Teeth Whitening
Tooth whitening can be a very effective way to make your teeth lighter without removing tooth surfaces. It can’t completely change the color, but it might make the shade lighter. Teeth whitening is a cosmetic treatment that makes the teeth look whiter on the outside. Even though teeth whitening can’t make teeth completely white, it can be an excellent way to lighten the color without hurting the tooth’s surface. Bleach is used to make the teeth whiter. It can’t make your teeth completely white but it can make them a few shades lighter.
Teeth whitening can be done with two primary methods:
In-Office Teeth whitening -This is done in a dental office by a dentist or other dental expert. Usually, a high-concentration whitening gel is put on the teeth, and a special light or laser is used to make it work. When teeth are whitened in a dentist’s office, the results are generally quick and easy to see after just one visit.
At-Home Teeth Whitening -You can buy kits to whiten your teeth at home over the counter, or a doctor can give you one. Usually, these kits come with trays to fit your teeth and a bleaching gel with a minor concentration. The patient wears the trays with the gel in them for a certain amount of time every day, usually for a few weeks, until they reach the level of whitening they want.
Teeth can change color or get stains over time for many reasons, such as:
Staining food and Drinks– Teeth can get stained when you eat or drink dark-colored foods and drinks like coffee, tea, red wine, and veggies.
Tobacco use– When you smoke or chew tobacco, your teeth can turn yellow.
Poor Oral Hygiene– Plaque and tartar can build up on teeth, making them look yellow if you don’t brush and clean them well enough.
Aging– As we age, the top layer of tooth enamel can wear away, letting the yellow dentin show through.
Medications– Antibiotics like tetracycline can change the color of teeth if they are taken while teeth are still growing.
Before getting your teeth whitened, you should talk to a dentist because not all types of tooth discoloration respond well to whitening treatments. Also, the teeth and gums must be checked by a dentist to ensure they are healthy enough for the cleaning process. After teeth whitening, taking care of your mouth is essential, such as avoiding or limiting foods and beverages that can stain your teeth and quitting smoking and using tobacco products. Check-ups and cleanings at the dentist can also help keep your smile healthy and bright.
Teeth whitening is usually considered safe, but some people may experience temporary tooth sensitivity or gum irritation during or after the treatment. Most of the time, these side effects go away on their own after a short time.