Everyone would love to have a white and natural looking smile, but daily life in Singapore exposes our teeth to staining factors like coffee, tea, soda, and the occasional glass of red wine. So how do we get that perfect selfie-worthy beautiful smile? Professional teeth whitening is easier and more accessible than most people think, and many have achieved their dream smile with our safe, effective procedures at Smilefocus.
Why Consider Teeth Whitening?
Whitening is the easiest anti-aging procedure yet discovered – and no needles!
Whiter teeth make you look and feel younger, partly because we associate white teeth with youth and beauty, and partly because we naturally look younger when we smile, and we smile more when we like our smile. A study published in Psychology and Aging, authored by Manuel C. Voelkle of the Max Planck Institute for Human Development in Berlin have shown that people tend to guess the age of those with happy smiling faces to be younger than the photos of the same person with a neutral or angry facial expression. This study have shown that that facial expression plays a huge part in determining the accuracy and bias towards age. At Smilefocus we use Zoom in-house whitening.
Boosts Confidence and Self-Esteem
Your smile is one of the first things people use to make their assessment of you and your personality. Professional teeth whitening removes persistent stains and brightens your smile, leaving you with more self-confidence and less cause for embarrassment about a less than attractive smile. After whitening you won’t feel the need to smile with a closed mouth or hide your teeth behind your hand when laughing or talking. Instead you can show your smile with confidence. Plus, having your teeth whitening performed by a professional at our dental clinic is not only safe, but more effective than using an over-the-counter whitening product.
Whitening is a conservative way to brighter smile
Unlike veneers or crowns, teeth whitening requires no tooth preparation. You can achieve a whiter smile without altering your natural tooth structure, making it the most conservative cosmetic dental treatment available.
Whitening is easy to maintain.
At Smilefocus you can also ask for take home whitening maintenance kits. With the custom-made trays and whitening gel you are able to freshen your pearly whites when it suits you. Just 30 minutes a time, and your teeth will retain their colour. You should avoid staining foods and drinks for the first 24 hours if you can, to get the best result. Everyone’s teeth have a protective layer called the acquired pellicle. This layer contains surface stains and is removed during the whitening procedure. It takes about 24 hours for this barrier to fully develop again. During this period try and avoid dark foods and drinks such as coffee, tea, dark soft drinks, red wine and dark sauces, in order to minimize re-staining. Anything that will stain a white t-shirt will stain your teeth. Also avoid using tobacco products while whitening.
Improved Oral Health Habits
Anecdotally we can say that patients who have had their teeth whitened tend to show an improvement in their oral health care routine. Experiencing the advantages of whiter teeth often leads us to take good care when brushing, flossing, and seeing our dentist for professional cleanings.
Types of Teeth Whitening Available at Smilefocus
- In-Clinic Whitening (Zoom Whitening): Fast, effective, and performed by professionals for immediate results.
- Take-Home Whitening Kits: Custom trays and gels for convenient whitening at home.
- Combination Treatments: For those seeking both immediate and long-term results.
What to Expect and Aftercare
- Sensitivity: Some people experience temporary sensitivity, which usually resolves within a few days.
- Follow-Up: We recommend a follow-up appointment about a month after your treatment to review your results—this is complimentary for our whitening patients.
- Maintenance: Avoid staining foods and drinks for 24 hours post-treatment and use your take-home kit as advised.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Yes, professional teeth whitening is safe when performed by a qualified dentist. Temporary side effects, such as tooth sensitivity or mild gum irritation, may occur but are manageable. We provide high-fluoride desensitizing gel for comfort if needed.
Who Should Avoid Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is not suitable for everyone. You should avoid whitening if you fall into any of the following categories:
- Pregnant or Breastfeeding Women:
Whitening treatments are not recommended due to insufficient safety data for these groups. - Children and Teenagers Under 16 Years Old:
The pulp chamber of teeth is still developing, increasing the risk of sensitivity and other complications. - Individuals with Untreated Dental Disease:
Those with untreated cavities, gum disease, or other oral health issues should address these conditions before considering whitening. - People with Allergies or Sensitivities to Whitening Agents:
If you have known allergies to hydrogen peroxide, carbamide peroxide, or other ingredients in whitening products, avoid treatment. - Patients with Extensive Dental Restorations:
Whitening does not change the color of crowns, veneers, or fillings, which may result in uneven tooth color. - Individuals with Exposed Roots or Worn Enamel:
These conditions can increase sensitivity and reduce the effectiveness of whitening. - Those with Oral Cancer or Ongoing Chemotherapy/Radiation:
Whitening is not recommended for patients undergoing treatment for oral cancers.
If you are unsure whether teeth whitening is right for you, consult a registered dental professional for a comprehensive assessment prior to treatment.
Ready for a Brighter Smile?
Book your teeth whitening consultation today and start your journey to a more confident, radiant smile. Call us or book online to reserve your appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: How long does teeth whitening last?
A: Results can last from several months to a few years, depending on your oral hygiene and lifestyle habits.
Q: Is teeth whitening suitable for everyone?
A: Most adults are candidates, but it may not be recommended for those with certain dental conditions or restorations. Book a consultation to find out if it’s right for you.
Q: How much does professional teeth whitening cost in Singapore?
A: Costs vary depending on the method chosen. Contact us for a personalized quote.
Q: Will whitening damage my teeth?
A: No, when supervised by a dental professional, whitening does not harm your enamel.
