Teeth whitening procedure is a cosmetic process used to whiten the stained teeth to get a whiter smile. Teeth whitening one of the most popular cosmetic dental procedures performed across the world.
Because of the cutting-edge technology in dentistry and greater public awareness about their own appearance, more and more people desire to improve their smiles one method is by whitening their teeth.
Teeth whitening may be done at home or by a dentist’s office. Both processes have advantages and disadvantages. You can select any one technique based on your requirements.
Who can benefit from teeth whitening procedure?
Teeth whitening is an effective method for restoring the colour and vitality of the teeth. The procedure may help with practically any discoloured or yellowish, greyish hue on one’s teeth.
If you need to know whether you are a good candidate for teeth whitening, it can be helpful to ask your dentist. Your dentist will assess your oral health and recommend the treatment that is best for you.
It is important that you tell the dentist about any dental problems, medication use, allergies to substances, and other conditions.
What kind of stains can be removed with teeth whitening process?
Teeth can get less white with time and age, owing to the fact that the outer layer, enamel, becomes thinner with age and the inner layer is visible through it, making teeth appear yellow.
There are a variety of causes for stains on your teeth. The percentage of success varies depending on how much harm has been done to your teeth and how far the discoloration runs.
Extrinsic and intrinsic factors account for tooth discoloration. The tooth is composed of enamel, which is the outermost layer; dentin, which is below the enamel; and pulp and nerves, which are the innermost layer of the tooth. We obtain our teeth colour from dentin, which is located underneath the enamel.
The outer surface of the teeth can get stained by food remnants, including red wine and excessive coffee, which are both associated with poor oral health.
In smokers, the outer layer of the tooth can be stained by nicotine. Certain therapeutic drugs can also be responsible for staining the teeth.
Another reason is trauma to the teeth, whether it’s acute or chronic.
If these factors are not addressed, the teeth will go back to their original colour after the whitening process.
Before undergoing the whitening procedure, inquire about what kinds of stains you have and whether they can be removed with the whitening treatment. Extrinsically discoloured teeth can be whitened, but some deep intrinsic stains may be difficult to remove.
How do teeth whitening products work?
Teeth whitening products work by removing the stains on your teeth. They usually use peroxide or carbamide to free the pigment off of your teeth.
The product is placed on your teeth and under a UV light for 30 minutes. The results are instant, but the effects may not last forever.
It’s also important to keep in mind that these products may damage enamel and soft tissue if used improperly, so be sure to follow the instructions carefully if you are using an over the counter product.
The best thing to do is to undergo teeth whitening procedure at a dental clinic, under the supervision of an experienced dental professional
Teeth whitening products
There are many products available over the counter. The major ones include stain removal tooth pastes, gels, strips, trays and mouth washes.
The toothpaste, gel and mouthwash stay in contact of teeth for a small period, and that is why are not very effective. Teeth whitening strips are more popular and are used widely.
The best method though is to get your teeth whitened at the dentist’s office.
Do teeth whitening products affect your teeth adversely?
Some people have their nerve endings very close to the gums which makes their teeth sensitive to hydrogen peroxide. Also, the sensitivity caused by teeth whitening products is due to the chemical reaching the soft dentin layer beneath enamel, which causes irritation the nerves in the tooth.
Mostly, this kind of irritation goes away soon, and you can retry after the sensitivity subsides.
Enamel damage: When the process is repeated time and again, then it can cause damage to the outer layer, the enamel of the tooth and weakens it.
Dentine damage: It is believed that overuse of hydrogen peroxide products can damage proteins in the dentine, which is next to enamel layer in the tooth.
In one study it was found that hydrogen peroxide can roughen the outer surface of the tooth and may make it softer which is harmful for the teeth. But there are no conclusive results to show that these are permanent effects of teeth whitening. These effects go away after a while.
The teeth whitening products with hydrogen peroxide have been around for decades now and no such sustained effects have been observed by the dentists across the world.
Millions of people undergo teeth whitening every year, with very little or no evidence of causing permanent damage to the tooth enamel of dentine. There is no substantial reporting of more cavities being formed because of hydrogen peroxide use on the teeth, or teeth fractures, or teeth becoming more susceptible to injuries, so to speak.
Having said that, it best to take care while using teeth bleaching products. Use products which are licenced and approved by dental authorities of your country/state.
Follow instructions given in the wrapping of the product. Read carefully. Understand how long the strips are to be kept on the teeth; how many times you need to repeat the procedure to get the result; what proportion of hydrogen peroxide is in the product; how long the effect will last etc.
Ask your dentist
The best option is to get the procedure done at your dentist’s office. If it is not possible then get detailed instructions on what product to use. Get the product made by the dentist if possible. Ask them how much concentration of hydrogen peroxide can your teeth sustain.
Teeth whitening is a safe procedure. Done under expert guidance, you will soon be the proud owner of a sparkling white smile.