Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a process that removes discoloration within the tooth structure. It’s a popular cosmetic dentistry procedure. Whitening temporarily reverses discoloration caused by tea, coffee, cigarettes, or natural aging.
Over time, the mineral structure of teeth deteriorates, making the enamel more porous. This creates an environment where pigments can accumulate, causing teeth to darken. Additionally, tea, coffee, cigarettes, tetracycline antibiotics, or excessive fluoride intake can stain teeth. Whitening removes this discoloration. There are two primary whitening methods.
In-Office Whitening
Performed by a dentist in the clinic, this process typically takes 40-50 minutes. The gums are protected with a special barrier, and a gel-like whitening agent is applied to the teeth.
At-Home Whitening
A custom-made mouthguard is created to fit the patient’s teeth. The patient fills the mouthguard with a dentist-prescribed gel and wears it for specific periods daily. Whitening gels can irritate gums, so avoid contact with them. If gel overflows onto gums, remove it with a wet cotton ball.
Studies show that teeth whitening is highly effective and safe when supervised by a dentist. It doesn’t damage teeth or gums.
Occasionally, temporary sensitivity to hot or cold may occur after whitening but usually disappears within 1-3 days. The whitening process doesn’t affect tooth enamel. A custom-made mouthguard is created for the patient to use at home with the whitening gel. This method provides long-term whitening with about half an hour of daily use. It typically takes a few weeks. The dentist may monitor the patient’s progress and check for sensitivity.
Professional teeth whitening is a low-risk procedure. Ninety-five percent of treatments are successful and can last 2-3 years depending on the individual’s habits. Rarely, tooth sensitivity or gum irritation may occur but resolves quickly. Fluoride treatments or recommended toothpaste or creams can reduce sensitivity.
Whitening results vary based on tooth structure and stain type. Yellow stains often whiten faster than gray ones. Whitening doesn’t work on porcelain crowns, veneers, or dentures. The type of stain, strength of the whitening agent, and treatment duration and frequency affect the outcome. The goal is not perfectly white teeth but a shade that complements the patient’s skin, hair, and eye color.
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