Everything You Need To Know About Teeth Whitening

The tooth can get stained and discolored due to any of the following factors:

• Foods and drinks. Foods and beverages with dark pigments (like coffee, soda, and red wine) will stain teeth.
• Tobacco use. Smoking cigarettes and chewing tobacco can stain teeth.
• Medication. Some types of medication can cause tooth discoloration.
• Poor oral hygiene. Not brushing teeth regularly or properly can lead to discolored teeth.
• Aging. Tooth discoloration from aging is a natural part of the aging process.

No matter what the cause is, the end result is the same - discolored teeth that can impact the aesthetics of your smile. Thanks to the advancements in dentistry, eliminating these dental stains and getting a bright smile is now easy with teeth whitening methods. 

Teeth Whitening Methods

While there is no “one size fits all” whitening procedure, there are a few common methods. These include:

• In-office teeth whitening.This is one of the most popular ways to brighten smiles. It’s fast, effective, and produces immediately noticeable results.
• Take-home whitening. This uses custom-made whitening trays. The dentist makes these by taking impressions of the patient’s teeth. The gel is applied to the trays and worn between 30 to 60 minutes a day for 1 to 2 weeks. This at-home treatment produces similar results to professional teeth whitening.
• Over-the-counter teeth whitening solutions: Several OTC teeth whitening solutions are available in the form of whitening strips, whitening toothpaste, etc.

Professional Teeth Whitening

If you’re looking for a quick whitening procedure, in-office whitening may be your best option. In-office teeth whitening uses a bleaching agent to lighten teeth. This type of whitening is typically performed during one visit to the dentist. 

During the consultation, the dentist will assess the overall health and condition of a patient’s teeth and gums. During this time, the dentist will also listen to the patient’s specific goals for teeth whitening treatments. The dentist will make recommendations based on a patient’s goals and oral health needs.

The procedure starts with the dentist placing a protective barrier over the gums to protect the soft tissue. The bleaching agent containing highly concentrated hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide is then applied to the teeth. This solution is left on for a specified amount of time and is rinsed off. The procedure is repeated till the desired level of teeth whitening is achieved.

The strength of the teeth whitening agent will determine how many shades lighter the teeth are after the whitening treatment. The in-office treatment is usually completed within an hour and results in teeth that are 5 to 10 shades lighter.

Are Professional Teeth Whitening Right For You?

Professional teeth whitening is a safe and effective way to brighten your smile. Professional whitening from your dentist provides better results and involves less risk than store-bought whitening treatments.

Here are the benefits of professional teeth whitening:

• Safe and effective. Dentist-supervised whitening is the safest and most effective way to go. It’s safe to use around your gums, and the professional treatment typically yields better results.
• Fast results. Professional treatments can whiten your teeth as much as eight shades in a little over an hour. With store-bought kits, it can take weeks for a visible difference.