Teeth Whitening In Singapore: 6 Essential Things To Know
If you are a fan of coffee, soft drinks, wine, or the occasional smoke, you might notice some gradual discoloration on your teeth. Teeth staining can be caused by a variety of diet, lifestyle, or medical factors – even some of your favourite foods like apples or potatoes can contribute to teeth stains!
Thankfully, you do not have to live with permanently stained teeth, as teeth whitening is becoming more popular and accessible than ever. Teeth whitening can be a great boost to anyone’s confidence and appearance, helping to restore your self-esteem.
There are many teeth whitening services and products available to Singaporeans right now – but which ones are reliable, and what should you know before you try teeth whitening? Family Dental Centre (FDC) has compiled a list of common teeth whitening FAQs and essential information to help you make an informed decision.
1. What is chairside teeth whitening?
Many dental clinics in Singapore offer chairside teeth whitening services, where LED or LASER is used with whitening gel to create a whitening effect. Chairside whitening needs to be administered in-clinic by a professional, and has instantaneous results compared to at-home whitening kits. At FDC, a chairside whitening session with our experienced dentists takes 3 cycles of about 20 minutes per cycle – giving you brighter, whiter teeth in an hour.
2. Are there take-home options for teeth whitening in Singapore?
FDC also offers home kit teeth whitening for patients who don’t have time to come into our clinics. A customised tray is first made, which fits neatly over your teeth. This tray is used along with a specific whitening solution either overnight or when the tray is worn (according to manufacturer’s instructions) for 2 weeks.
3. Is there a minimum age requirement for teeth whitening?
Patients in Singapore are recommended to be at least 16 years of age before undergoing teeth whitening.
4. I have dental issues with my teeth and/or gums. How do I know if whitening is suitable for me?
If you have the following dental issues, please consult with your dentist before pursuing teeth whitening:
- Sensitive teeth and/or gums
- Receding gums
- Failing or defective teeth restorations
- Tooth decay
- Excess plaque/tartar on the teeth/gums
- Crowns
- Fillings
People with peroxide allergies should also avoid teeth whitening products as peroxide is typically a main ingredient.
5. Are there any risks with teeth whitening?
Patients with pre-existing sensitive teeth might experience heightened sensitivity after a teeth whitening procedure. The solutions used in whitening might also cause irritation to the gums.
6. How long will the results last? Do I need to do any upkeep?
Results typically last for 6-9 months. For the best results, avoid dark-coloured foods and beverages for at least a week after whitening and lessen your consumption of these products after the week had passed. FDC also provides teeth whitening patients with a take-home touch-up kit.
Regain Your Confidence with FDC
From Jurong to Tampines, FDC’s dental clinics islandwide can help you regain confidence in your appearance. Get in touch to book a teeth whitening appointment with our expert dentists in Singapore today.