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Teeth Whitening: What, why, and when needed?
July 1, 2024
Cosmetic dentistry offers teeth whitening as a popular treatment that aims to lighten the discoloration of teeth. Having a white smile can increase feelings of confidence and enhance your overall appearance. The color of teeth can darken over time due to factors like consuming coffee, tea, red wine, or smoking. If you’re considering teeth whitening, this guide will explore everything you need to know. Different approaches to teeth whitening offer various advantages of professional teeth whitening treatments.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening refers to lightening the color of your teeth to remove stains and achieve a whiter appearance. It works by using bleaching agents, most commonly hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide act to lighten the color of teeth stain molecules on the surface of your enamel (the hard outer layer of your teeth).There are several methods available for teeth whitening, including:
- Over-the-counter whitening products: These include whitening toothpaste, gels, strips, and rinses. These products usually have less whitening power and may provide subtle results.
- Professional teeth whitening: This treatment is done by a dental professional and offers stronger bleaching agents and a variety of techniques for faster and more dramatic whitening results.
Types of Teeth Discoloration
There are two main ways teeth can become discolored, each affecting how whitening treatments work:- Extrinsic Discoloration: This affects the outer layer (enamel) of your teeth and is caused by external factors staining the tooth surface. Common culprits include consuming dark beverages like coffee, tea, or red wine, smoking tobacco, or using certain medications. These stains typically respond well to most whitening treatments.
- Intrinsic Discoloration: This type originates within the tooth itself, affecting the dentin (layer under the enamel). Causes can include injuries to the tooth, specific medications taken during childhood, or excessive fluoride exposure. Intrinsic stains may require more vigorous whitening techniques or may not respond as well to whitening treatments compared to extrinsic stains.
Professional Teeth Whitening vs. At-Home Remedies
Considering the best way to whiten teeth? Here’s a breakdown of professional whitening versus at-home remedies:Professional Teeth Whitening:
- Benefits: Dentists use more potent bleaching agents for faster, more dramatic whitening results. They can also target specific areas and ensure safe and effective treatment customized to your needs.
- Cost: Professional whitening is generally slightly costlier than at-home options, but it often achieves longer-lasting results, potentially saving money in the long run.
At-Home Remedies:
- Benefits: Readily available and typically less expensive than professional treatments.
- Risks and Limitations: Lower concentrations of bleaching agents may lead to slower and less noticeable results. Improper use can irritate gums or cause uneven whitening. At-home options may not be effective for all types of discoloration.
Professional Teeth Whitening Procedures
Many people choose to have their teeth whitened in a dental office to achieve dramatic results quickly. Here’s a step-by-step look at the process:- Consultation: During a consultation, your dentist will carefully look at your teeth and gums to determine if whitening is right for you. They’ll discuss your goals and answer any questions you may have.
- Cleaning: Your dentist will give your teeth a deep cleaning to remove any surface plaque or debris.
- Gum Protection: A protective barrier will be placed on your gums to keep them safe from the whitening agents.
- Whitening Application: A concentrated hydrogen peroxide gel will be applied to the surface of your teeth.
- Light Activation (Optional): Some procedures use a special light to speed up the whitening process by increasing the activity of the gel.
- Multiple Applications: The whitening gel may be applied and reapplied for several intervals throughout the appointment.
- Results: You’ll see a significant whitening effect within a single appointment, typically lasting an hour or less. Safety and Side Effects: Hydrogen peroxide is a safe and effective whitening agent when appropriately used by a dentist. Some people may experience temporary discomfort in their teeth after whitening or gum irritation, which usually subsides shortly after treatment.
At-Home Teeth Whitening Kits
At-home teeth whitening kits offer a convenient way to whiten your smile, but there may be better options for some. Here’s a breakdown:Types of Kits:
- Whitening Strips: Thin adhesive strips coated with a low concentration of bleaching gel are applied directly to your teeth.
- Whitening Trays: You wear trays filled with a whitening gel over your teeth for a specific time each day.
- Whitening Toothpaste: These toothpaste are mildly abrasive and have low levels of bleaching agents to remove surface stains and provide a slight whitening effect.
- Instructions and Usage: Each kit comes with specific instructions. Generally, you’ll wear strips or trays for 30 minutes to an hour every day for a few weeks. Whitening toothpaste is used like regular toothpaste for ongoing maintenance.
- Effectiveness and Results: At-home kits offer slower and less dramatic results than professional whitening. They may be effective for mild to moderate extrinsic stains but may not be suitable for intrinsic discoloration. Following instructions carefully is important to avoid uneven whitening or gum irritation.
Natural Teeth Whitening Methods
Many natural remedies, such as baking soda, strawberries, or lemon juice, are touted as teeth-whitening methods. However, the effectiveness and safety of these methods are questionable.- Limited Efficacy: These natural ingredients lack the strength of bleaching agents used in professional or at-home whitening products. Results received are likely to be minimal and temporary.
- Potential Damage: Abrasive ingredients like baking soda can wear down tooth enamel over time, increasing sensitivity. Acidic fruits like lemons can also erode enamel, leading to weakened teeth.
Precautions and Considerations
Teeth whitening isn’t suitable for everyone. Here’s what to consider:- Pregnant or Breastfeeding: Whitening is generally not recommended during pregnancy or breastfeeding because of limited research on safety.
- Sensitive Teeth or Gums: Discuss options with your dentist if you have sensitive teeth or gum issues. Professional whitening can be adjusted to minimize discomfort.
- Existing Restorations: Crowns, veneers, or fillings won’t whiten, potentially creating a color mismatch. Discuss this with your dentist beforehand.
- Excessive Whitening Risks: Over-whitening can lead to:
- Tooth Sensitivity: Temporary increase in tooth sensitivity, especially with at-home kits.
- Gum Irritation: Improper application or potent bleaching agents can irritate gums.
Maintaining Whitened Teeth
Achieving a whiter smile is exciting, but maintaining those results requires effort. Here are some tips:- Maintain Good Oral Hygiene: Brushing two times daily with fluoride toothpaste and flossing regularly removes food particles and prevents new stains from forming.
- Limit Staining Foods and Drinks: Coffee, tea, red wine, and dark-colored foods can stain teeth. Minimize consumption or rinse your mouth with water after indulging.
- Touch-Up Treatments: Whitening results can gradually fade over time. Consult your dentist in Westminster for touch-up treatments with at-home kits or professional whitening to maintain your desired brightness. They can recommend the best approach on the basis of your individual needs and the longevity of your initial treatment.
- Regular Dental Checkups: Schedule regular dental cleanings to remove any built-up plaque or stains that can dull your smile. Your dentist can also keep your oral health and recommend additional whitening options.