Do you require a rapid, dramatic grin makeover but are pressed for time? One excellent alternative to think about is teeth whitening. One of the most common, quick, non-invasive, and reasonably-priced approaches to improving a smile is teeth whitening. Every budget, time limit, and temperament may be satisfied by whitening procedures, which are universally valued by both men and women. Whitening Solutions exist through professionally performed one-hour whitening sessions at a dentist clinic.
Almost everyone who chooses a teeth whitening method notices a modest to a significant increase in the brilliance and clarity of their smile. Nevertheless, it is a temporary fix for teeth whitening and requires “touch-ups” for a lasting look.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Without removing any of the tooth surfaces, teeth whitening can be a highly efficient approach to lightening the natural color of your teeth. It can only brighten the current hue; it cannot change the color completely. There are several causes for getting your teeth whitened. Everyone is unique, and our teeth range from person to person just like our hair and skin tones do. Very few individuals have teeth that are pearly white, and as we age, our teeth may also get more discolored.
Types of Teeth Stain:
Extrinsic staining and intrinsic staining are the two types of staining that apply to teeth.
- Extrinsic stains are those that develop on the teeth’s surface due to exposure to dark-colored meals, drinks, and tobacco products as well as regular wear and tear. Extrinsic stains that are just on the surface can be easily eliminated with brushing and preventative dental cleaning. With more intensive methods, such as tooth whitening, stubborn extrinsic stains can be eradicated. If persistent extrinsic stains are not removed quickly, they may eat through the dentin and become embedded.
- Stains that develop on the inside of teeth are called intrinsic stains. Trauma, age, exposure to minerals (such as tetracycline) during tooth development, and/or high fluoride intake can cause intrinsic stains. In the past, bleaching was regarded to be ineffective at removing intrinsic stains because of their resistance. Experts in cosmetic dentistry now hold that over the course of many months or even a year, supervised at-home teeth whitening may effectively eliminate even deeply embedded intrinsic stains. If everything else fails, dental veneers are an alternative aesthetic treatment for inherent stains.
What is the reason behind Tooth Staining?
1. Age:
A clear correlation exists between age and tooth color. As a consequence of wear and tear and stain development, teeth get darker with time. Teenagers will most likely see rapid, substantial advantages from whitening. In their twenties, the teeth begin to develop a yellow hue, making whitening more challenging. By the time you reach your 40s, the yellow changes to brown, probably requiring additional maintenance. Even by the time a person is fifty, their teeth have developed a range of long-lasting stains that can be difficult to remove (but not impossible).
2. Eating behavior
Carrots, oranges, red wine, coffee, tea, cola, and other colorful foods and drinks can create a lasting imprint. Acidic foods like citrus fruits and vinegar can cause tooth enamel to deteriorate. As a result, the surface turns more transparent, revealing more of the yellow dentin.
3. Smoking actions
Nicotine leaves behind brownish deposits that over time permeate into the tooth structure and cause intrinsic discoloration.
4. Chemicals and drugs:
Tetracycline usage during tooth growth results in ribbon stains that are extremely difficult to remove and are dark grey or brown. Fluorosis is a tooth discoloration caused by an excessive intake of fluoride and is characterized by the development of little white spots on the teeth and accompanying areas of white mottling.
5. Supplements, vitamins, and medications
Your teeth may become stained by specific prescription prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, and natural supplements. One such is the antibiotic tetracycline, which was once used quite often but less frequently once it was shown to result in long-term tooth discoloration. It wasn’t that the medicine stained teeth that had already come in; rather, it impacted children’s growing teeth or, in the case of pregnant women, newborns’ developing teeth.
Even now, there are still some drugs that can temporarily discolor teeth, such as chlorhexidine, which ironically we use in dental offices. Use it just as instructed if your dentist or oral surgeon prescribes it.
Options for Teeth Whitening: Types
The methods for tooth whitening include:
– In-office Whitening
- The primary benefit of in-office whitening is the rapid, observable color change.
- This method involves using a paint-on rubber dam to shield the gums before a dentist or other knowledgeable technician uses a peroxide gel with a fairly high concentration on the teeth.
- Usually, the peroxide covers the teeth for many sessions of 15 to 20 minutes each, for a total of one hour.
- Those with really severe stains may be advised to return for one or more further bleaching sessions or asked to keep using a home-use device.
– Take-Home Kits Dispensed by Professionals
- Many dentists think that take-home whitening kits that are used carefully over time might produce the best results.
