What Tooth Whitening Is and Its Different Treatment Procedures

Teeth might get stained for different reasons, such as smoking regularly or due to old age. In the event that you need to make them brighter and whiter, you can do so safely at a dentist’s office near you. There are a few whitening alternatives to choose from. You can visit your dental specialist for whitening products or try homemade whitening products. While there are side effects from teeth whitening, most whitening treatments are secure to use as long as you follow the instructions given by your dental expert.

There are various reasons why you should get your teeth whitened. Everybody is unique, and just like our hair, eyes, and skin tone differ, so do our teeth. Not many individuals have clear white teeth, and as we get older, our teeth begin to lose that shimmering look and eventually begin to discolor.

Some of the factors that can cause teeth to lose their bright white color include:

• Extrinsic stains –They are stains found on the teeth surface of an individual and are mainly caused by poor dental hygiene.
• Intrinsic stains –These are stains that are on the dentin or inner layers of the teeth. They may indicate a serious oral problem.

You can get extrinsic stains fromcertain foods or beveragesand wines, to name a few. Smoking cigarettes or using tobacco products can also cause teeth discoloration. The best way to prevent extrinsic stains is to brush your teeth immediately after eating foods that can cause discoloration. Taking these foods in small quantities, too, will help maintain the teeth’ white color.

At Breckenridge Dental Group, there are three commonly used methods of teeth whitening.These are:

1. In-office dental whitening is administered by your dentist
2. At-home whitening kits
3. Over-the-counter or made-at-home teeth bleaching products

What Are the Different Teeth Whitening Services?

• At-home bleaching trays

These custom-made trays are the most recommended at-home dental whitening method. The trays are made to fit your unique smile, and the whitening solution bleaches your teeth, giving you the brightest results possible.

• In-office bleaching

Some dentists offer an in-office whitening treatment that provides great results. Tooth sensitivity, however, happens sometimesafter using an in-office bleaching system.

• Over-the-counter whitening

Using strips has proven to be the most effective over-the-counter method of teeth whitening. However, a strip can only be customized and installed to a certain level; thus, it may not be 100 % effective.

The Aftercare Tips After Tooth Whitening

Everyone wants the results of the whitening procedure to last for the longest time possible. That, therefore, requires one to take proper teeth care after the procedure to avoid going back to the dentist. Following up on the medications given by the dental specialist and going for appointments as instructed are the first teeth whitening tips to follow. You can also:

• Avoid teeth-staining foods

The first 48 hours after the whitening procedure are the most vulnerable time for the teeth. Avoid dark foods and any other food that may alter with the whitening treatment. It’s also important to continue following this teeth aftercare tip even after the 48 hours are over to maintain the white color.

• Avoid acidic foods

Avoiding soda, lime, and other acidic foods that can discolor teeth should be a top-tier aftercare routine. Teeth whitening process and the products used can make teeth weak, and taking acidic foods increases the chances ofdestroying your teeth enamel.

• Avoid hot and cold meals/drinks

After the whitening process, the teeth become sensitive. Avoid hot and cold meals to avoid the sensitivity which causes pain. Dentists also advise people to use toothpaste that controls teeth sensitivity.

• Visit your dentist regularly as recommended

This aftercare tip will benefit the user because the professional gives tips to prevent the teeth from yellowing again.

Side Effects Involved with Tooth-Whitening

Teeth whitening is considered safe, but sometimes you may experience the following side effects from the treatments:

• Teeth sensitivity- After the first two or three days of the teeth whitening process, your teeth might be sensitive. Dentists recommend treating sensitivity using products that contain potassium nitrate and sodium fluoride gel.
• Irritated gums- You may experience gingival irritation after the teeth bleaching process. This is when the gums become irritated. However, the side effects disappear with time after the treatment.