Teeth whitening is the most popular cosmetic dental treatment performed. It can reverse the damage caused by dark beverages, smoking, aging, and acid. It removes the stains from the tooth surface and restores the natural color of the teeth.
What Causes Tooth Staining?
There are so many factors responsible for the staining of teeth. Some of them are:
1. Age
Over the years, teeth darkening as a result of stain accumulation and wear and tear. In their twenties, teeth start to show a yellow cast.
In the forties, the yellow color of teeth turned to brown. In the fifties, the teeth absorbed a lot of stubborn stains which are very difficult to remove.
2. Eating Habits
Habits of consuming deep-colored beverages and foods like tea, coffee, red wine, and carrots cause staining over the years.
3. Smoking Habits
Cigarettes containing nicotine leaves deposits that slowly accumulate into the tooth structure and cause discoloration.
4. Trauma
If you have been met with a mishap and you got a mouth injury, your teeth may change their color. It creates a dark layer under the enamel.
What Teeth Whitening Options are Available?
There are many teeth whitening treatments available but before trying anything consult with a dentist. Your experienced dentist can help you find the best teeth whitening treatment.
1. Whitening Toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste uses mild abrasives to scrub your tooth’s surface and remove stains. Whitening toothpaste can lighten the tooth’s color by about one shade only. Initial results can be seen in a few days.
2. Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are the cost-effective over-the-counter option. They apply a thin bleaching agent layer on your teeth by using a plastic strip.
And the key ingredient used in strips is hydrogen peroxide. It is suitable only for those who have mild staining and lots of tooth enamel. For better results, get it done from skilled dentist Evergreen Park IL.
3. In-Office Whitening Solutions
Professional teeth whitening is the real deal in which your dentist prescribes treatment specific to your tooth. It includes:
a) Deep Bleaching
This method has a reputation for whitening even the most intransigent stains and for maintaining whitened teeth for a long time. The bleaching dentist will fit the trays with whitening gel to the tooth for a while. That gel will whiten your teeth within a short period.
b) Zoom Chairside
Zoom whitening is a popular method because it takes very little time and is effective for most people. The skilled dentist will apply the teeth whitening gel to the teeth and leave it for fifteen to twenty minutes. A special lamp and hydrogen peroxide zoom teeth whitening gel remove the stains from your tooth.
c) Laser Teeth Whitening
Laser teeth whitening is getting popular because of its quick and dramatic results. The treatment starts with bleach being applied to the tooth, followed by the application of laser heat.
It’s done to promote treatment efficiency and effectiveness. In this procedure, dentists use a strong bleaching gel that the laser activates so patients can get instant results.
Teeth Whitening Procedure – What to Expect?
Your teeth whitening dentist will initially prepare your teeth. It’s done to remove any accumulated debris and plaque before treatment. A dental exam will be performed by the dentist to ensure optimal tooth and gum health.
- A cheek retractor is inserted into your mouth to expose all your teeth.
- A hardening resin is painted on the gum to protect them from any irritation caused by the bleaching gel.
- A bleaching gel is applied to the teeth and kept for approximately 15-30 minutes.
- The bleaching gel is washed off, and fresh bleaching gel is applied again at the same time.
- In the case of laser treatment, intense light is used to activate or enhance the bleaching process.
- After the treatment, the cheek retractors are removed.
Tips to Be Followed After Treatment
Over time, exposure to foods, drinks will darken your newly whitened teeth. You can follow some steps to maintain your pearly white teeth.
Here are some tips for maintaining your newly whitened teeth:
- Use whitening toothpaste to remove stains and prevent yellowing teeth.
- Brush or rinse after consuming stain-causing food or beverages.
- Use a straw to drink beverages that cause stains such as tea, coffee, colas, and red wine.
- Depending upon the whitening method, you may need to touch up in six months or after a year.
