What is teeth whitening dentistry, and how does it work?
Do you want to achieve a brighter, more confident smile? Teeth whitening may be the solution you've been searching for! This popular cosmetic dental procedure can remove stains and discoloration from your teeth, giving you a brighter and more youthful appearance. Whether you choose an in-office treatment or an at-home kit, teeth whitening can improve your confidence and help you feel great about your smile. Let’s check out how this procedure can enhance the beauty of your smile.
Why Do Teeth Get Stained?
There are many possible causes of stained teeth, depending on the type and location of the stain. Some of the most common causes are:
- Over time, dark-colored foods and beverages like coffee, tea, red wine, berries, and soy sauce can cause stains on the enamel surface of teeth.
- Smoking and other tobacco use can also cause yellow or brown stains on your enamel.
- When you do not maintain good oral hygiene, plaque builds up on your teeth, attracting stains and making them look dull or discolored.
- Excessive fluoride intake during childhood can cause white spots or streaks on your enamel, a condition called fluorosis.
- The enamel on your teeth can wear away over time, exposing the yellowish dentin underneath. Therefore, aging can be one of the reasons that teeth get stained.
- Some medications, such as antibiotics, can cause intrinsic stains, which affect the dentin and appear grayish or brownish.
- Dental trauma or injury can damage your tooth's nerve or blood vessels, causing it to darken or change color.
- Some diseases or treatments, such as liver disease, celiac disease, or chemotherapy, can also cause intrinsic stains or affect the development of your teeth.
Teeth Whitening Options
There are different options you can use based on the condition your teeth have. Some possible treatments include:
Teeth Whitening Home-Kits
These products come in various forms, including strips, gels, trays, pens, LED devices, and toothpaste. They can be used at your convenience in the comfort of your own home. It is important to choose a kit that is aligned with your sensitivity level, budget, and personal preferences.
You should note that although Home-Kits can improve the brightness of your teeth, they contain lower concentrations of active ingredients compared to those used in a dental office. As a result, you must use the kit daily for several weeks to achieve noticeable results. Typically, at-home whitening kits claim to produce results within 2 to 4 weeks.
Teeth Whitening Treatment at Dentistry
Bleaching or teeth whitening treatment at the dentist’s office includes rinsing teeth with powerful hydrogen peroxide, which may take up to 30 minutes, or laser therapy, which is a faster method to remove teeth stains. However, in most cases, teeth bleaching takes several sessions to achieve visible results.
Which Option to Choose?
Choosing one of the teeth bleaching methods depends on different factors. You should note that some treatments might not be the perfect option for your condition. Some factors that may affect the outcome of tooth bleaching are:
Natural Colour of Your Teeth
Some people have naturally darker or yellower teeth than others, which may limit the effectiveness of tooth bleaching. However, there are still some cosmetic procedures to enhance teeth whiteness, such as veneers, which are thin shells that cover the front surface of your teeth to improve their appearance.
Type and Location of Stains
First, you should know that there are different types of teeth stains. Some stains are extrinsic, meaning they affect the outer layer of your teeth (enamel). In contrast, others are intrinsic, meaning they affect the inner layer of your teeth (dentin).
Extrinsic stains are usually caused by foods, drinks, smoking, or poor oral hygiene. They can be removed by most tooth-bleaching methods. On the other hand, intrinsic stains are usually caused by aging, medications, diseases, or trauma and may require more intensive tooth bleaching methods or other dental procedures to cover them.
Therefore, the first type of stains might be removed by home-kit products, while for the second group of stains, it is recommended to consult a dentist. However, teeth whitening treatment is one of the regular dental procedures considered preventative procedures, usually done annually to prevent teeth from decay and discoloration.
Condition of Your Teeth and Gums
In case of having tooth decay, cavities, gum disease, enamel erosion, or dental restorations (such as fillings, crowns, or veneers), you may not be a good candidate for tooth bleaching, or you may experience more sensitivity or complications after the procedure. However, if you visit a dentist for teeth whitening treatment, they will examine the health of your gums and teeth to assure you are choosing the best option. Otherwise, they may recommend you to treat the dental issues first to prevent complications.
Does Teeth Whitening Have Side Effects?
Like any other procedure, teeth whitening can have some side effects, too. However, it’s very rare, but it is worth mentioning them:
Sensitivity
Teeth sensitivity is when you experience pain after consuming cold or hot drinks and foods. As mentioned, teeth whitening is performed with powerful bleaching products that some people might be sensitive to. However, this side effect is temporary and may not cause any damage to the teeth. But if you have tooth sensitivity for over a few days, consult your dentist to find the reason.
You should also note that the teeth whitening products are so powerful and should not stay on teeth longer than recommended. If you are using a home kit, always ensure you are not using the products repeatedly or longer than the recommended duration because it may cause permanent damage to tooth enamel.
Gingival Irritation
When you use whitening strips or gels with peroxide, your gums can get irritated. This happens if the strips or gels touch your gums because the trays don't fit well or you didn't apply the protective stuff right. It is recommended not to use numbing medicine when you whiten your teeth at the dentist's office. This way, you can feel if the gel is leaking through the protective stuff and causing a burning feeling. If you feel any discomfort during the teeth whitening, tell the dentist so they can check if the protective stuff is still working.
How to Keep Teeth White?
Some tips can help you prevent teeth discoloration:
- Maintaining oral health is the most critical step in keeping teeth white and bright. Therefore, follow a dental routine, including brushing your teeth with flouride toothpase at least twice a day and flossing after eating.
- Limit consumption of foods and drinks that damage the teeth, including coffee, tea, red wine, or any dark-coloured food. It is recommended to rinse your mouth after eating or drinking this group of foods.
- Quit smoking because it is one of the main reasons for teeth discolouration. Furthermore, smoking can increase the risk of other dental problems, including oral cancer.
- Don’t forget annual dental check-ups. Visiting your dentist regularly makes it more likely to prevent dental problems at their first stages. Furthermore, annual teeth whitening treatment can help you keep your teeth white
Conclusion
There are various ways to achieve a brighter smile and maintain white teeth. You can achieve a beautiful, confident smile by practicing good oral hygiene habits, avoiding staining foods and drinks, and considering professional whitening treatments. Remember to consult with your dentist before starting any teeth whitening treatments to ensure they are safe and effective for your individual needs.
Source: What are the most common dental procedures?
