How Does Teeth Whitening Work

Brushing and flossing are easy, everyday ways to keep your teeth clean and healthy. Still, you\’re not alone if you think your smile has lost its lustre or has become more yellow than it was before.

Drinking coffee, smoking cigarettes and medicines like tetracycline may discolour our teeth. However, there are various alternatives available to help improve your smile. Read on to learn how a teeth whitening procedure works.

Reasons to Whiten Your Teeth

Remove Stains

If you like coffee, don\’t worry. During a biannual cleaning, dentists can sometimes remove coffee stains. Be sure to always remember your appointments, though! Teeth whitening could help you get rid of stains from soda, coffee, cigarettes, and other staining agents.

You can also minimize coffee stains by using whitening toothpaste and strips. Talk to your dentist about using home whitening trays and whitening toothpaste.

Prepare for special occasions

There are many special events that you will cherish for the rest of your life. Whether it be a first date or a wedding, you\’d want to look your best.

Everything starts with your smile. You will always feel and look better with a brighter smile. It will help in making the best first impression possible. If you smile for the camera on your special day, your confidence will shine through. For years to come, you\’ll adore what you see in photographs.

It can boost your confidence.

Stains and some environmental conditions can discolour your teeth, which can make you appear older than you are. It can damage a person\’s self-esteem and make them less likely to smile. Having white teeth can make you feel better about your smile and increase your confidence.

It can help you look and feel younger.

Preventing or reversing the effects of ageing appears to be on everyone\’s mind. Anti-wrinkle serums, Botox and fillers are becoming more popular. But when paired with a sickly, fragile smile, all these procedures might end up useless.

A younger appearance generally relates to a whiter smile. Even if your teeth aren\’t old, the discolouration can make them appear as such. Teeth whitening might help you regain a more youthful appearance.

How Does Teeth Whitening Work?

Leftover residue and bacteria form a film on your enamel when you eat and drink. You can remove this surface-level film by flossing or brushing daily. However, stains could make their way deep into your teeth. At this stage, they will be hard to remove with a toothbrush.

Whiteners work by penetrating the enamel of the teeth. These chemicals start a reaction called oxidation, which breaks down stubborn stains.

Dentists use stronger whitening agents that are meant to reduce tooth sensitivity. In-office whitening and tray whitening are the two main options for this procedure.

Controlled, instant whitening is part of the in-office treatment. To begin, your dentist uses pumice to clean your teeth and applies a protective barrier to your gums. He will then put hydrogen peroxide paste to your teeth for a few minutes, wash it off, and reapply if necessary. This method can make your teeth four to six shades whiter after one 40-minute session.

Tray whitening is a slow procedure. Your dentist may take imprints of your mouth to start the process. He will then make you soft, customized mouth trays. You use a tiny ribbon of professional whitening gel in your tray for a set period during the day or overnight. The majority of whitening happens in the first week or two. For some cases, you might need to use the trays for six weeks.

What Are Teeth Whitening Options?

Stain Removal Toothpaste

All toothpaste helps remove surface stains by scrubbing the teeth with mild abrasives. These kinds of toothpaste have extra polishing chemicals that remove stains safely. Also, unlike bleaches, they don\’t change the colour of teeth.

In-Office Bleaching

Chairside bleaching is a process that only takes one appointment. To protect your gums, the dentist will use a protective gel or a rubber shield. After that, the teeth are bleached.

At-Home Bleaching from Your Dentist

You can get a custom-made tray for at-home whitening from your dentist. The dentist will guide you on how to place the whitening solution in the tray and for how long to use it. It is best if you choose to whiten your teeth at home at a slower rate while still under the supervision of a dentist. Bleaching outside of the office could take anywhere between a few days to weeks.

Over-the-Counter Bleaching Products

Some whitening toothpaste is available online or in your local grocery store. Compared to your dentist\’s supply, these products contain fewer bleaching agents. For over-the-counter bleaching products, talk to your dentist about your choices. Safety is of great importance.

Are There Any Side Effects from Teeth Whitening?

Do you want to whiten your teeth? It is a frequent technique that provides many people with satisfactory outcomes. But, you should be aware that it does have some adverse effects. Some may be sensitive to the bleaching solution used to whiten and brighten their smiles.

Among the possible side effects of tooth whitening are:

Discomfort

If you have sensitive teeth, the bleaching solution may cause discomfort. Let your dentist know about your sensitivity as they can offer ways to lessen the pain during the process.

Sensitive Teeth

After whitening your teeth, you may experience tooth sensitivity. It is most common when eating or drinking hot and cold food and drinks. This is completely normal. It usually goes away fast, but using toothpaste for sensitive teeth can help reduce the pain.

Tingling Sensations

Your teeth might experience a feeling similar to a mild electric shock. It could be a side effect of the bleaching agent used during your dental operation. Notify your dentist if you have tingling sensations.

Inflammation

Whitening and bleaching your teeth can create pain in the root of your teeth if they are cracked or broken.

Irritation

The bleaching solution can irritate and burn your skin, gums, and eyes if it comes into contact with them. Inform your dentist right away, and flush with water if necessary.

Throat And Stomach Irritation

During your whitening procedure, avoid swallowing the bleaching substance. It can irritate your throat and stomach, which in certain situations might lead to significant concerns.

Common Causes of Teeth Discoloration

Poor Dental Hygiene

Not brushing and flossing every day is one of the main causes of tooth discolouration. Food particles and other germs accumulate in your mouth and on your teeth, causing stains.

Tobacco Use

Chewing or smoking tobacco accelerates the yellowing of your teeth. It also increases the risk of gum disease and other oral infections.

Certain Foods And Beverages

Because of their high acidity, tea, coffee, soda, wine, and other juices can stain your teeth. The same is true for apples, beetroot, and tomatoes. Any food that may stain your clothes could also stain your teeth. This includes coloured candy, popsicles, etc.

Now that you understand the potential causes of tooth discoloration and how tooth whitening works, it’s time to work with your dentist to come up with a plan for keeping your smile bright. Contact Koster Denture Clinic!

“Don’t confuse white teeth with healthy teeth. You still need to brush and floss if you want your teeth to last you a lifetime.”

Consult Your Dentist at Koster Denture Clinic

Are you interested in teeth whitening? Instead of doing it yourself, why not go to professionals to get the best possible service? Talk to your dentist or visit our website to learn more about it and set up an appointment. Our expert staff will help you feel good and stay healthy!

How Does Teeth Whitening Work FAQs

How often should I whiten my teeth?

It\’s often advised to whiten your teeth once a year, either at home or professionally. It reduces sensitivity and creates a more natural-looking smile.

Does teeth whitening make my teeth sensitive?

Sensitivity to the bleaching solution used to whiten teeth is a possible side effect. As a result, the teeth become slightly porous, exposing microtubules.

How long does it take for teeth whitening to work?

The full results of teeth whitening usually take 24 hours to show. Results from at-home whitening kits can take longer. It has a lesser concentration of whitening chemicals. Thus, results can take two to three weeks to appear.