In today’s world, where first impressions last forever and aesthetics are a defining feature of one’s personality, dental care has become front and centre. Everyone strives for the perfect, straight, pearly white teeth. Therefore, a plethora of choices arose that provided a solution to easily and instantaneously get these pearly white teeth. In this article, various teeth whitening methods will be discussed, including how to use them, their active ingredients and the longevity of their effect.
But why do our teeth’ colour darken? Various foods and drinks contribute to tooth discolouration through staining or plaque buildup. These include smoking, coffee, tea, and some medications. Another factor can be enamel thinning. Enamel is the outermost layer of the tooth, which is pearly white. When it’s thinned out, it causes the underlying dentin layer to shine through, which is yellow. Causes of enamel thinning include exposure to acid, as with acid reflux or GERD.
Teeth whitening is essentially a procedure used to lighten your teeth’ colour by multiple shades. It is the most commonly performed dental procedure owing to its simplicity and cost-effectiveness.
As aforementioned, it’s a fairly simple procedure. But how do teeth whiteners work? The main active ingredient in this procedure is the whitening solution, which is made up of a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide.
Hydrogen peroxide works by oxidizing the pigment materials found on your enamel and dentine; This causes a process of discoloration and, therefore, lightens the yellow stains. Various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide are found, which are directly related to the desired effect.
Higher concentrations usually give better results, with a more noticeable teeth-whitening effect. However, these concentrations are usually limited to dentist use. Although lower concentrations aren’t as effective, they can also provide an instantaneous whitening effect and can be easily found commercially through teeth bleaching kits or whitening strips.
Teeth whitening can be achieved in either one of two ways:
- True teeth bleaching: this can be only done through hydrogen peroxide
- Superficial stain removal: This is done using abrasive materials to remove superficial plaques and stain buildup.
Types of teeth whitening systems
According to the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, there are various ways to make your teeth whiter. These include
- Whitening toothpaste: These are commercial products that can be easily bought from any supermarket. The difference between them and regular toothpaste is that they contain higher amounts of detergents and abrasives. This means that they work superficially by removing plaques and stains. These toothpastes can whiten by one or two shades.
- Whitening Strips and Gels: These can bleach teeth as they contain hydrogen peroxide. Strips are coated with a thin layer of hydrogen peroxide and placed on the outer surface of your teeth. Typically, they are used twice daily for 30 minutes for 14 weeks. On the other hand, gels are usually placed by a brush directly on the tooth and left for 30 minutes as well before washing.
- In-office whitening is the fastest and most effective way to achieve teeth whitening. Medical-grade teeth whiteners contain higher levels of bleaching agents and, therefore, provide better results. Your dentist will usually apply the medical-grade gel over your teeth. The bleaching effect can be further enhanced by the use of heat or intense blue light. This method offers effectiveness and safety; however, it’s expensive.
FAQs: Teeth Whitening Costs, Side Effects, and Maintenance
How much does teeth whitening cost?
Although simple, teeth whitening can set you back an average of $400-$600 per visit, which is a rather hefty sum. In contrast, you can receive high-quality teeth whitening in Turkey at a much better price.
Are there side effects from teeth whitening?
Teeth whiteners contain chemical agents, and thus, some side effects can arise. This includes increased tooth sensitivity, meaning that your teeth might hurt a little bit after exposure to cold or hot stimuli. However, this effect usually wanes off a few days after the treatment. In addition, there can be mild gum irritation as well. All of these side effects can be affected by the concentration and duration of the bleachers.
How long is whitening effective?
The duration of teeth whitening results can vary, typically lasting up to a year with in-office treatments. Factors such as diet, smoking, and natural aging can affect the longevity of the whitening effect, with younger individuals often experiencing longer-lasting results.
How to maintain my teeth whitening results?
- Oral hygiene is one of the most important things to note. Keep your gums and teeth clean to avoid bacteria growth. This is done through proper teeth cleaning, where you remove build-up plaques and food debris to avoid bacteria build-up.
- Implement home whitening solutions: As indicated, regularly incorporate a whitening strip kit or gel into your routine. However, follow proper instructions on how to use it and avoid overdoing it.
- Healthy habits: avoid dark-stained foods and drinks, and of course, smoking.
Why DentSpa?
Choosing where to whiten your teeth can be tricky, but DentSpa stands out as a premier option for several compelling reasons:
- We believe only the best should be offered to our clientele, so we invest in only the highest-quality dental material. Not only does this provide a pleasant experience, but it also ensures the longevity of the care offered.
- Our practice uses only the newest and most technologically advanced instruments and devices. This facilitates the procedure and eventually creates a pleasant experience for you.
Conclusion
Whitening your teeth is now easier than ever, and various alternatives exist to get your pearly whites. Looking for a picture-perfect smile? Book an appointment at DentSpa to get your new smile now!
Read more
- Your Guide to Understanding and Managing Impacted Tooth
- Hollywood Smile Turkey 2024
- Radiant Smiles: Your Guide to Dental Braces in Turkey
- How Your City Choice Impacts Dental Care in Turkey
- How A Smile Makeover Treatment Can Ruin Your Smile
- Crooked Teeth: Causes, Its Influence and Treatment Options
- Discover Teeth Whitening In Turkey