Teeth Whitening

What Causes Tooth Staining?

Age: The shade of your teeth directly relates to your age. Teeth darken with time as a result of wear and tear and stain buildup. Teenagers will probably notice dramatic, immediate results from whitening. As the teeth start to take on a yellow tint in their twenties, whitening may be more difficult. By the 1940s, the yellow turns to brown, necessitating possibly more upkeep. By the age of fifty, the teeth have accumulated a variety of persistent stains that can be challenging (but not impossible) to remove.

Our teeth all start out with a natural shade that ranges from yellow-brown to greenish-grey and deepens throughout time. Green-grey often responds to bleaching less favorably than yellow-brown.

Translucency and thinness are inherited characteristics that also worsen with age. All teeth exhibit some degree of translucency, however teeth that are thick and opaque appear lighter in color, sparkle more, and are more amenable to bleaching. Less of the pigment needed for bleaching is present in teeth that are thinner and more translucent, particularly the front teeth. Dentists that specialize in cosmetic dentistry claim that the only ailment that is unaffected by tooth whitening is transparency.

What is the Procedure for in-office Teeth Whitening?

Depending on the whitening process being used, several steps are required to whiten teeth.

The quickest and most efficient type of teeth whitening is often done in-office by a dentist. The dentist will first protect the gums with a barrier before applying a bleaching gel to the teeth. Using a laser or specific light, the gel is activated. Typically, the process lasts an hour.

In-office teeth whitening comes in two different varieties:

Chairside Bleaching: A hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide gel is applied to the teeth and then activated with a specific light or laser. The teeth may become noticeably lighter as a result of the process, which normally lasts an hour.

Power Bleaching: This procedure, commonly referred to as “laser whitening,” includes using a laser or LED light to strengthen the effects of the bleaching gel. The process typically lasts an hour and can produce whitening results that are both quicker and more dramatic than chairside bleaching.

Both techniques can effectively remove stains and discoloration, but which one is best for you will depend on the severity of the staining as well as your particular requirements and preferences. Additional details and suggestions on the best choice for you can be obtained from your dentist or your personal medical consultant.

Benefits of Teeth Whitening

Improved Appearance: Teeth that are stained, discolored, or dull can look much better thanks to teeth whitening, becoming more appealing and dazzling.
Increased Confidence: A whiter, brighter grin can increase your confidence and sense of self, increasing your propensity to smile and interact with others.

Non-Invasive: The non-invasive teeth whitening technique can be completed fast, conveniently, and with little discomfort.

Customizable: The appropriate amount of whiteness can be achieved with teeth whitening, and the results can be kept up with routine touch-up procedures.

Cost-Effective: Teeth whitening is relatively inexpensive and can deliver significant effects for a small fraction of the expense of other cosmetic dental procedures.

Safe: When carried out under the guidance of a dentist or other medical expert and in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions, teeth whitening is generally regarded as safe.

Who can’t whiten their teeth?

Generally speaking, healthy persons with stained or discolored teeth can have their teeth whitened. However, there are some people who might not be excellent bleaching candidates, such as:

• children that are under 16
• ladies who are expecting or nursing
• those who suffer from sensitive teeth or gum disease
• those who need to have their cavities and other dental issues fixed first
• Those whose front teeth get crowns, veneers, or fillings that match their teeth

Before undertaking any teeth whitening procedure, it is crucial to speak with a dentist or with your medıcal consultant to be sure it is both safe and suitable for you. The dentist can also recommend the ideal procedure and item for your particular needs.

What about teeth-whitening kits for home use and beauty parlors?

For teeth whitening, only visit a licensed dental practitioner because it is prohibited for unlicensed individuals to do the procedure, such as in beauty salons.

How Long Do Whitening Effects Last?

The whitening of teeth is temporary. When people consume meals and drinks that stain their teeth, the whiteness of their teeth may start to deteriorate in as little as one month.

Depending on the state of the teeth, the amount of staining, and the kind of bleaching procedure utilized, the degree of whiteness will differ from person to person.

What Is the Difference Between Bleaching and Whitening?

The FDA states that the term “bleaching” may only be used when teeth can be made noticeably whiter than their original color. This only applies to goods that include hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which is the active ingredient in bleach.

On the other hand, the term “whitening” describes the process of restoring a tooth’s surface color by removing debris and stains. Therefore, in a strict sense, any item that is used to clean the teeth (such as toothpaste) is regarded as a whitener. Even when describing goods that contain bleach, the term “whitening” is more usually used because it sounds better than “bleaching.”

When time is at a premium during in-office whitening, strong, quick-acting hydrogen peroxide is the preferred bleach. Concentrations of hydrogen peroxide used to whiten teeth can range from nine to forty percent.

In contrast, slower-acting carbamide peroxide, which decomposes into hydrogen peroxide, is the bleach of choice for at-home teeth whitening. The strength of carbamide peroxide is about one-third that of hydrogen peroxide. This indicates that a carbamide peroxide solution at 15 percent is about similar to a hydrogen peroxide solution at 5 percent.

Recovery Period After Teeth Whitening

After in-office teeth whitening, the recover time is often quick and gentle. Post operative, some people may have brief sensitivity or discomfort, but this is often minimal and momentary.

• Here are some suggestions for easing any discomfort following whitening:

  After 24 hours, refrain from drinking anything hot or cold.

• Make use of sensitive tooth toothpaste.
• Utilize warm salt water to rinse your mouth.
• For the first 48 hours, stay away from foods and beverages that can cause stains, such as red wine, coffee, and smoke.

Any post-whitening irritation or discomfort should, in most situations, go away within a few days. It is crucial to speak with your dentist for guidance if the symptoms intensify or continue. They may offer further details on how to deal with any post-procedure side effects and guarantee the ideal outcomes from your teeth whitening therapy.