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Teeth whitening can remove stains and lead to a brighter, more attractive smile. Use this guide to find out more about teeth whitening, including why you'll want to speak with a dentist before taking the plunge with a procedure.
Teeth whitening is a type of cosmetic dental procedure that lightens the colour of your teeth.
There are a range of ways to help whiten your teeth, from professional cosmetic services that are done by a dentist or beauty specialist, to a host of different whiteners available to buy at home that come in the form of toothpaste, strips, pens or other kits.
Many at-home products such as teeth whitening toothpastes, teeth-whitening kits and teeth whitening pens also feature bleach as their active ingredient.
Bleaching is also offered by dentists and beauty specialists. Professional services and kits involve applying a peroxide-based solution to the teeth which is either activated using an LED or UV light or left to sit for a few hours, held in place with a whitening tray.
Teeth whitening pens are applied directly to the teeth with no waiting time required. They are used more for everyday touch-ups rather than more long-term whitening.
Whitening toothpastes can also include bleaching agents as ingredients.
If you have sensitive teeth or prefer to avoid bleaching, which may cause tooth sensitivity, there are abrasive options to remove surface stains which can be done at home.For example, charcoal whitening products are available as powders and pastes which you can use as part of your daily dental routine. They're a much more affordable option to professional whitening however the Australian Dentist Association warns that they can strip your tooth enamel.
While the abrasive agent won't lighten your actual tooth colour, it can remove stains to make your smile appear that much brighter.
Safety regulations limit the strength of DIY teeth whitening kits to 6% hydrogen due to concerns that excessive use of bleach can damage enamel, cause sensitivity in teeth or gums and may even cause oral cancer.
If you're looking to avoid peroxide altogether, the following brands offer peroxide-free teeth whitening treatments:
As with any dental or medical procedure, side effects can occur when getting your teeth whitened.
The most common concerns are teeth sensitivity and mild gum irritation and not damage to enamel or gums.
Some people may experience sensitivity after getting their teeth whitened, especially if using a product with a high percentage of peroxide or extending the application time past the recommended duration.
If you do experience sensitivity, stay away from extremely hot or cold beverages to minimise discomfort.
If you already have sensitive teeth, you may want to speak with your dentist prior to trying an at-home teeth whitening kit.
These dental cosmetic treatments are delivered 'in-chair' at practices. Typically, a bleaching solution is applied to the teeth and this is activated by laser, light or heat. While some laser-based procedures can be completed in one session, others will require multiple visits to your dentist.
Pros and cons
These use-at-home whitening products – many of which contain peroxide – include whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, gels and strips. They can be bought online or over-the-counter from the supermarket or chemist. You'll need to carefully administer these treatments yourself.
We'd encourage you to speak with your dentist before using any teeth whitening products. You may have a pre-existing problem with your teeth that makes you unsuited to a teeth whitening course.
Pros and cons
Which brands let me whiten my teeth at home?
Consider the following factors when shopping online for teeth whitening products:
Whiter Smile
Free express delivery
Get free express shipping across Australia when you order teeth whitening kits, gel, toothpaste and more. T&Cs apply.
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Whiter Smile
10% off all teeth whitening kits with code
Use the code to get 10% off on all teeth whitening branded kits, gels and trays. T&Cs apply.
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Coupon code ends
Pure Smile
$10 off teeth whitening trays
Get $10 off teeth whitening trays. T&Cs apply.
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Pure Smile
20% off teeth straightening treatments
Available for first-time customers. T&Cs apply.
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Pure Smile
Free shipping on teeth whitening products
Available for products on the "Recommended for you" section on PureSmile’s homepage. T&Cs apply.
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Advance Whitening
20% off teeth whitening kit
Get 20% off storewide and free shipping when you spend over $40. T&Cs apply.
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Advance Whitening
30% off teeth whitening kit
Discount is for kids only. T&Cs apply.
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SmilePro Worldwide
Free shipping
Get free shipping for teeth whitening kits when you spend $20. T&Cs apply.
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Advance Whitening
Free shipping
Free shipping when you spend $40. T&Cs apply.
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Advance Whitening
10% off
Sign-up to its newsletter and get 10% off on orders. T&Cs apply.
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The effectiveness of teeth whitening products and services will vary based on personal circumstances and there's no guarantee that one product will work for you. Again, it's important to check in with your dentist before settling on any type of teeth whitening.
Can I claim any medicare benefits for teeth whitening?
No, Medicare doesn't typically cover teeth whitening, but your health insurance may provide additional cover depending on your plan. Read our guide for more on this topic.
Does insurance pay for teeth whitening?
While Medicare doesn't cover teeth whitening, some private health insurance providers will cover a percentage of the cost of treatment.
These providers are in the minority, though, so if this is important to you, make sure to compare your dental insurance options thoroughly to try to find one that will cover your whitening treatment.
Are there ways I can make my teeth whiter naturally?
There may be natural remedies to consider, such as coconut oil. Also, some enzymes that occur in fruits such as pineapple and papayas may improve the whiteness of teeth.
Is teeth whitening permanent? How long does teeth whitening last?
Teeth whitening isn't permanent, but can last between six months and two years depending on how well you maintain your teeth.
Brushing your teeth twice a day, avoiding smoking and staying away from food that's likely to stain your teeth such as tea, coffee, red wine, beetroot and dark berries can help keep your smile bright.
How can I keep my teeth looking white?
Try to limit food or drinks which cause stains. These may include tomato-based sauces, coffee and red wine. Also, floss and brush your teeth regularly and make sure you visit your dental practice every six months.
Does blue LED light make your teeth whiter?
Results vary on this one. While some studies have shown an improvement in peroxide-only treatments when compared to using both peroxide and blue LED light, the results were largely insignificant.
It hasn't been shown to have a negative impact, however, so if you're keen to try it out for yourself, here are some brands that use LED in their treatment:
Find competitively-priced teeth whitening solutions that work to reduce stains.
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