What You Should Know About Teeth Whitening | Types of Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening is a process of lightening the teeth by utilizing a chemical agent which breaks down the stain by producing some chromogens on the teeth' surface. The teeth whitening process is also known as bleaching, as it is done with a bleaching agent like Carbamide Peroxide or Hydrogen Peroxide.
A teeth whitening is a dental treatment that helps in removing the stains from teeth. The dental experts utilize some specific dental chemical agents during the teeth whitening process, and generally, the whole process requires around 40 to 60 minutes for the treatment.
But with this, you must be wondering why you even need to whiten the teeth when you regularly brush your teeth. Then why do you need to visit the dentist to whiten your teeth with some chemical agents.! Undoubtedly, everybody's perception is different. A few people hesitate from going to a dentist just for the teeth cleaning process.
Let us dive into the concept to give you a clear vision of it.
Why do you need to whiten your teeth?
The reason for choosing the teeth whitening process may differ from person to person. It is based on several factors, including skin color, hair color, teeth color, etc. However, the indications that you require to visit your dentist for the teeth whitening process includes:
- You have some intrinsic tooth stains.
- Pitting or yellow stains on the teeth
- Tobacco stains
- Tetracycline stains
We have talked a lot about dental stains but do you know what exactly the term dental stains refer to? What does it mean? Don't worry; we are here to answer the same.
What is a dental stain?
Dental stains refer to the teeth' surface's discolorations that may be caused due to several reasons. The stains may affect a single tooth or multiple ones. Based on the dental stains formations, these are further classified into two forms:
1. Extrinsic Stains
Extrinsic stains are the most common types of tooth discolorations on a tooth's external surface. These stains usually take place due to excessive consumption of certain food items or beverages. Such stain affects the enamel and causes teeth discoloration. Tobacco chewing and smoking can be the primary reasons for the formation of such stains.
2. Intrinsic Stains
Intrinsic stains occur during tooth development. These stains cannot be removed with mechanical measures like debridement prophylactic stain removals.
Causes of Teeth discoloration!
Both forms include different reasons for the occurrence of tooth stains. Let us take a brief look at it.
Causes of extrinsic Staining!
The causes of extrinsic staining include:
- Tobacco chewing
- Smoking
- Increased intake frequency of sugary drinks, acidic liquids like coffee, tea, cola, red wine.
- Poor oral hygiene
- Mouthwash use like chlorhexidine
Causes of Intrinsic Staining!
The causes of intrinsic staining include:
- Trauma to tooth
- Fluorosis
- Enamel Hypoplasia
- Dentinogenesis Imperfecta
- Porphyria
- Amelogenesis Imperfecta
- Stains due to tetracycline
Apart from the reasons mentioned above, teeth color may change due to the advancing ages and time. The enamel's thickness determines the teeth' color. With age, the enamel becomes thinner and delivers the yellow teeth' impression.
Teeth Whitening Process!
You must be wondering what the whole process looks like and how it can be done to show the radiant smiles outcomes.
To start with the process, the dentist will first examine the teeth closely; check the teeth' overall condition and other essentials. The dentist will begin with the tooth-cleaning process and then put a rubber shield to protect the gums from caustic dental bleach. This step is followed by applying a teeth whitening solution.
The dental experts will then apply the whitening agent 30-90 minutes before the treatment is done. This may look easier to read or listen to but requires the dental expert's gentle hand's touch only. Performing it on your own or with an unprofessional individual can lead to high risks.
Teeth whitening includes two types. Let us get familiar with it.
Teeth Whitening Types!
1. Non-vital teeth whitening
The non-vital teeth whitening process is done for the tooth that has gone through the root canal treatment. The root canal-treated tooth can sometimes have intrinsic stains. A bleaching agent is placed inside the tooth and left for some time until the tooth attains the desired color. Once done, the dentist will remove it and seal the tooth with a white filling.
2. Vital Teeth whitening
Vital whitening treatment is done for an essential, healthy, and natural tooth. A bleaching solution is applied to the vital teeth surface, and it is considered an effective one for brightening and lightening the teeth.
Teeth Whitening treatment Benefits!
1. A brighter smile:
A patient undergoing the teeth whitening treatment will witness the brighten up teeth color with an appealing appearance.
2. Stain and discoloration's removal:
Stop hiding the mile due to the discolorations or stains caused due to any reason. Get the confident smiles with the safer teeth whitening process!
Essential to note!!
You need to agree with the fact that for some people, the treatment might not work. Before you get into any of the conclusions, let us clear that it is a tooth whitening treatment that lightens the teeth' color and removes stain on natural teeth only. It will not apply to false teeth like crowns or dentures.
People often ask about the query that the patient needs to undergo any after-treatment care as well. To answer the question straight, every treatment requires some after-care measures, and patients essentially need to follow the same. For this treatment, there are some after-treatment care points. Let us get familiar with it.
Post-treatment oral care!
Here we have mentioned the general post-treatment oral care, but don't forget to follow the dental expert's advice for better results.
- Keep your teeth healthy and shining by decreasing the consumption of drinks, smoke, or eating sugary items and colored items
- Visit the dentist every six months
- Maintain regular oral hygiene as recommended by dental experts
- Regular brushing and flossing
Who should avoid the treatment?
The teeth whitening treatment includes teeth bleaching, which is not advised for children of less than six years of age
The treatment should be avoided for lactating or pregnant women.
Bottom Line!!
If you plan to get rid of discolored or stained teeth, then Teeth whitening treatment can be an escape for you. Teeth whitening process is not only a gateway to whitened teeth but can also help to improve the confidence that you may have lacked due to the yellow-colored teeth. Widen up your smile with the best teeth whitening treatment in your town!
Tooth Buds Dentistry is crafting stunningly beautiful smiles with excellent dental professional's touch for years. Are you planning to witness the real change in your teeth' color? Tooth Buds dentistry can be the gateway for healthy and whitening teeth. Contact now for the consultations.
