What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure that involves carefully removing stains and discolouration from teeth and lightening their shade for a more pleasant appearance.
Tooth colour differs from person to person and stems from two layers: the hard, white surface layer called enamel and the deeper yellowish-white layer called dentin.
Teeth whitening allows you to restore your teeth to their original shade or whiten them considerably for a brighter, more confident smile. However, it is not a permanent procedure, so you may need additional treatments to maintain their shade after some time has passed.
How much does teeth whitening cost in Singapore?
Cost of In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office teeth whitening services range between $800 and $1300.
Cost of Dentist-prescribed home teeth whitening kit
Prices range between $400 and $600 and do not include the potential cost of additional gel refills and bleaching trays.
Why Does Dental Staining Happen?
Dental staining can occur due to extrinsic or intrinsic staining. The most common cause is the consumption of food and drink, though there can be other factors.
Extrinsic Stains
These stains occur on a tooth’s surface layer, mainly when you consume certain foods or drinks (like coffee, tea, and wine), smoke cigarettes, or even due to poor dental hygiene that causes plaque and bacterial buildup. Since they affect the surface layer, you can easily remove them by brushing your teeth with toothpaste or undergoing teeth whitening procedures.
Intrinsic Stains
Unlike extrinsic stains, intrinsic stains affect the deeper layer of your teeth. These stains typically occur due to consuming certain medications, dental injuries, genetics, and other factors, and are not immediately apparent. It can also happen as enamel gradually thins over time so the dentine’s yellow color shows through more. The thinning can be due to consuming acidic food or drinks, due to medical conditions, or when the enamel is fully eroded, forming stains on the dentin layer as it becomes directly exposed.
Thankfully, both types of dental staining are treatable, though intrinsic stains require additional effort to treat thoroughly.
Teeth Whitening Treatments
When you undergo teeth whitening, you can choose between performing it in a dental setting or from the comfort of your home. Both options provide consistent results with the support of a qualified dentist.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
A dentist will oversee the teeth whitening procedure. The chosen technique will vary based on your current dental health and other factors the dentist deems essential (such as whether you may have had a root canal previously). With their support, in-office teeth whitening is the safest and fastest option.
Bleaching is one of the more common options recommended by dentists. First, the dentist will position a rubber shield or protective gel around your gums to prevent gum damage. They will then apply a whitening gel containing active ingredients to the teeth once they are “activated.” To do so, the dentist will apply heat, laser or light onto the whitening gel to “activate” it. Once the procedure is complete, they may suggest you continue the bleaching process at home if you have very discoloured teeth.
Another popular method is the Zoom (or Zoom!) procedure, which yields excellent results in a single session. The procedure is similar to bleaching, but it uses a special gel solution activated by UV light in three passes over 45 minutes, allowing the bleaching agents to easily penetrate the enamel and remove stains.
At-Home Whitening Kits
At-home treatment options involve over-the-counter (OTC) products or bleaching trays prepared by your dentist. The former can be used without a prescription, but you should follow the instructions closely for optimal results. You should consult your dentist before choosing an OTC teeth whitening product to avoid unpleasant damage or side effects.
Custom bleaching trays are prepared by taking a 3D computer scan of your teeth in our clinic. These scans are used to create mouthguards containing a peroxide-based gel. For best results, you will need to wear it every night for 3 to 4 hours daily for several weeks.
Do note that results may take some time to appear, regardless of your chosen procedure, so ensure that you follow your dentist’s aftercare advice for the best results.
How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?
Your choice of teeth whitening procedure determines the effect’s lifespan. Most at-home products will last for a few months, while custom bleaching trays can last a year or more. Meanwhile, in-office procedures can easily last between one and three years thanks to highly concentrated whitening agents (such as hydrogen peroxide) your dentist uses. Of course, you should also do what you can to minimise consumption of certain foods, drinks and avoid certain habits after your teeth whitening session to ensure it lasts longer. The easiest way to achieve longer-lasting results is to brush your teeth daily and follow your dentist’s aftercare instructions. Doing so will ensure that your bright, confident smile will last a long time!
