There are various teeth whitening techniques and treatments available, including whitening toothpastes, gels, rinses, strips, trays, and dentist-recommended whitening treatments.
Teeth whitening is effective for people who have healthy, undamaged gums and teeth. People with colored teeth react the fastest. However, this cosmetic treatment is not suitable for everyone.
What are the causes of stained teeth?
There are two types of stains that affect the coloration of the teeth, which are either extrinsic or intrinsic stains.
Extrinsic Stain causes:
Extrinsic stains are caused by coffee, tea, tobacco, poor oral hygiene, and antimicrobial mouthwash such as chlorhexidine.
Intrinsic stains cause:
Intrinsic staining is caused by developmental disruptions caused by trauma, medications, plaque accumulation, aging, and dead teeth.
What is the Process of Teeth Whitening?
Tooth “whitening” refers to any technique that makes teeth look whiter. There are two popular methods for accomplishing this: bleaching and non-bleaching whitening treatments. The terms “bleaching” and “whitening” are frequently used similarly, However the FDA specifies that the term “bleaching” can only be utilized when a product involves bleach. Whenever a product eliminates food or debris from the teeth regardless of the usage of bleach, it is referred to as “whitening.”
What do teeth bleaching products consist of?
The primary bleaching ingredient is hydrogen peroxide, which is subdivided into carbamide peroxide.
The bleaching treatments available from the dentist are far more potent than those available OTC. Whiteners used by dentists can contain up to 35% to 45% peroxide, although store-bought whitening kits, like whitening strips or trays, often contain only 7% peroxide. Glycerin, sodium hydroxide, and flavours are among the other substances found in both dentist-dispensed and over-the-counter whiteners.
Is teeth whitening right for me?
Most people are suitable candidates for tooth whitening, and those with little to intermediate discolouration are the ideal candidates. However, specific types of discolouration cannot be remedied by whitening procedures, and specific dental or medical issues may decrease the probability that tooth whitening will succeed for you. These are some examples:
Porcelain veneers, dental crowns, caps, fillings, or dental bonding on front teeth. Bleaching treatments do not work effectively with certain synthetic substances. If you prefer these teeth to appear whiter, you may require newer crowns or veneers.
Yellowish teeth typically bleach fast, however brownish teeth may not bleach too though. Teeth with gray color, white patches, or discolouration from a “dead” tooth may be resistant to bleaching.
Some diseases may worsen if your teeth are bleached. Patients suffering from bruxism (the habit of grinding one’s teeth) or temporomandibular joint disorder are among those affected by this condition.In some situations, these conditions might allow for in-office whitening treatments. depending on the dentist’s observation.
Tooth whitening is ineffective if the discolouration is the result of medicine or tooth damage.
