If you’d like a whiter brighter smile, you’re probably questioning ‘is teeth whitening safe’? And for good reason: dental enamel is the hardest substance in the human body because it does a very important job of safeguarding your teeth. If damaged, it makes your teeth more vulnerable to damage and decay. The good news is that dentist-approved in-chair whitening is the safest option when it comes to brightening your pearly whites, and it can usually be achieved in your lunch hour.
How Does Teeth Whitening Work?
Tooth discolouration is a natural consequence of ageing. When we are born we all start out with white dentin, but it becomes more yellow as we get older. Also, a lifetime of coffee and red wine drinking, coupled with lifestyle factors like smoking tobacco products or using certain medications can cause the teeth to discolour.
In order to bleach intrinsic stains, teeth whitening products must penetrate the tooth enamel, so that stains can be lifted out and removed. This requires a highly skilled dental practitioner as well as a high quality tooth whitening product, to ensure that the teeth are protected and minderalised during the whitening process.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Not all whitening products are created equal and certainly the over-the-counter kits and whitening strips that are commercially available have not been scientifically tested. The safest way to approach whitening is to do an in-chair session, where your dentist facilitates everything.
According to the Dental Board of Australia and Australian law, only certified professionals are allowed to administer teeth whitening products that contain more than 6% hydrogen peroxide or more than 18% hydrogen carbamide. This ruling has been put in place for consumers’ safety because it did emerge that consumers who were whitening at home were leaving the product on for too long or using it for longer than recommended.
Having an in-chair teeth whitening treatment is still the most predictable and fastest way to achieve a whiter, brighter smile, while having a professional manage the risk for you. While it is uncommon for things to go wrong during a whitening treatment, in the event that they do, an experienced professional is best qualified to manage the situation.
How Safe Is Teeth Whitening?
When professionally administered, and used according to manufacturer guidelines, approved teeth whitening products are safe to use. It is possible to use products containing less than 6% hydrogen peroxide or 18% hydrogen carbamide at home but you should be aware that you may not achieve your desired results as quickly.
It is also worth knowing that you should always have a professional check up and clean before doing any kind of whitening. This is to ensure that your teeth and enamel is healthy and strong enough, and that you do not have any cavities. It is also necessary to have a professional cleaning so that all traces of plaque and tartar can be removed, to give the dental practitioner an even surface upon which to whiten.
Still wondering ‘is teeth whitening safe’? Always consult a professional before doing any teeth whitening at home. Please contact us: (07) 3185 2387.
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