A bright, white smile can boost your confidence and make a great first impression. Teeth whitening has become a popular cosmetic procedure, offering various methods to achieve that dazzling smile. Here’s a quick guide to help you understand the basics of teeth whitening and how to choose the best option for you.
Why Do Teeth Get Discoloured?
Teeth can become discoloured due to several factors:
Food and Drinks: Coffee, tea, red wine, and certain fruits can stain your teeth.
Tobacco Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can lead to yellowing.
Age: As you age, the outer enamel layer of your teeth gets thinner, revealing the yellowish dentin beneath.
Medications: Some medications can cause tooth discolouration as a side effect.
Teeth Whitening Options:
Professional Whitening: Performed by a dentist, this method uses a bleaching agents for quick and effective results. It can lighten your teeth by several shades in just one visit.
At-Home Whitening Kits: These kits include custom-made trays and a number of bleaching gel syringes . They are convenient and can be used at your own pace.
Whitening Toothpaste: These toothpastes contain mild abrasives and chemicals that help remove surface stains. The safe types are good options for maintaining your white smile, however there are some abrasive or chemical toothpastes which are not approved by dentists and have been reported for damage to teeth healthy nerves leading to death of tooth and need for root canal treatment afterwards. Please ask your dentist for advice about what toothpastes are safe!
Whitening Strips: These are thin, flexible strips coated with a peroxide-based whitening gel. This DIY method has been reported for damages to teeth and in some cases patients had to undergo root canal treatment of damaged teeth. I personally do not advise them at all as I have seen patients in my clinic suffering from these strips.
Tips for Effective Whitening
Brush and Floss Regularly: Good oral hygiene is essential for maintaining white teeth.
Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks: Limit your intake of coffee, tea, and red wine.
Use a Straw: When drinking beverages that can stain or are acidic , please use a straw to minimize contact with your teeth.
Regular Dental Checkups: Visit your dentist regularly for cleanings and checkups to keep your teeth healthy and white.
Is Teeth Whitening Safe?
Teeth whitening is generally safe when done correctly by a professional dentist. It’s important to follow the instructions provided with any whitening product and consult with your dentist before starting any whitening treatment. Some people may experience temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation, but these side effects usually subside after the treatment is completed.
What is Professional Whitening?
Professional whitening is a procedure performed by a dentist using bleaching agents. This method can significantly lighten your teeth in a short amount of time, often in just one visit.
The Procedure
Taking Impression of your teeth, photographs and recording your teeth current shade: Using dental impression materials we make a pair of customised whitening trays for you to use at home after the office whitening session for at least over 1-2 weeks to get the best result . Also these trays are used for maintenance protocol.
Preparation: Your dentist will start by cleaning your teeth to remove any plaque or debris. This ensures the whitening agent can work effectively. Airflow is a safe and non-invasive stain removal technique that is available is some dental surgeries. I always use it before any teeth whitening procedure for best result possible.
Protection: A protective barrier is applied to your gums and lips to shield them from the bleaching agent.
Application: The whitening gel, usually containing hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, is applied to your teeth.
Activation: Sometimes, a special light or laser is used to activate the gel and enhance the whitening process. Sometimes it is activated on application without using the light.
Rinse and Repeat: The gel is left on your teeth for a specific period, then rinsed off. This process may be repeated several times during the session to achieve the desired level of whiteness.
Home Whitening Kit: I always give my patients a home whitening kit. This kit contains your customised whitening trays and between 2-4 whitening gel syringes. I give you verbal and written instructions too. This can be used for maintaining the result.
Benefits of Professional Whitening
Quick Results: You can see a noticeable difference in just one session.
Customized Treatment: Your dentist can tailor the treatment to your specific needs and monitor the process to ensure safety and effectiveness.
Long-Lasting: With proper care, the results of professional whitening can last longer than other methods.
Considerations
Cost: Professional whitening is more expensive than at-home options, but many find the investment worthwhile for the quick and dramatic results.
Sensitivity: Some people may experience temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation. Your dentist can provide solutions to minimize these effects.
Maintenance: To maintain your bright smile, avoid staining foods and drinks, practice good oral hygiene, and consider touch-up treatments as recommended by your dentist.
Is It Right for You?
Professional whitening is ideal for those looking for fast, noticeable results and who prefer a treatment supervised by a dental professional. It’s especially beneficial for individuals with significant discolouration or those preparing for a special event.
Conclusion
Teeth whitening can be a simple and effective way to enhance your smile. If you choose professional treatment( office bleaching and/or at-home kit), maintaining good oral hygiene and avoiding staining foods and drinks will help keep your smile bright. Always consult with your dentist to find the best whitening option for you.
I hope you found this guide helpful! Do you have any specific questions about teeth whitening? Feel free to write me your question by dropping an email at wimpolestreetsmiles@gmail.com or WhatsApp me at 00447818553200.
I love my profession and would love to be your trusted dentist!
Dr Amir Kachooei, DDS 2004
Wimpole Street Smiles
20 Wimpole Street , W1G 8GF
Comments