By Dr. Jon ( Junyi ) Ho Teeth whitening is one of the most desirable cosmetic procedures in dentistry because of its ability to improve someone’s smile by making their teeth whiter. This increases confidence, making them feel more comfortable in social situations. While it is true that teeth whitening is a popular treatment, there are still many people who do not know much about it.
Read on because this guide will explain teeth whitening, its methods, benefits, and other important things related to it so that you can make an informed decision about whether or not you will proceed with the treatment.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Simply put, teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment in dentistry that involves using effective chemicals, such as hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide, to lessen or eliminate discolouration or stains on teeth. However, you have to note that this is not for everybody. For instance, a pregnant or lactating woman is not recommended to undergo such a procedure. Also, if you have oral problems such as gum disease, your dentist needs to manage these first before performing teeth whitening.
When Does One Need Teeth Whitening?
There are instances when you need to have your teeth whitened, such as:
- Your confidence is affected due to your discoloured teeth. You may be embarrassed to talk or smile often because of the colour of your teeth. This is especially true if your job requires you to meet new people frequently or if you need to speak in front of a group often. Teeth whitening can help by lightening the colour of your teeth, boosting your confidence in the process.
- You want to look good for your upcoming wedding. A whiter smile can add to your overall beauty on your big day. If you have brown, yellow, or dark teeth, you may not be happy smiling often in your wedding photos. You can avoid this problem by undergoing teeth whitening a few months before your wedding day.
- You want to leave the first impression in your job interview. If you have whiter teeth, you are more likely to smile more often, which can make a good first impression on your potential employer. Remember, smiling is one of the non-verbal cues that can say a lot about you.
- Your teeth are stained due to certain foods and drinks. Drinking stain-causing foods or beverages frequently can discolour or darken your teeth over time. If you want to remove or reduce these stains, teeth whitening can help.
- You have successfully quit smoking. Smoking cigarettes can lead to yellow teeth because of tobacco products’ nicotine content. If you have recently stopped smoking and want to achieve brighter teeth, you can benefit from teeth whitening.
What Can Cause Tooth Discolouration?
There are a few reasons why teeth can become discoloured, even if you regularly brush and floss them. These include:
- Ageing. As you age, your tooth enamel (outermost layer) starts to wear down, exposing the dentin (inner layer). The dentin is yellow in colour, unlike enamel, thus making your teeth look darker.
- Food And Drinks. Certain types of food, like blueberries and drinks like red wine, coffee, and tea, can cause stains on teeth because of their pigments.
- Smoking. Nicotine in tobacco products can cause teeth discolouration by turning them yellow, brown or even black.
- Medications. Some medications, such as tetracycline and doxycycline, can cause discoloured teeth in children whose teeth are still developing.
- Trauma to the teeth. Tooth trauma results from a tooth injury, which can harm your tooth and cause it to die without immediate treatment. Because the tooth is no longer vital, it can darken over time.
- Poor dental hygiene. If you don’t follow a healthy dental routine, plaque and tartar can build up over time. These can retain stains from the food and teeth you consume, making your teeth appear darker.
- Some medical conditions. Certain medical conditions, including celiac disease, eating disorders, acid reflux, and diabetes, can lead to discoloured teeth. One of the reasons is that some of these conditions can cause vomiting, which in turn can result in tooth erosion, exposing the dentin. This leads to the teeth appearing yellow.
It’s also important to note the two types of tooth stains that teeth whitening can help address. These are:
- Extrinsic stains. These tooth stain types are found on the tooth surface, which may be reduced or removed with over-the-counter teeth whiteners. However, if these are left unmanaged, they can eventually penetrate your teeth, making them difficult to remove. They are usually caused by drinking coffee, red wine, tea or smoking.
- Intrinsic stains. These stains occur deeper and can’t be removed with over-the-counter teeth whitening products. They are usually caused by certain medications, such as tetracycline, as well as trauma to the teeth. Intrinsic teeth stains often require professional teeth whitening treatment.
How To Prepare For My Teeth Whitening Treatment?
While teeth whitening procedures are not invasive and complex, there are things you need to do in preparation for your treatment. You have to:
- Let your dentist know about any current medical conditions you have. Doing so reduces the risks of complications associated with the procedure. This also ensures that the whitening agent used will not cause any adverse reactions. Inform your dentist about any medications you are taking because some drugs can make your teeth more sensitive to whitening agents.
- Stop smoking at least two days before your treatment. It’s best to avoid smoking at least 48 hours before your treatment so that the whitening agent can effectively work on your teeth.
- Avoid eating or drinking stain-causing food and beverages. It’s recommended to avoid these at least two days before your treatment so the results of your procedure will be pleasing.
- Make sure your teeth are clean. Before your treatment, clean your teeth thoroughly so that the whitening agent can better adhere to your teeth.
Who Can Perform Teeth Whitening?
Under Australian law, only registered dentists can use teeth whitening products that contain more than 6% hydrogen peroxide and 18% carbamide peroxide. However, a registered or licensed dental hygienist can also perform professional teeth whitening under the supervision of a dentist.
On the other hand, you can do the treatment at home using over-the-counter tooth whiteners with lower concentrations of active ingredients. Mostly, these items have a 3% concentration of peroxide and are made to be safe for home use.
What Happens During The Teeth Whitening Procedure?
- Your dentist will clean your teeth before starting the procedure for better results.
- They will cover your lips and gums with a rubber shield or gel to avoid contact with the whitening agent. If this happens, it could result in irritation.
- A teeth whitening gel is then applied to your teeth.This gel contains an active ingredient like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, which helps bleach your teeth and make them several shades lighter.
- To speed up the whitening process, a special LED or laser light may be used.
- After about 10-20 minutes, your dentist will remove the whitening gel from your teeth and repeat the process about three times until you achieve the desired results. During your initial consultation, your dentist may have already asked you about the shade you want your teeth to be.
- After the process is done, your dentist will remove the protector and any residue from your teeth.
- Before you leave their office, they will provide aftercare instructions to help you maintain your bright smile
How Long Do Teeth Whitening Results Last?
This differs depending on the method used and how well you take care of your teeth afterwards. Over-the-counter whitening products usually last up to four months, while results from in-chair treatment can last up to three years with proper care. Your whitened teeth from custom trays you get from your dentist can last up to a year if you take care of your teeth.
How To Maintain Whitened Teeth
You will play an essential role in maintaining the results of your teeth whitening procedure. These include:
- Avoiding stain-causing food and drinks. As much as possible, avoid consuming dark-coloured food and beverages that can cause your teeth to stain. These include coffee, tea, soft drinks, red wine, and soy sauce. If you can’t avoid them altogether, at least brush your teeth or rinse your mouth with water afterwards.
- Practising good oral hygiene. This means tooth brushing at least twice a day, flossing daily, and using mouthwash. These will help remove plaque and bacteria that can cause staining.
- Visiting your dentist regularly. Make sure to schedule at least two dental office visits a year for regular check-ups and cleanings. This way, they can also monitor the