In today’s time, more and more people are getting hooked on teeth whitening. Most of these people claim that having whiter teeth can boost their self-confidence. In fact, they are willing to pay even a high price just to have whiter teeth. But what really is the process behind teeth whitening? Is it effective? Is it even safe to begin with? The answers are right in this article.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a dental process that involves non-invasive ways such as bleaching to make the teeth whiter. It does not make the teeth perfectly white, but it does lighten the existing color of the teeth. In cosmetic dentistry, teeth whitening is one of the most popular treatments; in fact, it can be performed professionally by a dentist at a dental office or can be performed by the patients themselves using bleaching kits and solutions available at local drugstores.
What are In-office Teeth Whitening and At-home Teeth Whitening?
In-office teeth whitening is a professional way of making your teeth look whiter. It is done by any dental professional such as any registered dentist, dental hygienist, dental therapist, etc., and is done in a dental clinic where you are required to visit at least once.
During this procedure, the dentist will carefully examine your mouth’s current condition first by checking for cavities and the health of your gums. If your mouth is in the right condition for a teeth whitening treatment, the dentist will then apply a protective gel to your gums or a rubber shield to protect your gums —this is a very important method to avoid damaging your gums along the process. After, the dentist will apply the bleaching solution. The bleaching agent used by the dentist is usually much stronger. To achieve the ideal result, your dentist may also incorporate heat in the process using a special light or laser; this equipment can help speed up and intensify the teeth whitening process.
In-office teeth whitening is considered to offer a shorter or faster way to attain whiter teeth. The most visible results can be seen in thirty to sixty minutes.
At-home teeth whitening on the other hand may vary based on the following options:
- Tooth whitening strips and gels – usually are peroxide-based tooth bleaching products that are directly applied to the teeth using a toothbrush or a thin strip. They can be applied once or twice a day for ten to fourteen days to achieve desired results. However, this can take up to four or more months.
- Tooth whitening toothpaste – usually are the inexpensive ones that help brighten the teeth by about one shade. Whitening toothpaste also contains peroxides but is usually flashed away easily so it does not hold long enough in the teeth to have a whitening effect.
- Tray-based tooth bleaching systems – are used by placing a mouth guard-like tray filled with peroxide-based bleaching gel or paste over the mouth for more than an hour a day to achieve the best whitening result. This can be bought at any drugstore, but you can have one that is custom-fitted by a dentist.
Remember to always prioritize your safety regardless of whatever option you use in whitening your teeth. It is recommended, however, that when you do at-home teeth whitening, consult your dentist about it.
How can I maintain newly whitened teeth?
It is wise to take note that teeth whitening results may not last long; however, there are tested practices that may help extend the longevity of your whitened teeth, such as:
- Avoid dark-colored food and drinks such as coffee.
- Practice excellent oral hygiene such as brushing and flossing after meals and brushing twice a day in the morning and before bedtime.
- Consult the dentist for a follow-up consultation.
- Maintain the whitening procedure as advised.
- Avoid tobacco use.
- Avoid extreme activities that may lead to a mouth injury.
What are the pros and cons of teeth whitening?
Just like any other treatment and procedure, teeth whitening always comes with pros and cons. Some of which include:
Pros:
- Can increase self-confidence
- At-home whitening is inexpensive
- Can have different options
- Offers a faster solution
Cons:
- Can increase teeth sensitivity
- Teeth crowns and fillings won’t change color
- Whiteness in teeth does not last long
- Can cause gum irritation
Knowing the pros and cons of teeth whitening can help you better understand the effect of this procedure. This will also enable you to take care of your teeth and overall oral health even more.
Who can get teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is not recommended for everyone; it is ideal only for people who have yellow tones or discoloration in their teeth. These people should have healthy and unrestored teeth and gums for the teeth whitening treatment to work effectively.
Why do teeth change in color?
There are various reasons for teeth discoloration to happen. Some of the common causes include:
- Food and drink – drinks such as coffee, tea, and wine are proven to be the cause of staining the teeth.
- Smoking – tar and nicotine which can be found in tobacco can create stubborn stains in the teeth.
- Age – as we age, our outer enamel gets thinner, and when it happens, more of the yellowish dentin becomes more visible.
- Medication – antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline may cause teeth discoloration.
- Injury – teeth may change in color when experiencing an injury.
Who can perform a teeth whitening procedure?
Ideally, it is best to have teeth whitening treatment done in a dental clinic by a dentist or any regulated dental professional to ensure safety during the procedure; however, patients can do it themselves at home.
Which one is safer: In-office teeth whitening or at-home whitening?
There are pros and cons to each option of teeth whitening; however, an at-home teeth whitening procedure holds a much higher risk compared to in-office-based teeth whitening.
Using any bleaching agents for your teeth without a dentist’s prescription or guidance may have a negative effect on your teeth. Your dentist can best explain the amount of bleaching agent to use to avoid dehydrating your teeth which can lead to tooth sensitivity.
So, it is best to consult your dentist before trying an at-home teeth whitening procedure.
Remember that the result can vary based on how much you invested in teeth whitening. In-office is more expensive since there is dentist expertise involved which entails safety in doing the procedure and attaining desired results.
Conclusion
Undeniably, teeth whitening holds several significant effects on a person’s life. It can improve one’s self-confidence and improve overall well-being. However, remember that teeth whitening can have an undesirable impact on our oral health, especially when performed incorrectly.
Ask your dentist about it so that your smile will never be compromised.
