Teeth whitening is a type of cosmetic dental treatment intended to make teeth lighter by removing stains and discolorations. The process is accomplished through the use of bleaching agents such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which leads to stain removal and restore the teeth’s natural color.
Whitening treatments can be done at a dental clinic, professionally, or through several methods at home, making it popular among individuals who seek an appealing smile.
Teeth whitening before and after
The removal of stains and discoloration from teeth that result from ingestion of food and drinks, smoking, or advanced aging can be rectified with teeth whitening.
Before teeth whitening:
Teeth appear stained, yellowed, or dull, which greatly decreases a person’s confidence along with their oral aesthetics. Stains are untreated, and the teeth’s natural color is several shades deeper than their actual color.
After teeth whitening:
Smiles appear fresher and more youthful after several layers of whitening treatment. Proper oral cleanliness, maintenance of treatments that are incurred professionally or through easy kits, and evading habits that enhance discoloration give teeth a whiter shade. Teeth also appear to be brushed with proper maintenance.
- Common causes of tooth discoloration
Discoloration can be caused by internal or external factors. Common reasons are regular intake of staining foods and beverages such as
- Coffee
- Tea
- Red wine
- Dark berries
Some people also contribute to yellowing and surface marks due to smoking and using tobacco. Aging naturally diminishes tooth enamel and exposes the yellowish dentin underneath. Furthermore, poor oral hygiene, some conflict medications, trauma, and excessive fluoride while teeth are developing can greatly affect the color of the person’s teeth.
In-office professional teeth whitening
Some in-office teeth whitening methods are as follows:
- Standard in-office procedures: A dentist’s teeth whitening service provides instant outcomes. It usually consists of one or more sessions involving the application of a high-concentration whitening gel to the teeth, which is sometimes activated by special lights or lasers. The method is very safe, efficient, and purposeful under the guidance of a professional.
- Laser whitening technologies: Laser teeth whitening is another procedure that uses laser light to improve the bleaching process. It penetrates deeper stains more effectively and often yields results in one sitting, which is ideal for patients seeking rapid enhancement.
- Benefits and expected results: As compared to other methods, the primary benefit of professional whitening is how effective it is. Patients can have their teeth lightened several shades in one session. Because of individualized treatment and expert care, results are more reliable, enduring, and safer.
At-home teeth whitening solutions
Below are mentioned some at-home teeth whitening solutions:
- Over-the-counter (OTC) Teeth Whitening Products
Inexpensive best teeth whitening strips, gels, and trays are easily accessible. Because they contain weaker concentrations of bleaching agents, over-the-counter products do not require supervision but may provide slower results.
- Teeth Whitening Strips, Gels and Kits
Teeth whitening gels and Luminex teeth whitening strips, are relatively simple to use and are able to achieve modest results in a couple of weeks. Some kits also contain applicators, trays, or pens for added convenience.
- Toothpaste and Rinsing
Whitening toothpaste and rinsing solutions aid in the removal of superficial stains and help prevent the appearance of new ones. These teeth whitening products are more effective for preserving the results achieved instead of creating significant changes.
- LED Whitening Kits
Blue LED lights are being integrated into teeth whitening procedures for added effectiveness, and teeth whitening kits are now being sold with LED lights included. It has become a trend over the recent years, with consumers claiming results from consistent use of LED whitening kits.
Custom at-home whitening trays from dentists
Custom trays from the dentist remain a step towards the more manual and less professionally guided wraps and over-the-counter treatments. With OTC kits, there is room for inconsistency, but with custom trays, there are better results. As they are made specifically for each jaw, these trays hold professional gel without allowing spillage and gum irritation.
Natural teeth whitening methods
Baking soda, activated charcoal, and oil pulling are some of the cheap and easily accessible methods for whitening one’s teeth. Claiming to be more effective than traditional methods, these methods are more effective than modern clinical surgeries. However, the absence of supervision may lead to harming the teeth’s enamel.
Comparative effectiveness and safety
A person’s teeth whitening should be supervised by a professional dentist as they can provide the most effective guidance, while the client tends to demand for instant results.
Off-the-counter teeth whitening kits do come in handy, but their effectiveness depends on the time allocated to them. It is also important to remember that no supervised teeth whitening methods are the least reliable option. Dentists’ treatments do tend to require extra caution while using tools, as they can harm the customer’s teeth and gums.
Health and safety considerations
- Potential side effects of teeth whitening
Post-whitening treatments can cause some users to experience teeth sensitivity, as well as some level of discomfort in the gums. Other side effects can include mild discomfort. These effects are negligible and are best managed by adopting the usage of sensitive toothpaste or by adjusting the frequency of the treatment.
- Teeth whitening and dental work
Crowns, veneers, fillings, or any other dental restorations maintained will not be affected by teeth whitener agents. It can lead to dental work being darker than the natural teeth where consistent whitening occurs.
- Insurance and coverage for teeth whitening
With it being a cosmetic procedure, teeth whitening is often excluded from coverage offered under dental insurance. Generally, the patient will need to shoulder the teeth whitening cost incurred in getting the procedure done, both professionally and with teeth whitening at home.
Long-term care and maintenance
- Tips for maintaining whiter teeth
For prolonged maintenance of the results, it is recommended to do the following:
- Wash your mouth after consuming sugar-laden products
- Regularly brushing
- Regular flossing
- Using whitening toothpaste
The whiter your teeth, and with the use of straws, the less contact you will have with your teeth.
- Lifestyle adjustments to prevent discoloration
Cutting down on the use of tobacco, red wine, tea, and coffee will greatly assist in the prevention of discoloration. Consuming vegetables and fruits, especially crunchy carrots and apples helps in naturally cleansing the teeth and maintaining brightness.
- Regular dental check-ups: Importance and benefits
Dental visits are adept at maintaining complete oral care. A significant advantage of using dental services such as teeth whitening is that dental professionals at Dent Urgent will polish your teeth which helps keep your smile intact. They will suggest preventive care that will help in maintaining overall oral well-being. Schedule a consultation if you want to know more about teeth whitening.