Have you ever gazed in the mirror and wished your smile was brighter? If so, teeth whitening may be a good option for you. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what teeth whitening is and how it works.
What is teeth whitening?
Teeth whitening is a process that lightens the colour of teeth by removing stains and discolouration. It is used to restore natural-looking white colour to teeth that have been stained or discoloured due to ageing, certain medications, or lifestyle habits such as smoking. There are various types of teeth whitening products available, including over-the-counter treatments, professional treatments, and at-home kits.
What causes teeth to discolour?
Teeth become discoloured when their enamel is exposed to specific staining agents like coffee, tea, tobacco, and some acidic foods. Moreover, the natural ageing process can dull the colour of teeth over time. Poor oral hygiene habits are also a common cause of discolouration as plaque accumulates and can darken tooth enamel. Thankfully, individuals can opt for professional whitening treatments to restore their pearly whites and enjoy a bright smile again.
What are the different treatment options for teeth whitening?
At-home teeth whitening kits
These kits typically come with a whitening solution that is applied directly to the teeth using a mouth tray or applicator brush. Most kits also come with instructions on how to use them properly, as well as safety precautions. At-home teeth whitening kits can be purchased over the counter or online.
Professional in-office treatments
If you want immediate results and/or are looking for more advanced options, professional in-office treatments may be right for you. This type of treatment involves applying bleaching agents directly onto your teeth at your dentist’s office and then activating them with either laser lights or special ultraviolet light sources. Your dentist will also check to make sure this type of teeth whitening treatment is safe for you before proceeding with any treatment plan. Professional in-office treatments usually cost more than at-home kits but can offer more noticeable results in a shorter amount of time.
Whitening toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste is an easy and affordable way to brighten up your smile without having to invest in expensive equipment. These pastes contain mild abrasives that help remove surface stains from your teeth, giving them a brighter look over time. Unlike other methods, however, toothpaste does not actually bleach your teeth; instead, it simply removes surface stains caused by food or beverages such as coffee or tea. As such, whitening toothpaste may not be effective for those who have deeper discolouration on their teeth due to age or genetics.
What to expect during and after the teeth whitening process?
Before whitening
Before beginning any whitening procedure, it’s important that you speak with your dentist first. Your dentist will be able to determine if you are a good candidate for professional bleaching or if there are other treatments that may be better suited for your needs. They will also evaluate the condition of your teeth and gums and make sure that they are healthy enough for the bleaching process.
During whitening
Your dentist will provide instructions on how you should prepare for the procedure, so it is important that you follow them closely. During the actual bleaching session, your dentist will apply either hydrogen peroxide gel or carbamide peroxide gel to your teeth in order to break up and remove surface stains. Depending on your individual case, this process may take anywhere from half an hour to two hours. The number of sessions required can vary as well; some people may need multiple visits, while others may only need one session.
After whitening
Once your teeth whitening is finished, there are a few essential tips to ensure that you keep your dazzling smile for as long as possible. It is important that you avoid foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and tobacco products in order to prevent staining from occurring again after treatment. Additionally, proper oral hygiene habits like brushing twice daily, flossing regularly, and using an antiseptic mouthwash can help keep your pearly whites looking their best long-term!
Is teeth whitening painful?
Many people are curious about teeth whitening and whether or not it is a painful process. After all, it involves the use of bleach and other chemicals that can be harsh on the teeth. The good news is that teeth whitening does not have to be a painful experience. In fact, with modern methods of teeth whitening, you should find that it is comfortable and even enjoyable.
However, some people may experience sensitivity after they have had their teeth whitened. This sensitivity can range from mild to severe depending on the individual person and how long their treatment lasted. If you do experience sensitivity after having your teeth whitened, it should subside within a day or two.
How to deal with sensitive teeth after whitening?
1. Use desensitising toothpaste – Using desensitising toothpaste after whitening helps reduce sensitivity and prevent further damage to your enamel. Look for toothpaste that is specifically designed for sensitive teeth, as they contain ingredients like potassium nitrate that help block pain signals from the nerves in your teeth. Additionally, make sure the toothpaste you use does not contain any abrasive ingredients that could further damage your enamel.
