Where to go to get your teeth whitened

For in-office whitening treatment, this Orchard-based dental clinic uses Philips Zoom technology, which involves the application of light activated gel to the teeth and an LED light. Or, if you prefer treatment in the comfort of your own home, you can opt for a take-home teeth whitening kit, which includes custom-made trays and whitening gel.

While the in-office method has the advantage of being faster – it takes about two hours and can lighten teeth up to eight shades whiter in a single visit – at-home whitening has the advantage of flexibility, says DR BRENDAN GIN. You can you choose the strength of the solution with which you’re comfortable and also choose how often to wear the tray – every night or every second night, for instance – until the desired result is achieved. Although it’s a slower method, home whitening tends to produce more predictable results because of the amount of time the peroxide gel is in contact with the teeth, he says.

#08-02/03 and #08-07/08 Camden Medical Centre,
1 Orchard Boulevard
6834 0877 | smilefocus.com.sg

GPlus Dental Center

Almost anyone can successfully whiten their teeth, explains DR DAVID BELL of GPlus Dental Center. He says that the ideal candidates for teeth whitening are people that have healthy teeth without fillings or dental restorations, and healthy gum tissues. But the good news is that patients can get their teeth and gum disease treated in order to qualify for teeth whitening.

At GPlus Dental Center, patients can choose teeth whitening in-clinic with the BrightSmile system or with Opalescence whitening gel and custom-made trays in the comfort of their own homes. Particularly popular among patients is at-home treatment, thanks to its effectiveness and convenience.

“At-home treatment is by far the most common, and recommended by most dentists. It is effective at treating discolouration caused by age, food and drink, smoking, medication or dental trauma,” says Dr Bell. “Also, once you have the kit and trays, you can do it anytime.”

It all starts with an initial consultation, which includes an oral health exam and, potentially, x-rays. The dentist will then take moulds of your teeth to fabricate the trays to fit your mouth. Once the kit’s ready, you’ll be given instructions for home use.

#02-01 Camden Medical Centre,
1 Orchard Boulevard
8482 9694 | gplusdental.com.sg

Skye Dental

The Skye Dental team offers both in clinic whitening with Philips Zoom technology, and at-home whitening with a customised tray system and Opalescence whitening gel. While DR ANDREW DOIG says that the majority of his patients opt for in office whitening, both methods are comparable and effective. What it really comes down to, he says, is convenience and affordability in terms of choosing the most effective method for each patient.

Before developing the best approach to an individual’s teeth whitening plan, he’ll first perform a full cleaning to prime the teeth. He also does a check-up to assess the patient’s suitability for whitening treatment. Suitability, he says, can be determined by several factors. These include whether the teeth are heavily restored or whether the patient has very sensitive teeth.

“We recommend that caution be exercised for anyone who suffers from severe teeth sensitivity, as it should be managed carefully. Those who have fillings or crowns on the front teeth are advised of the possibility of having to change them after whitening. These restorations will not change colour like the natural teeth surrounding them. We also do not advise pregnant women to undergo whitening treatment. There are chemicals used in the procedure and a risk of ingestion. Otherwise, just about anyone can whiten their teeth!” explains Dr Doig.

“What’s best for one person is not necessarily the same for another person. So, it’s always best to consult your dentist before embarking on any cosmetic procedure like teeth whitening. Dental treatment should always be tailored to the individual. Only then can you rest assured that the advice you receive is sound and safe.”

38 Club Street
6980 5751 | skyedental.sg

Aesthete Smilestudio

This Raffles Place-based dental clinic offers both in-office teeth whitening and at-home whitening for patients looking to lighten their natural teeth by a few shades. While the clinic’s in-office Aesthete Spa Whitening System treatment can deliver highly effective results within just one visit, the at-home treatment can give you the same results, only over a longer period of time. The at-home method involves wearing customised whitening trays, and a lower concentration of whitening gel that makes it safe for self administration.

According to DR ARIEL GUO, both whitening solutions are safe and non-invasive, and effective when administered correctly by a trained dental professional.

While she says it’s common for some patients to experience slight sensitivity during or after the whitening treatment, it’s usually temporary and can be reduced with the use of desensitisers.

While teeth whitening treatments are very effective, especially for yellow surface stains, she says it’s important to keep in mind that treatment is not a permanent fix. Teeth are still susceptible to discolouration over time. To maintain long-lasting results, she suggests identifying, then avoiding, what caused the discolouration in the first place.

“The longevity of the whitening effect depends largely on how well the patient takes care of their teeth and any lifestyle habits that may attribute to the staining of teeth. Making small changes such as avoiding dark coloured foods and drinks, using a straw when drinking coffee or tea, and quitting smoking can help prevent the discolouration of teeth,” says Dr Guo. “More importantly, practicing good oral hygiene habits and maintaining a healthy oral environment!”