Teeth Whitening Aftercare
Maintaining your newly whitened teeth will take much effort, as the bleaching agents can make them temporarily more porous, making them more prone to decay and further staining. As such, your dentist may advise you to follow these instructions to prevent unwanted complications.
- Only consume room-temperature foods and drinks. Avoid anything that can cause staining, including caffeine (e.g., coffee and tea) and acidic food or beverages (e.g., oranges and lemons).
- Avoid smoking or alcohol consumption per your dentist’s instructions.
- Gently brush your teeth and avoid overbrushing. Floss regularly as well to maintain your dental hygiene.
- Hydrate with water before and after every meal.
- Use only white toothpaste and uncoloured mouthwash to avoid staining.
- Depending on your dentist’s advice, you may also need touch-up sessions once or twice a year.
Professional Teeth Whitening with An Dental
Are you thinking about teeth whitening for yourself? Consider visiting An Dental and let our experienced dentists provide advice and support to determine if you are a good candidate for the procedure. Contact us today to make an appointment!
FAQs About Teeth Whitening in Singapore
1. What to Expect at Your Teeth Whitening Appointment?
Your dentist will first conduct an oral examination to determine if you are a suitable candidate for teeth whitening and ensure that whitening agents will not affect your teeth adversely. Your dentist can provide personalised advice on the most suitable type of whitening and inform you of potential concerns. Seeking professional guidance will help you make informed decisions about your teeth whitening options and ensure a safe and effective treatment.
2. Who is not suitable for teeth whitening?
You may not be a suitable candidate for teeth whitening if you have:
- Deep and intrinsic teeth stains
- Ongoing orthodontic treatment
- Cracks in your teeth
- Exposed dentin from tooth trauma
3. What are the benefits of teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening can brighten and enhance the appearance of your smile by removing stains and discolouration, helping your teeth look more youthful and attractive.
Our Doctors
Dr. Kayla Toh
General Dentist - Creative Smile Design and Aesthetics
Dr Kayla Toh graduated with the Bachelor of Dental Surgery (B.D.S.) from the National University of Singapore. She was awarded the IFDEA Medal for being the best student in Paediatric Dentistry. She is also the recipient of the 1st runner up-prize for the Undergraduate Research Opportunities Programme.
Dr. Yuan Jun Hui
General Dentist - Your All-in-one Family Dentist
Dr. Yuan graduated from NUS with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery. She has amassed a wealth of experience working in government institutions such as polyclinics, the National Dental Centre, the Institute of Mental Health, and Tan Tock Seng Hospital, as well as nearly 10 years of experience in the private sector.
Dr. Carla Andreina
Orthodontic Resident - Special Interest In Invisalign And Aesthetic Dentistry
Dr Carla Andreina graduated from the University of Glasgow (UK) with a Bachelor of Dental Surgery degree and was awarded the Head of College Scholars’ List for her achievements. She went on to pursue her passion in teeth straightening and is undergoing her Masters degree in Orthodontics in the National University of Singapore (NUS), while also honing her skills in clear aligner techniques through mini residency structured programmes.
Our Dental Clinic Location
Why Choose An Dental as Your Dental Clinic
Personalised Dental Care in Orchard
Every smile is different. Our dentists provide tailored care plans for general, teeth whitening, veneers, implants, gum and wisdom tooth concerns from our clinic in Orchard Road.
Experienced Dental Team
Our team supports patients across preventive, restorative and complex dental treatments, including gum care, dental implants, oral surgery and sedation dentistry.
Calm, Comfortable Clinic Experience
Designed with patient comfort in mind, our clinic provides a peaceful environment with clear communication throughout your dental visit.
Related Articles:
What Causes Yellow Teeth and How Can You Avoid Them?
A bright white smile is often seen as an indicator of good health. It is normal to notice your teeth looking yellower over time. You are experiencing a common dental…
DR. KAYLA TOH: Can teeth whitening kits be trusted?
When you smile, the world smiles back at you. This old adage isn’t just an airy-fairy saying – Studies[1] show that happy smiley faces have a strong motivational effect on…