2. Avoid highly acidic foods – Your teeth can be more sensitive after whitening due to the weakened state of your enamel, so it’s important to avoid highly acidic foods, such as soda, citrus fruits, and vinegar-based salad dressings, during this time. Eating these types of foods can cause additional damage to your enamel and exacerbate the sensitivity you already have in your teeth.
3. Take medication – Over-the-counter pain medications, such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen, can help reduce inflammation and alleviate some of the discomfort associated with tooth sensitivity after whitening procedures. However, it’s important not to take too much medication; follow instructions on the label carefully and never exceed the recommended dosage amount stated on the product packaging or ask your doctor or dentist for advice if you’re unsure about how much medication is safe for you to take.
4. Talk to your dentist – If home remedies don’t seem to be helping alleviate your tooth sensitivity after whitening treatments, then it may be time to contact your dentist for more advice and guidance on how best to manage this problem going forward. They will be able to provide tailored advice based on what they know about your specific situation and provide tips on how best you can reduce any discomfort associated with post-whitening tooth sensitivity in future treatments, as well as general dental care advice going forward.
How long will the results of teeth whitening last?
The type of teeth whitening product used
The type of teeth whitening product used will have an impact on how long your results will last. Over-the-counter products, such as toothpaste and strips, usually offer short-term results, often lasting only one or two weeks before fading. Professional treatments from your dentist are more powerful and may be able to give longer-lasting results.
Your lifestyle choices
Certain lifestyle choices can also affect how long your teeth whitening results last. For example, if you consume a lot of stain-causing foods and drinks (such as coffee, tea, red wine, etc.), you may find that your results don’t last as long as they should. Smoking is another factor that can cause stains to appear sooner than expected. Taking good care of your oral health by brushing and flossing regularly will also help preserve the effects of professional teeth whitening treatments for longer.
Your genes
Genetics also plays a role in how long teeth whitening results will last because some people naturally have yellower or darker teeth than others due to their genes. In these cases, there may be only so much lightening that can be achieved through both professional and over-the-counter products regardless of lifestyle choices or maintenance regimens – the shade may not stay white for very long if it’s already naturally dark in colour due to genetics.
What are the benefits of teeth whitening?
Increased confidence
One of the major benefits of teeth whitening is that it can increase your confidence. Having brighter, whiter teeth can make you feel better about yourself and can make a huge difference in how attractive others find you. As a result, you may find yourself feeling more confident when speaking with others or attending social events.
Improved oral health
Another benefit of teeth whitening is that it can improve your oral health by making it easier to properly brush and floss your teeth. When food particles become stuck between your teeth and are not removed, they can eventually cause discolouration.
By regularly brushing and flossing after having your teeth professionally whitened, you’ll be able to keep them looking brighter for longer periods of time.
Long-lasting results
The results of professional teeth whitening treatments can last for up to three years, depending on how well you maintain your oral hygiene habits after the treatment has been completed.
Safer treatment
Store-bought teeth whitening kits can be detrimental to your gums and cause tooth sensitivity. On the other hand, professional teeth bleaching involves supervision by experts who guarantee that your mouth will receive no harm while ensuring optimal levels of peroxide are used for whiter results.
Whiten your teeth at My Local Dentists
If you’re considering getting your teeth professionally whitened, it’s great that you’re taking proactive steps towards achieving a brighter smile! The key takeaway here is that there are certain steps that must be taken before, during, and after treatment in order for it to be successful—but with dedication and proper maintenance routines in place afterwards, you should have no problem keeping those pearly whites shining brightly! Talk with our dentist today about what options are available so they can help guide you through the entire process safely and successfully!
Contact us now to book your appointment.
References
Teeth Whitening
https://www.webmd.com/oral-health/teeth-whitening
Teeth Whitening Options and Safety
https://www.healthline.com/health/is-teeth-whitening-safe