoid dark-coloured foods and beverages as well as smoking for at least a week after whitening. Whenever possible, sip dark-coloured beverages with a straw.
Tooth bleaching in Singapore can cause a temporary increase in tooth sensitivity to temperature.
Touch up kit – Apply the gel into the custom trays and insert them over your teeth after five days for five to seven hours per day. You may wish to wear the trays overnight for convenience. After you have completed the touch up procedure, you may store the remaining gel in a refrigerator. You may wish to repeat the touch up procedure every six to nine months or for three days before an important event that you wish to have whiter teeth for. (Whitening Gel refills may be purchased at our clinics).
Teeth will always be lighter than they were before. To keep your teeth looking their best, we recommend flossing, brushing twice daily, and scheduling a six month routine check-up with your dentist.

2. What are the ways to reduce sensitivity in teeth?

Avoid acidic and citrus drinks and spicy foods as well as extreme hot or cold temperature foods.
Use toothpaste for sensitive teeth.
Take pain reliever medication if necessary.

3. How long does teeth whitening last?

At-home treatments usually involve using special bleaching trays fitted to your mouth and filled with a professional grade hydrogen peroxide bleaching gel. With this method, you can expect the results to last from six to nine months.

When getting teeth whitening done through a dental practitioner, you’ll have access to stronger concentrations of bleaching agents that can give faster and more dramatic results than what’s available over the counter. The effects of a chairside teeth whitening session performed in various clinics across Singapore will typically last anywhere from six months up to four years but ultimately depends on factors such as lifestyle choices (e.g. excessive drinking coffee) and oral hygiene habits (e.g. proper brushing).

If needed, touch-ups can always be done down the line so don’t worry if there are slight signs of discoloration showing up again over time – these can quickly be addressed via another exam with your dentist.

4. Does teeth whitening hurt?

Generally speaking, professional teeth whitening done by an experienced dentist rarely causes any pain or discomfort for most patients when performed correctly. At-home bleaching systems are also considered relatively mild and often do not cause any pain or irritation at all. If you experience sensitivity in your gums or teeth, these side effects usually only last for a few days afterwards with no other long-term problems.

5. Are there any alternatives to teeth whitening?

In Singapore, many dentists will recommend professional dental scaling and polishing which uses specialised tools and techniques to remove plaque build-up from the surface of the teeth. While it cannot actually whiten your tooth colour, this method can remove any surface stains that have accumulated over time. Apart from improving their aesthetic appearance, it also helps reduce sensitivity in people with sensitive gums or enamel wear.