What is Teeth Whitening treatment?
Teeth whitening treatment is a cosmetic dental procedure aimed at lightening the colour of teeth to enhance their appearance. It works by removing stains and discoloration from the tooth surface, resulting in a brighter and whiter smile. This procedure can be performed using various methods, each utilising different types of bleaching agents and techniques.
Let’s get to know this dental treatment better with a detailed overview of how it works, the types available, and also its potential side effects.
Purpose of Teeth Whitening Treatment
The goal of getting a teeth whitening treatment is to improve the aesthetic appearance of your teeth. Over time, teeth can get discoloured or stained due to multiple factors such as:
- Foods and Beverages: Coffee, tea, red wine, and certain fruits and vegetables.
- Tobacco Usage: Smoking or chewing tobacco.
- Poor Dental Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing.
- Medications: Certain medications like tetracycline antibiotics.
- Ageing: The outer enamel layer gets thinner with age, revealing the yellowish dentin underneath.
- Trauma: Injury to the teeth can result in discoloration.
How does Teeth Whitening treatment work?
Teeth whitening works by using bleaching agents to break down stains into smaller pieces, making the colour less concentrated and the teeth brighter. The most common active ingredients in whitening products are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide.
Here’s a step wise process of how it works:
- Cleaning the Teeth: Before applying the whitening agent, teeth are cleaned to remove any plaque and debris.
- Application of Teeth Whitening agent: The bleaching agent is applied to the surface of the teeth. It can be in the form of a gel, strip, or solution.
- Activation: Some treatments require a special light or laser to activate the bleaching agent, enhancing its effectiveness.
- Duration: The agent is left on the teeth for a specific period, usually ranging from a few minutes to an hour, depending on the product and method used.
- Rinse and Repeat: The process might need to be repeated several times for optimal results in case of old and tough stains.
Types of Teeth Whitening Treatments
Nearly all teeth whitening treatments involve applying of a bleaching agent. During the process these agents penetrate the enamel and break down the stains into smaller, less concentrated particles.
The various teeth whitening treatment processes are:
➤ In-Office Whitening:
- Procedure: Performed by a dentist, this method uses a high-concentration bleaching gel applied to the teeth. Mostly, a laser light is used to speed-up the process.
- Time: Usually takes about an hour.
- Results: Immediate and dramatic whitening.
- Pros: Quick results, often within one visit; supervised by a professional.
- Cons: More expensive than other methods; may cause more sensitivity due to the higher concentration of bleaching agents.
➤ At-Home Whitening Kits:
- Procedure: Given by dentists, these kits include custom-fitted trays and a low-concentration bleaching gel. Users wear the trays for a few hours a day or overnight for a specified period.
- Time: Results are typically seen over a period of weeks.
- Results: Gradual whitening
- Pros: Convenient; can be done at home; less expensive than in-office treatments.
- Cons: Takes longer to see results compared to in-office treatments; potential for uneven results if not used correctly.
➤ Over-the-Counter (OTC) Products:
- Procedure: Includes whitening strips, gels, toothpaste, and rinses. These products contain a lower concentration of bleaching agents and are applied according to the product instructions.
- Time: Results can take several weeks to become noticeable.
- Results: Varying effectiveness
- Pros: Easily accessible; affordable.
- Cons: Less effective; takes longer to see results; potential for inconsistent results.
Side Effects of Teeth Whitening Treatments
Teeth whitening treatments, while generally safe, on the other hand can have several side effects. It’s important to be aware of these potential issues before undergoing any whitening procedure.
Here are the most common side effects caused by teeth whitening treatments:
➤ Tooth Sensitivity:
- Cause: Bleaching agents can penetrate the enamel and irritate the nerves within the teeth.
- Duration: Usually temporary, lasting a few days to a week after treatment.
➤ Gum Irritation:
- Cause: Contact of bleaching agent with gums.
- Duration: Temporary in nature, subsidies after the treatment is completed.
➤ Chemical Burns
- Cause: Prolonged contact of high-concentration bleaching agents with soft tissues in the mouth.
- Management: Rinse mouth thoroughly if any whitening agent comes into contact with gums or lips.
➤ Enamel Damage (very are):
- Cause: Overuse or misuse of whitening products.
- Management: Following instructions carefully; consulting with a dentist before starting any whitening treatment.
Teeth whitening improves the appearance of your smile most fruitfully. Always consider consulting with an expert dental professional like iAlign Dentists, in Panchkula, Haryana to understand the different types of treatments and choose the best option for your needs.
All your dental needs and further information visit us at iAlign Dentist.
