Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure opted by many. White, clear teeth enhance your smile and create a lasting impression. Discolored teeth with spots and stains may inhibit you from smiling. When the teeth are constantly exposed to different staining beverages and food, it is prone to get discolored.
Teeth whitening is a safe option when done at a dental clinic. However, home remedies can severely damage the enamel and thereby cause other dental problems. There are numerous teeth whitening products in the market, and they include whitening toothpaste, over-the-counter gels, rinses, strips, trays, and whitening products. These products are safe when prescribed by a dentist.
Different Whitening Products
Whitening toothpaste: Toothpaste generally helps remove surface stains as they contain mild abrasives to clean the enamel. Whitening toothpaste contains gentle polishing and chemical agents. These agents help remove harsh stains, and they do not contain bleach. These products contain agents that help lighten the color of the tooth and can lighten the color by a shade. However, whitening conducted at a dentist’s office can make the teeth three to eight shades lighter.
Whitening strips and gels: These gels are made from peroxide, they appear clear, and they can be directly applied to the surface of the teeth using a small brush. The dentist will provide the instructions. Carefully follow these instructions to protect the strength of your enamel. It is a bad choice to pick up a strip or gel from a pharmacy or other stores as you are not aware of the ingredients and if they are harmful to the teeth. These gels produce results in a few days and last for four months.
Whitening strips are thin, invisible strips, and they are coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. These strips can be applied to the teeth as per the given instructions.
Whitening rinses: These are the latest whitening products in the market. They help freshen the breath, reduce dental plaque and gum disease. They also include ingredients like hydrogen peroxide, and this helps whiten teeth. However, these products take longer than other agents to show visible results. They take up to 12 weeks to show significant results.
Dentist Supervised Treatments
At-home methods are not as effective or as safe as dentist-supervised methods. Professionally administered whitening treatments use strong bleaching agents, and this delivers quicker results. The products may only contain about three percent hydrogen peroxide. Whereas, dentists and dental hygienists use concentrated solutions with concentrations ranging from 15% to 43%.
Dentists will also take an impression of the teeth and make a mouthpiece tray that is customized to fit your teeth. This mouthpiece enables maximum contact between the teeth and the whitening gel. A customized mouthpiece tray will also ensure that the gel is not in contact with the gum tissue.
Teeth whitening effects fade over time and quickly return to the teeth’ original color when exposed to foods and beverages that cause staining. You may see the results fade if you expose the teeth to unhealthy conditions, whereas the whitening effects can last up to a month if you avoid staining food and beverages.
Our Endodontists are professionals skilled in pain diagnosis and other treatment procedures. Contact our dental clinic to check on your oral health.