- A low-concentration peroxide gel that is easy to apply and remains on the teeth for at least an hour is included in take-home kits (sometimes overnight).
- The quantity of peroxide must be reduced the longer it may safely remain on teeth.
- The gel is applied to the teeth using specialized bleaching trays, which resemble mouth guards.
– Over-the-Counter Things
- Over-the-counter bleaching is the least expensive and most convenient teeth whitening option. It makes use of a store-bought whitening kit and bleaching gel with a lesser concentration than take-home whiteners that are professionally administered.
- The gel is administered to the teeth using standardized trays, strips, or paint-on applicators.
- This frequently only tends to lighten a few of the front teeth, as opposed to custom trays, which may whiten the entire smile.
How much does it cost to whiten teeth?
Depending on the product and procedure used, the cost of teeth whitening might vary quite a little.
- The most costly choice is in-office, professional teeth whitening, which typically costs $650 a session but might cost up to $1,000. However, it does have the benefit of being performed by a qualified dental professional, helping to ensure that you get the outcomes you’re expecting.
- On the other end, the next pricing range options are for over-the-counter strips and trays that you could get at your local drugstore or grocery store. These kits, which range in price from $20 to $100, are a tempting substitute for those who want to significantly whiten their teeth but don’t want to pay the high price of in-office whitening. It’s important to keep in mind, though, that results might vary significantly when using these low-cost, low-concentration peroxide whiteners.
- If you’re looking for something in between professional whitening and over-the-counter remedies, take-home kits that are professionally administered may be a good choice for you. These kits, which can range in price from $100 to $400 and are recommended by a dentist, may be able to deliver results that are comparable to those you would get from a dentist in-office.
Is there any risk of Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening procedures are believed to be safe when performed as directed. However, there are a few bleaching-related concerns that you should be aware of:
– Sensitivity:
You can experience a brief increase in sensitivity to pressure, warmth, and touch after bleaching. When bleach is used for in-office whitening at a higher concentration, this is more likely to occur. Zingers, or abrupt shooting sensations, can occur around the middle of some people’s front teeth. The majority of people who experience discomfort during teeth whitening have gum recession, significant cracks in their teeth, or leakage as a result of subpar restorations.
Additionally, redheads have been found to be particularly prone to tooth sensitivity and zingers, even in the absence of any other risk factors. The sensitivity to whitening often only lasts a day or two, although on rare occasions it might last a whole month. Some dentists advise using toothpaste containing potassium nitrate for people with sensitive teeth.
– Gum inflammation:
More than half of persons who use peroxide whiteners have some degree of gum irritation because of the bleach concentration or contact with the bleaching trays. Once the bleaching is stopped or the peroxide level is decreased, the discomfort often goes away, but it may persist for a few days.
– Technicolor teeth:
These teeth keep their original color as the teeth surrounding them whiten since bleach has no effect on restorations such as bonding, dental crowns, or veneers. The result is what is referred to as “technicolor teeth.”
Steps to prevent tooth staining:
No matter how effective the teeth-whitening gel you’re using is, there’s always a chance that your teeth may eventually become again discoloured. Particularly if you still smoke or if you engage in specific lifestyle habits like consuming red wine, having two to three cups of coffee each morning, or any combination of these. Fortunately, there are practical strategies to extend your results and prevent significant discoloration once again.
- Plan routine cleanings. Your dental hygienist will remove any surface stains and assist you in straightening your smile. If you have a home whitening kit, this is a great opportunity to touch up after these appointments.
- Swig with a straw. Darker liquids will have less time in touch with your front teeth thanks to this approach.
- To properly remove extraneous particles from your teeth surfaces and to help avoid discoloration, use an electric toothbrush sometimes and whitening toothpaste.
- Develop a quitting strategy with your doctor if you smoke or use vape products.
- Depending on the time of day and when you wash your teeth, lifestyle variables like supplement consumption may need to be modified.
- If you notice tooth discoloration following vigorous lap swimming, rinse your mouth out with water and wash your teeth properly after your workout.
- Once worn-out dental work begins to leak, it should be replaced. Tooth decay should always be treated as soon as possible.
- Avoid eating very acidic foods since they can erode your enamel and cause your teeth to seem noticeably more yellow.
*Remember that the benefits of teeth whitening are temporary, so you’ll need to keep having treatments as they wear off if you want to keep your smile white.*