Teeth whitening is a procedure to lighten or brighten the color of your teeth. It is done in order to remove stains and discoloration caused by smoking, coffee, or soda, among others.
This process is often done by dental professionals at a dentist’s office or dental laboratory. However, at-home whitening kits are also available, which can whiten teeth at home. This blog discusses the pros and cons of teeth whitening as well as other methods of teeth whitening.
What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a process of bleaching teeth to make them appear brighter and whiter. It typically uses a bleaching agent such as carbamide peroxide to change the color of the enamel. This whitening toothpaste can remove surface stains, but it cannot change the natural color of teeth or lighten deeper stains. Some teeth discoloration is caused by genetics or trauma, making whitening less effective in these cases.
Also, excessive exposure to fluoride may lead to extrinsic dark brown-black stains on teeth. To avoid any dental problems, it’s best to consult your dentist for whitening treatment.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
- Teeth whitening is a simple, fast, and affordable way to brighten teeth. It can visibly whiten teeth in as little as a day, saving users time and money.
- Teeth whitening with peroxide can be a gentle and non-irritating treatment option for many people. It uses a bleaching agent (carbamide peroxide) to change the color of enamel, which can result in brighter teeth. However, not all teeth are able to benefit from whitening with peroxide. Additionally, teeth whitening may not work for everyone due to individual tooth structure and sensitivity
- Also, tooth sensitivity after whitening may be due to the bleach or peroxide used in the treatment.
- Finally, this procedure shouldn’t be a long-term solution for tooth brightness as it can harm tooth enamel over time.
To get the most out of this treatment, it’s important to follow a dentist’s recommendations and use products as directed.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
It’s a common cosmetic procedure that involves whitening the teeth with peroxide-based whitening toothpaste or whitening strips, in addition to light-based whitening treatment. While teeth whitening is generally safe, it isn’t recommended for people who are pregnant or have teeth sensitivity. Instead, whitening is an effective way to brighten teeth and improve the appearance of teeth naturally.
Natural teeth respond well to whitening because they’re naturally white. However, dental work like crowns, bridges and implants may diminish the impact of tooth whitening treatments. Some whitening systems may cause sensitivity in higher strengths. Additionally, practicing good oral hygiene, using whitening toothpastes, switching to an electric toothbrush, avoiding stains on your teeth, and quitting smoking can help you safely whiten your teeth.
What Are Different Methods Of Teeth Whitening?
- At-home whitening treatments are available for those looking to whiten their teeth. They range from whitening strips that are applied to the teeth, to whitening toothpaste, mouthwash, and gel treatments.
- In-office whitening treatments include peroxide whitening, which uses hydrogen peroxide in the mouth as a whitening agent, and bleaching treatments, in which a bleaching agent is applied to the teeth.
- Intrinsic whitening uses a bleaching agent (carbamide peroxide) to change the color of enamel in the teeth. This treatment is effective at whitening teeth but can cause irritation, tooth sensitivity, and tooth discoloration.
- Brushing with baking soda or hydrogen peroxide is another at-home option. Doing this daily can help remove stains and whiten teeth naturally. However, it is important to use these products correctly and avoid abrasive brushing.
- Oil pulling is another at-home method that involves swishing oil in the mouth for several minutes daily. This process can help clear stains from the teeth naturally, but it is important to do this safely and without straining the mouth. Also, DIY methods such as using charcoal, turmeric, or other ingredients from the kitchen should not be used as they could harm teeth and cause irritation.
Find Out How Whitening Your Teeth Can Renew Your Smile Today
Teeth whitening is a simple process that can make a huge difference in refreshing your smile. While there are some side effects and risks associated with teeth whitening, the benefits almost always outweigh them. Contact Holmes Dental P.C. to schedule an appointment to brighten your smile today!
