Teeth Whitening

Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental treatment to lighten the colour of your teeth by removing stains and discolouration. It can be done professionally by a dentist or at home with over-the-counter products. The process involves bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide, breaking down the stains and whitening the teeth.

Several factors contribute to tooth discolouration:

• Dietary Habits: Drinking dark-coloured beverages like coffee, tea, red wine and soda can stain your teeth over time and cause extrinsic staining.
• Smoking and Tobacco Use: Nicotine and tar in tobacco products cause yellow and brown stains on the tooth surface.
• Age: As we age the enamel thins and the dentin underneath becomes visible.
• Poor Oral Hygiene: Not brushing and flossing regularly allows plaque and tartar to build up and cause discoloured teeth.
• Medications: Certain antibiotics like tetracycline can cause intrinsic staining.
• Genetics: Some people are born with teeth that are naturally darker in shade.
• Trauma: Injury to a tooth can cause it to darken due to internal bleeding.
• Soft Drinks and Acidic Foods: These can weaken the enamel and make it more prone to staining.

There are different whitening treatments available, each for a different level of discolouration and personal preference.

Extrinsic Whitening

Extrinsic whitening is for removing surface stains caused by food, beverages and smoking. This is done through professional cleaning, whitening toothpaste or over-the-counter whitening strips and gels.

Internal Bleaching

Also known as intrinsic whitening, internal bleaching is done by a dentist to whiten teeth from within. This is used for teeth that have undergone root canal treatment and have darkened due to internal trauma.

Treatments

You have several options to whiten your teeth:

• In-office whitening: This is the fastest and most effective way to whiten. A dental professional applies a higher concentration of hydrogen peroxide gel to your teeth, often with blue light to speed up the process. This takes about an hour and you get results right away.
• At-home whitening kits: These come with custom-made trays that have a lower concentration of the active ingredient. Trays are worn for a few days or weeks depending on the level of staining.
• Whitening strips and gels: Over the counter, these are a quick and affordable option for extrinsic stains. But less effective than professional treatments and may need more applications.

• Better Looking: A brighter smile boosts self-confidence and overall looks.
• Non-Surgical: Whitening is a simple and pain-free procedure that doesn’t require extensive dental work.
• Fast Results: Professional whitening gives you instant and noticeable results.
• Younger Look: White teeth = younger looking.
• Customizable: Different treatments for different needs and budgets, from whitening gels to blue light.

Teeth whitening is not for everyone. Contraindications are:

• Pregnant or breastfeeding.
• Severe gum disease or tooth decay.
• Sensitive teeth.
• Dental restorations like crowns or veneers (they don’t respond to whitening agents).
• Allergic to peroxide-based whitening products.
• Periodontal disease or cavities.

Teeth whitening for:

• Extrinsic stains from food, drinks or smoking.
• Mild to moderate intrinsic staining.
• Want to whiten for special occasions.
• Healthy teeth and gums.
• Realistic expectations.

The teeth whitening process is as follows:

• Consultation: A dentist will assess your oral health, including any underlying issues like cavities or gum disease to make sure whitening is safe and effective. During this consultation the dentist will also discuss the different types of whitening treatments and recommend the best one for you.
• Clean: Before we apply any whitening agents we will clean your teeth to remove any plaque, tartar or debris. This step ensures the whitening agent can stick to the tooth surface and get the best results.
• Application of Whitening Agent: The dentist will apply the whitening agent, usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide to the teeth. These chemicals break down the stains on the surface and inside the enamel to get a brighter smile. In-office treatments have stronger concentrations of the whitening agent than over-the-counter products.
• Activation: Some whitening treatments have light or laser activation which enhances the effects of the whitening agent. The light or laser helps to speed up the bleaching process so the whitening agent can work faster and get better results.
• Rinse and Evaluation: After the whitening agent has been left on for the required time it is rinsed off and the dentist will evaluate the results. If you want a whiter shade the dentist may apply more layers of the whitening agent.

To keep your smile white after treatment you need to maintain it. Here’s how:

• Good Oral Hygiene: Brush with fluoride toothpaste and floss regularly to prevent new stains from forming. Also make sure to visit the dentist for regular cleanings as they can help maintain the whiteness of your teeth and address any oral health issues.
• Avoid Staining Foods and Drinks: To keep the results of your whitening treatment, limit your consumption of foods and drinks that stain teeth like coffee, tea, red wine and dark-coloured sauces. Eating a diet rich in fruits and vegetables can also keep your teeth looking bright.
• Quit Smoking: Tobacco products are one of the major causes of tooth discolouration. Quitting smoking can not only improve the overall health of your teeth and gums but also prevent staining from nicotine and tar.
• Use a Straw: When drinking beverages that stain your teeth, use a straw to minimize direct contact with the teeth and reduce the risk of discolouration.
• Regular Dental Check-Ups: Oral health professionals recommend regular check-ups to monitor your oral health and keep your teeth looking their best. These visits are an opportunity for professional cleanings which can help maintain the whiteness of your smile.
• Touch-Ups: Some patients like to do touch-ups to keep their smiles fresh. This can be done with custom whitening trays or at-home whitening kits from your dentist.

• Tooth Sensitivity: Temporary tooth sensitivity is common with strong bleaching agents.
• Gum Irritation: Some people get mild irritation or burns from the whitening gel.
• Uneven Whitening: Fillings and crowns don’t whiten so pre-existing work may not match.
• Overuse Risks: Too much whitening can weaken tooth enamel permanently.

Though rare, there are some risks. Overuse of whitening products can cause tooth wear, tooth decay or damage to natural tooth enamel. Aggressive bleaching can cause gum irritation or temporary tooth sensitivity. Be sure to follow the instructions and only use products designed for your teeth. If you have stained teeth or lots of staining, see a cosmetic dentist to make sure your whitening is safe and effective.

Teeth whitening effects can last from 6 months to 2 years depending on the treatment and your habits. Smoking, coffee, and acidic drinks can shorten the life of your whitening. Touch-ups with whitening kits or professional treatments can help keep your smile whiter for longer.