What is Teeth Whitening?

Teeth whitening is a process that involves removing stains from the surface of the tooth and restoring the natural color of the teeth. A dentist performs whitening as a one-time procedure. It's one of the most commonly used and effective cosmetic procedures. With the advent of the latest dental technology, we have advanced whitening treatment procedures that provide reliable and long-lasting results. Almost anyone who uses a teeth whitening solution experiences mild to major differences in their smile's brightness and whiteness. That said, it is not a permanent solution to discoloration and requires maintenance or touch-ups for a long-lasting effect. There are many teeth whitening systems and products, including whitening toothpaste, over-the-counter gels, rinses, strips, trays, and whitening products obtained from a dentist. People with healthy, unrestored teeth and gums are perfect candidates for teeth whitening. People with yellow teeth have a better answer. However, this cosmetic technique is not for everybody.

teeth whitening overview

What Makes Teeth Look Yellow

Your teeth are prone to many problems and this may be due to what you consume or smoke. However, there are several problems related to this dental problem. Teeth whitening can be seen as a solution to a temporary problem. Take, for example, if a smoker continues to smoke tobacco even after having teeth whitening, then the cigarette stains will keep coming back. There are several factors associated with dull teeth and yellowing teeth. Some foods stain the enamel, which is said to be the most important part of the teeth. During the teeth whitening process, enamel can be removed from your teeth and this can cause tooth sensitivity. Also, this can cause more dirt and a yellowish coating to form on the teeth even after the stains have been cleaned. Stains that adhere to teeth are called plaque and can be removed, but not completely. All of these factors lead to tooth discoloration and the only solution to this problem is to treat it with teeth whitening remedies. One of the main reasons why your teeth may appear yellow is because the protective layer of hard enamel on your tooth may have withered and this makes your teeth appear yellow or brown. However, there are two simple tips to remove discoloration from your teeth. One is to get teeth whitening done by a dentist or by following certain home remedies.


Why is Teeth Whitening Necessary

There are several reasons why you may have teeth whitening. Everyone is different; And just as the color of our hair and skin varies, so do our teeth. Very few people have bright white teeth, and our teeth can also become more discolored as we age. Foods and beverages like tea, coffee, etc can stain the surface of your teeth. Smoking can also stain your teeth as well. The color of your teeth may also be influenced by tartar. Subsurface stains may be caused by some antibiotics or tiny cracks in the teeth that absorb stains in certain people.


What does Teeth Whitening Involve

Professional whitening is the most common method of teeth whitening. Your dental team will be able to tell if you are suitable for treatment. To secure the gums, the dentist will first apply a rubber or gel protector. They will then apply the whitening product to your teeth, using a specially made tray that fits over your mouth like a mouthguard. Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide is typically the active ingredient in the formula. As the active ingredient breaks down, oxygen enters the tooth enamel and the color of the teeth lightens.


Treatment

There are currently three main teeth whitening options available. All three depend on varying peroxide concentrations and varying application times.

In-Office Whitening

Significant color change in a short period is the main benefit of in-office whitening. This protocol involves the carefully controlled use of a relatively high concentration peroxide gel, applied to the teeth by the dentist or a trained technician after the gums have been protected with a painted rubber dam. Generally, the peroxide remains on the teeth for various intervals of 15-20 minutes that add up to an hour. People with particularly stubborn stains may be advised to return for one or more additional whitening sessions or may be asked to continue with a home-use system.

Professionally Dispensed Take-Home Kits

Many dentists believe that professionally dispensed take-home whitening kits can produce the best long-term results. Take-home kits contain an easy-to-apply, low-concentration peroxide gel that remains on your teeth for an hour or more, and in some cases overnight. The lower the percentage of peroxide, the longer it can stay on the teeth safely. The gel is applied to the teeth using custom-made whitening trays that resemble mouth guards.

Over-the-Counter Products

The cheapest and most convenient of the teeth whitening options, over-the-counter whitening involves the use of a store-bought whitening kit, which includes a whitening gel with a lower concentration than dispensed take-home whiteners. Professionally. The gel is applied to the teeth through one-size-fits-all paint trays, strips, or applicators. In many cases, this can only whiten some of the front teeth, unlike custom trays that can whiten the entire smile.

Periodontal Maintenance

Periodontal maintenance refers to routine maintenance for people with severe oral problems. In particular, periodontal maintenance can be provided to people with gingivitis or periodontitis. Periodontal cleaning usually entails regular trips to the dentist to get the whole mouth cleaned. It is usually done for a specific period of time or until all oral health problems are adequately treated and the symptoms of gum disease are managed and completely under control


Risks

Tooth Sensitivity

Your teeth may become more sensitive after teeth whitening. You may experience this in your first or second treatment and it may decrease over time. Your dentist may recommend treating the sensitivity with products containing potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride gel.

Irritated Gums

You may also experience gum irritation. This is when your gums get irritated. This can happen due to the contact of your gums with the whitening product.

Technicolor Teeth

Restorations such as bonding, dental crowns, or veneers are not affected by teeth whitening and therefore maintain their default color while the surrounding teeth are whitened.


Conclusion

As long as you stick to dentist-approved methods, teeth whitening is considered safe. Make sure to use the method that suits your needs and always follow the instructions on the product.


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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Is bleach safe for teeth whitening?

Generally, the methods they use to whiten your teeth with carbamide peroxide. This breaks down into hydrogen peroxide and urea and focuses on the color of the tooth in a chemical reaction.

2. How Often Should You Whiten Your Teeth?

A dental whitening treatment performed by a professional takes about a year. Therefore, undergoing a teeth whitening process after one year is considered healthy for overall oral health and a long-lasting smile.

3. Can you brush your teeth after the whitening process?

Dentists do not recommend brushing your teeth immediately after a teeth whitening treatment. People should allow a few hours to elapse before brushing their teeth for the first time after treatment.

4. Is teeth whitening permanent?

There are many types of teeth whitening treatments. The effect of each treatment varies from a few months to three years. However, people who drink a lot of tea, coffee, and tobacco, or smoke, will not be able to see the results for longer.

5. Will whitening my teeth hurt them?

Teeth Whitening products can have multiple side effects, such as harmful tooth enamel, irritating gums, tooth tenderness, and more.

Citations

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S1532338214000499
https://link.springer.com/article/10.1186/s12903-020-01172-w