Facts Everyone Should Know About Teeth Whitening Treatment

Teeth whitening treatment is a dental treatment that lightens the existing color of your teeth and removes stains. It is an ideal treatment for patients who have natural teeth. Patients who have dental restorations will be disappointed by this procedure because veneers, bridges, crowns, and bonding do not whiten from the treatment. Teeth whitening should be done before these restorations for better results. Teeth whitening treatment rectifies stained and discolored teeth.

Types and Causes of Teeth Stains and Discoloration

1. Extrinsic tooth discoloration.

This is discoloration where stains on the tooth affect the tooth enamel only. It is caused by;

• Pigmented foods like chocolates and red sauces
• Beverages like coffee, tea, and red wine
• Tobacco smoking or chewing
• Poor oral health and dental hygiene

2. Intrinsic tooth discoloration.

This type of stain makes teeth appear grayish. It is located within the tooth, therefore, making it resistant to over-the-counter teeth whitening products.This type of stain is caused by;

• Tooth decay that is not treated
• Teeth trauma or injury causes the tooth to darken
• Medications like antibiotics containing tetracycline
• People may have thick or thin enamel due to their genes
• Excess fluoride from water or fluoride supplements

3. Age-related discoloration.

Our teeth’ enamel wears away with age making teeth brittle and susceptible to staining. This results in teeth that appear yellow in color.

Types of Teeth Whitening Products and Systems

Teeth whitening may be in-office whitening and at-home whitening. Both methods give results, but the dentist-assisted practice is best. The products used may contain similar contents, but the dentist will combine them with heat, a special light, or a laser for better results. Professional teeth whitening delivers instant results for surface stains and a short time for deep stains. Over-the-counter teeth whiteners may also be used. These are not recommended as they may burn and bleach gums leading to gingival injury. The over-the-counter products may cause severe teeth sensitivity if not correctly used. They do not clear intrinsic stains inside the teeth.

The products used are:

1. Whitening toothpaste. This type of teeth whitening product contains a chemical agent that removes surface stains. It makes teeth one shade lighter in color.
2. Whitening gels. It involves the use of clear gels made of hydrogen peroxide. This gel is applied to the teeth’ surface, and the results may last for about four months.
3. Teeth whitening strips. These are strips that are thin and not easily visible. They are coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel.
4. Whitening rinses. They are swished in the mouth for 60 seconds before brushing the teeth. They are effective when used twice a day.
5. Tray-based tooth whiteners. A tray similar to a mouth guard is filled with a gel solution that whitens teeth. This peroxide-filled whitening tray is worn for a couple of hours or daily based on the desired results. These trays are custom-made by your dentist for a perfect fit. They may take a week or two to be completed.

In-office Teeth Whitening Procedure

• When patients visit Hudson Family Dental for in-office teeth bleaching, our Union City dentist willfirst record the patient’s current shade of teeth for comparison.
• The teeth are polished using a grainy material called pumice. It removes plaque from the surface of the teeth.
• The dentist isolates your mouth with gauze to keep the teeth dry during the procedure.
• A barrier to protect the gum line from being exposed to the solution is used. This is to prevent gum irritation.
• A teeth whitening solution made of peroxide is applied to the front surface of the teeth.
• Laser light is then used to activate the solution.
• The teeth are rinsed after the desired results.
• Fluoride is used on the teeth to ease teeth sensitivity.
• Stains that take longer to treat require additional visits to the dentist for required results.

Tips to Prevent Teeth from Discoloring

1. Brush and floss immediately after consuming pigmented drinks and food.
2. Maintain good oral hygiene every day.
3. Cut back on smoking or quit.
4. Visit a certified dental hygienist twice a year for professional cleaning.

Teeth whitening is not suitable for;

• Pregnant and lactating women.
• Children below 16 years.
• People with sensitive teeth.
• Anyone allergic to peroxide.
• Individuals with periodontal diseases.
• Anyone with dental restorations.
• People with worn-out enamel.

Visit our dentist near youfor a smile makeover and complete family dental care.