How Does Whitening Of Teeth Occur?

The term “teeth whitening” describes a range of procedures used to try and improve the appearance of someone’s natural teeth. UV light therapy, bleaching, sanding down stains, and other techniques are used to whiten teeth.

There are numerous teeth-whitening solutions on the market, and you can experiment at home with various methods. The dentist’s office is another place where you can obtain teeth whitening.

Tooth sensitivity and gum irritation are two undesirable side effects of some teeth-whitening procedures. Let’s examine the principles of teeth whitening, safe procedures, and things to be aware of regarding potential adverse effects.

Kinds of stains on teeth

Selecting a whitening technique that takes into account the kind of stains you have on your teeth is essential for successful teeth whitening. Should you be affected by both intrinsic and extrinsic staining (see below), you will probably need to select a whitening technique that safely treats each kind of staining.

Consult your dentist if you’re unsure of the type of stains you have. They can provide you advice on the kind of stains on your teeth and the most effective treatment. 

Stains That Are intrinsic

Intrinsic stains are those that are found within the enamel of your teeth. Sometimes, when you’re a child, intrinsic staining is evident even before your teeth grow from your gums.

The use of antibiotics, prolonged exposure to fluoride, and thinning tooth enamel with age can all cause these stains. Intrinsic staining may occasionally even be genetic.

External discolorations

External stains are located on the exterior of your teeth. These result from exposure to substances in the environment that stain the enamel on your teeth. This kind of discoloration can be brought on by smoking, coffee, and artificial food coloring. Extrinsic stains and intrinsic stains may both be connected to antibiotic use. 

Options for teeth whitening

Options for teeth whitening vary from dentist-supervised in-office bleaching procedures to toothpaste containing whitening agents.

While some whitening treatments just bleach intrinsic and extrinsic stains to make them appear lighter in color, others genuinely work to eliminate extrinsic stains from your teeth.

Hydrogen peroxide is used in many over-the-counter (OTC) and in-office tooth whitening procedures to disintegrate and reduce stains. Another common oxidizing agent is carbamide peroxide.

At greater dosages, these substances may become hostile and irritating to your body. It is crucial that you use teeth-whitening products in accordance with the directions because of this.

Discuss any sensitivity you may have, whether undergoing whitening procedures at the dentist’s office or utilizing them at home with your dentist. Stop using a product and see your dentist if it hurts your teeth, creates redness in your gums, or causes bleeding in them.

Whitening Products

OTC whitening products consist of mouthwash and whitening toothpaste.

Baking soda, which acts as a mild abrasive to scrub stains away, maybe an ingredient in these goods. Charcoal, another ingredient in some whitening toothpaste, has abrasive qualities of its own. Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide in low concentrations are also possible ingredients in whitening recipes.

If you use some abrasives excessively or over time, they may cause damage to your tooth enamel. Fluoride is another ingredient whitening treatment typically used to fortify tooth enamel and stave against future stains.

Your teeth’ hard enamel is called enamel. The American Dental Association (ADA) states that because enamel is not formed of living cells, unlike other dental components, it cannot regrow after it has worn down. For advice on how to utilize abrasive whitening solutions properly, speak with your dentist. 

kits for at-home teeth whitening

Home whitening kits come in two different forms: adhesive strips or a gel or paste that is applied to your teeth with a brush. In certain home whitening kits, you apply a whitening solution to your teeth before applying a mouthguard. To “radiate” the whitening paste, some at-home kits include a heat lamp, blue light, or UV light within the mouthguard.

By keeping the bleaching agent on your teeth, a mouth guard can maximize its absorption and reduce the amount of bleaching solution that comes into touch with your gums. A gel containing 10% carbamide for use in nightly mouthguards at home is preferable.

The concentration of the active chemicals in whitening kits that are safe for home use is less than that of a dentist’s office. Because of this, you will need to use the kit daily for a few weeks in order to see any noticeable effects. The majority of at-home whitening kits promise results in two to four weeks.

Bleaching in a dentist’s chair

Higher doses of active chemicals are used in teeth whitening procedures at dentist offices in order to produce noticeable results faster.

Getting the whitest teeth possible with in-office teeth whitening may take multiple sessions. Since these appointments don’t come with regular dental cleaning, they can be costly and are frequently not covered by insurance.

At the dentist’s office, power bleaching entails rinsing your teeth for 20 to 30 minutes with a strong hydrogen peroxide solution. Although there isn’t enough evidence to suggest that laser therapy has any specific benefits for teeth whitening, it is occasionally used in conjunction with in-office whitening procedures. 

Adverse consequences of teeth whitening

Temporary tooth discomfort is the most frequent adverse effect of teeth whitening. Gum and mouth irritation is also typical. This process can be specifically triggered by hydrogen peroxide.

Your gum tissue will be shielded during the teeth-whitening procedure at the dentist’s office to lessen this adverse effect.

After getting your teeth whitened at the dentist’s office or at home, you can also notice an increase in sensitivity. Tooth sensitivity can happen when you eat or drink something that is extremely hot or cold. Occasionally, it may also suddenly feel like a searing pain in your teeth. This should only be a transient sensitivity.

Recurrent teeth whitening procedures or utilizing tooth whitening products for longer than advised can lead to permanent harm to your enamel.

Negative effects of teeth-whitening

The most common side effect of teeth whitening is transient tooth soreness. Mouth and gum discomfort is also common. Hydrogen peroxide has the ability to particularly start this process.

To minimize this negative impact, your gum tissue will be protected during the teeth-whitening process at the dentist’s office.

You may also have increased sensitivity following teeth whitening, whether done at home or at the dentist’s office. Tooth sensitivity may occur from consuming hot or cold food or beverages. Now and then, you might also experience an intense ache in your teeth. This is a temporary sensitivity, at most.

Regular teeth-whitening operations or using tooth-whitening products longer than recommended can result in irreversible.

Your ability to afford tooth whitening procedures may also be impacted. Insurance does not cover in-office procedures or whitening products. Some people might go for less expensive alternatives, such as toothpaste and mouthwash, which offer a softer whitening impact.

Teeth whitening is not appropriate for people with veneers or implants in their mouths. Only natural teeth can benefit from teeth whitening. Veneers have become popular among younger people in recent years as a way to get a flawlessly white smile, but over time, this can be harmful to your teeth.

If you have your natural teeth and are self-conscious about your smile due to tooth yellowing, you may want to consider teeth whitening procedures. But in the end, this is not a medical necessity—rather, it’s a personal aesthetic decision.

Discuss the best teeth-whitening alternatives for you with your dentist. Always follow product instructions and read the instructions on home kits.

It is crucial to remember that depending on where the dental treatment is located, people who have veneers, crowns, bridges, or dental implants may not be good candidates for teeth whitening. Whitening is still an option if it’s in the back of the mouth. It is not advised to bleach teeth if they are in the front. 

Overview

Several cosmetic procedures are used in teeth whitening to provide a whiter smile. Certain procedures can be completed at your dentist’s office, while others can be completed at home using whitening kits or products. Health insurance typically does not cover whitening procedures.

Certain chemicals used in teeth-whitening procedures might irritate gums and cause tooth sensitivity. It is crucial to utilize products exactly as instructed.

Think about incorporating whitening mouthwash or toothpaste into your dental hygiene regimen if you have slight tooth discoloration. Avoiding meals and beverages like wine and coffee that are known to discolor teeth may also be helpful. Try an at-home whitening kit or discuss in-office whitening treatments in Taylor MI if discoloration is more obvious.