What is Tooth Bleaching?

The term "teeth whitening" describes a number of procedures intended to enhance the brightness and whiteness of someone's natural teeth. Sanding away stains, bleaching, ultraviolet (UV) light therapy, and other techniques are used to whiten teeth. There are numerous various teeth-whitening options available, and you can experiment with many methods at home. Additionally, you can get your teeth whitened at the dentist's office. Without removing any of the tooth surface, tooth whitening can be a very efficient approach to lighten the natural color of your teeth. It can only lighten the current shade; it cannot change the color completely.

What’s the Difference Between Teeth Whitening & Teeth Bleaching?

The act of restoring the natural color of teeth by eliminating stains from the tooth surface is referred to as a teeth-whitening procedure. Cleaning compounds called whiteners are present in several toothpastes and mouthwashes. To whiten teeth beyond their natural color is to bleach them. Bleaching chemicals are most frequently utilized in teeth whitening procedures and include active components like hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide.

Varieties of Tooth Stains

You must select a whitening procedure that targets the sort of stains you have if you want to effectively whiten your teeth. Choosing a whitening technique that safely tackles both intrinsic and extrinsic staining is likely necessary if you have both (extrinsic staining is described below). Consult your dentist if you are unsure about the type of discoloration you have. They can provide you advice on the types of stains on your teeth and the best treatment options.

Intrinsic stains

Intrinsic stains are those that exist deep within the enamel of your teeth. When you're a child, intrinsic staining might occasionally be visible even before your teeth sprout from your gums. These stains can be brought on by the use of antibiotics, exposure to a lot of fluoride, and thinning tooth enamel with age.

Extrinsic stains

Extrinsic stains are located on your teeth's surface. These occur as a result of environmental exposure to substances that stain the enamel of your teeth. This kind of discoloration can be brought on by smoking, coffee, and artificial food coloring.

Options for Whitening Teeth

Options for teeth whitening include professional teeth whitening procedures supervised by your dentist and toothpaste with whitening chemicals. While some whitening treatments only bleach intrinsic and extrinsic stains to make them appear lighter in colour, others genuinely work to eliminate extrinsic stains from your teeth. Hydrogen peroxide is a common ingredient in over-the-counter (OTC) and professional treatment options for whitening teeth. Another common oxidizing agent is carbamide peroxide. In higher amounts, these substances may be hostile and irritating to your body. You should therefore use tooth whitening products exactly as instructed. Whitening items, Whitening toothpaste and mouthwash are examples of over-the-counter whitening items. These materials could include baking soda, a mild abrasive that can be used to scrub away stains. Some toothpaste that whitens also includes charcoal, which has abrasive qualities. Low quantities of carbamide and hydrogen peroxide may also be present in whitening products. If used excessively or over an extended period of time, several abrasives might harm your teeth's enamel. Your teeth's tough exterior is enamel. According to the American Dental Association, the enamel does not self-repair after it has worn away because, unlike other portions of a tooth, it is not formed of live cells (ADA). For advice on using abrasive whitening solutions safely, consult your dentist.

What takes place throughout the teeth-whitening process?

Your top and bottom teeth will initially be molded by your dentist. These are used to create bespoke trays that fit over your teeth like a mouthguard. The trays are filled with bleaching gel at your subsequent session, and you wear them in your mouth for 15 to 30 minutes. A light may also be shone by the dentist to hasten the bleaching procedure. Following the dentist's instructions, the procedure is frequently repeated at home. In two to four weeks, you'll probably see a difference.

Who needs to whiten their teeth?

Pictures of flawless smiles in periodicals and on television have led many to believe that such a smile is the standard. But there's no need to ever be ashamed of your smile, regardless of how your teeth appear. The health of your teeth should take precedence over aesthetics.

Yellowing of teeth can be brought on by:

genetic propensity to age certain drugs (such as tetracycline)

habitual behaviors (including drinking coffee or soda and smoking)

The affordability of tooth whitening procedures may also be a factor. Insurance does not pay for in-office or over-the-counter whitening remedies. Some people can opt for toothpastes and mouthwashes, which have a lesser whitening impact but are less expensive. You cannot whiten your teeth if you have dental implants or veneers. Only teeth that are naturally white can be whitened. In recent years, many younger individuals have sought out veneers to get a flawlessly white smile, but doing so can be harmful to the long-term health of your teeth.

How Long Does Teeth Whitening Last?

The kind of whitener you're using will determine how long your teeth will continue to whiten. Your lifestyle choices also matter. Treatments for teeth whitening are intended to lessen stains rather than to remove them. At-home items and dental procedures will last longer if you maintain appropriate oral hygiene.