Do you want to make your smile brighter and more confident? The teeth whitening solution is a popular cosmetic dental procedure that many patients are looking into, but how effective is it really?
Here at our practice, we understand the importance of uncovering the facts when it comes to cosmetic dentistry procedures. That’s why we’re taking a deep dive into teeth whitening and helping you separate fact from fiction when it comes to this popular treatment. Keep reading to get the full scoop!
Overview of Teeth Whitening and What it Entails
It’s a procedure that is used to lighten and brighten the colour of teeth, usually for aesthetic or cosmetic reasons. It is commonly done by dentists but can also be done at home with over-the-counter products.
Teeth whitening procedures involve bleaching agents being applied to the teeth in order to remove unwanted surface stains from food, drinks, smoking or age. The bleaching agent consists of either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, depending on the formulation used.
The most common method of teeth whitening at a dentist’s office is known as chairside bleaching and involves applying a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide gel onto the teeth with special trays. This is then activated with either a laser or a light source that helps speed up the process.
Alternatively, at-home treatments are available in the form of over-the-counter whitening kits that contain lower concentrations of bleach but take longer to see results due to their milder products. They are usually made up of mouth trays filled with a tooth-whitening gel containing either hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. These must be worn for 1–2 hours daily for anywhere from two weeks to several months until desired results are achieved.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
- Brightens the overall look of your smile and increases confidence in yourself and your appearance.
- Enhances dental health, as yellow teeth can be a sign of unhealthy gums and oral hygiene.
- Eliminates staining from smoking, drinking coffee/tea, or eating certain foods that have a dark pigment.
- It gives you a more youthful look since teeth often become darker as we age due to wear and tear or natural colouration changes.
- Helps prevent further damage to tooth enamel by removing potential causes of discolouration, such as plaque buildup or tartar over time.
Teeth Whitening Procedure: Is it Safe?
Investigating the safety of the teeth whitening procedure involves talking to a dentist about potential risks and side effects. It is also important to research products used for teeth whitening, as some may contain harsh chemicals or abrasive ingredients.
Additionally, it is important to understand the source of discolouration and what type of whitening best suits that particular cause. Before undergoing any whitening procedure, consulting a dentist is recommended in order to determine if you are a good candidate for bleaching or other treatments.
Risks Associated With Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening treatment can be an effective way to brighten and whiten teeth, but there are some potential risks associated with the procedure. The most common risks include tooth sensitivity, gum irritation, or inflammation.
In some cases, tooth sensitivity can be quite severe, causing pain when exposed to hot or cold temperatures. Additionally, there is a risk of over-bleaching, which can cause permanent damage to the enamel on your teeth.
Over-bleaching can also leave them feeling thin and weak. Gum irritation and inflammation may occur as a result of the chemicals used in teeth whitening products which can cause pain and discomfort.
Finally, allergic reactions are possible with some teeth whitening products. Be sure to talk to your dentist first if you’re considering using a product that contains hydrogen peroxide or other bleaching agents.
Conclusion
Best practices for teeth whitening and the importance of consulting a professional before undergoing treatment are essential to maintain a healthy, beautiful smile.
Teeth whitening treatments can be effective, but they should only be used after consulting a professional. Professionals will be able to assess the individual’s oral health and determine which type of treatment will work best for them.
They can also help provide information about potential side effects associated with different whitening treatments and provide advice on proper care after whitening is complete. By following these best practices and consulting professionals, individuals can ensure that their teeth whitening treatments are safe and effective.
Book an Appointment
My Local Dentists’ friendly dental team is always here to help you make the best decisions for your oral health. If you’re ever unsure about which treatment is right for you or have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We would be more than happy to assist you in any way possible!
References
Teeth whitening
https://www.teeth.org.au/teeth-whitening
Teeth whitening: Surging popularity brings issues to resolve
https://www.ada.org.au/News-Media/News-and-Release/Latest-News/Teeth-whitening-Surging-popularity-brings-issues-t
Home truths about Australians and teeth whitening
https://www.ada.org.au/News-Media/News-and-Release/Latest-News/Teeth-whitening-21032022
Tooth whitening: What we now know
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4058574/
Dental Bleaching Techniques; Hydrogen-carbamide Peroxides and Light Sources for Activation, an Update. Mini Review Article
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4311381/