Teeth Whitening – How Important Is It?

There are a lot of factors like your diet (coffee, tea, soda) and lifestyle( smoking) that trigger the yellowing of teeth.  The tooth could also be darkened by a buildup of surface stains that hides the natural tooth color or the tooth itself might discolor. Tooth whitening lightens teeth and helps to get rid of stains and discoloration. Teeth whitening is among the foremost widespread cosmetic dental procedures as it will greatly improve how your teeth look. Teeth whitening is a  non-invasive dental treatment that is helpful in changing the color of natural tooth enamel and is a perfect way to enhance the brightness of your smile.

As having whiter teeth has currently become the major concern of most of the patients, there are a couple of ways that help in the whitening of teeth. In-Office Teeth Whitening,  At home Teeth whitening system, and Teeth Whitening Toothpaste.

 It should be known too, that the whitening of teeth only works on natural tooth enamel, so it is advised to evaluate the replacement of any old flings or crown. Also, it is advised to get your teeth cleaned ( Scaling & Polishing ) to get rid of plaque and tartar. So that teeth whitening agents can act effectively over the surface. Replacement of any restorations is going to be done when bleaching is complete so that they can match the newly bleached teeth. For your information, Teeth whitening isn’t permanent, a visit to the doctor  could also be required in a couple of years, and more often if you smoke, drink tea, coffee or wine

 

Reasons for Teeth Whitening

1) Fluorosis (excessive fluoridation during tooth development)

2) Normal wear of outer tooth layer

3) Stained teeth due to medications

4) Yellow, brown stained teeth

Is Teeth Whitening With A Dentist The Safest Option? Why?

To get a dazzling smile is easy nowadays. Thanks to various Teeth whitening options which include home-based teeth whitening gels, toothpaste and strips, and in office-based teeth whitening system where more concentrated bleaching agents are applied by the trained professional.  It is a safe procedure when proper guidelines are followed.

The safety of teeth whitening product depends upon factors such as

1. Condition Of Existing Teeth And Surrounding Structure:

Teeth and Gums health should be checked before teeth whitening procedure

• Look for any cavity, cracks, or attrition of teeth.
• Look for position, the health of the gums
• Ask the patient for teeth sensitivity

 

 

2. Systemic Condition Of The Patient

• Teeth whitening is not indicated in Pregnant & Lactating women
• The patient should be asked for any chemical allergies and if yes should undergo allergy test with whitening agents

 

 

3. Quality And Concentration Of The Teeth Whitening Product

• It is advised to use approved and tested teeth whitening agents which have proven track records

 

4. Frequency Of The Teeth Whitening.

• Overuse of teeth whitening products may lead to softening or demineralization of teeth, degradation, or change of color of Dental restorations.

 

5. Experience Of The Professional Doing The Procedure:

• Dentist with the training and expertise can easily determine the indication of teeth whitening, post-procedure result, and manage problem if may arise due to the procedure.

Risks associated with Teeth Whitening Procedure:

Teeth Sensitivity

Teeth Sensitivity directly related to the concentration of bleaching agent, duration of the contact, and other composition of product used. Teeth sensitivity usually can last for a few hours up to a few days of the procedure

Gum irritation

Gum irritation can be caused by the contact of bleaching agents to the gums and may last for a day or two.

Other problems which may arise due to excessive or improper use of teeth whitening agents are

• Demineralization of tooth structure
• Roughness of teeth
• Damage to the pulp or Permanent teeth damage
• Increased staining due to enamel erosion

 

 

As with any procedure, there are definitely few risks involved with teeth whitening which can be avoided by proper examination, diagnosis, and following guidelines.

 

Teeth are not just a stand-alone part of the body. They are comprised of a system of the mouth which involve mineral structure, surrounding gums, and jawbones.

 

A professional doing teeth whitening must have complete knowledge of not only product but should also be well aware of its indications, contraindications, and safety guidelines.

So therefore A Dentist with the training in cosmetic dentistry with the knowledge of teeth whitening agents and compounds should be considered the safest option.

 

How Might A Dentist Try To Whiten Your Teeth, Either By In-Office Treatment Or By Advising You On What To Do At Home?

There are different methods of teeth whitening each with their own mechanism of action.

In-Office Teeth Whitening:

The procedure is also called as chairside teeth whitening. In this procedure doctor first, apply a protective layer on the gums and oral shield to protect surrounding soft tissue and then applies ADA approved teeth whitening gel over the teeth surface, A special light is used to enhance the effect of bleaching agent. Total Duration might take 30mins to an hour depending upon the number of cycles repeated to get the desired shade. 

In-office teeth whitening treatment concentrated bleaching agents such as 35% Hydrogen Peroxide or Carbamide peroxide is applied on the teeth and in turn H2O2 breaks the Chromogens that are accumulated in the teeth ( Stains present Inside teeth) or on the teeth (stains present on the teeth surface).

In-Office treatment is a quick and effective method, also the effect lasts longer. It usually requires less than an hour time.

In-office treatment is recommended when your gums are receded exposing the sensitive root surface

Some dentist uses light activation for bleaching agent although there are several studies proving that Light activation has no additional benefits for the amount of whitening achieved, the persistence of the treatment or avoidance of teeth sensitivity.

At-Home Teeth Whitening:

At-Home Teeth Bleaching usually requires two visits. Initially, impressions(molds) will be made of your teeth to fabricate custom clear plastic trays. At the second appointment, you will try on the trays for proper fit, and adjustments will be made if necessary. 

Bleaching agents usually contain peroxides in different concentrations and to be used according to the prescribed regime.

Tray-based teeth whitening system consists of custom-fitted trays and bleaching agents consist of 6% Hydrogen Peroxide or 10%carbamide peroxide gels. The tray containing gel is advised to wear for 2 to 4 hours a day or maybe overnight. By following proper manufacturer instruction lightening of teeth shade is seen in a few days.

 

What about the teeth whitening products you can buy over the counter?

There are several products which are available OTC for teeth whitening

1. Whitening Tooth Paste

• Whitening toothpastes usually contain a higher amount of detergents and abrasive than the regular toothpaste for removing tougher stains. Whitening toothpaste usually do not contain bleach such as sodium hypochlorite but few may contain carbamide peroxide in smaller concentrations to lighten tooth color. 

 

2. Teeth Whitening Gels

• Whitening gels usually consist of 6% hydrogen peroxide which is to be applied on outer teeth surface for 30 minutes twice a day. Custom-fit trays are not required as they form a thin film on the teeth surface with minimal drying time. They are good to go as a touch-up procedure for the patients who have undergone teeth whitening procedure before.

 

3. Teeth Whitening strips:

• These are plastic strips delivering a thin layer of peroxide and are applied to the front teeth surface. There are a variety of teeth whitening strips are present in the market with manufacturer instructions

 

4. Teeth whitening rinses:

• They contain Oxygen releasing hydrogen peroxide to react with chromogens and are recommended rinsing for 60 Seconds twice a day for a few months.

 

Are These Products Generally Considered Safe?

Over The Counter, available teeth whitening systems usually contain peroxides in a minimal quantity and may not give results as effectively or may take a longer time to show some lightening teeth shade.

 

Are teeth whitening strips generally safe?

Is there research on whether certain ingredients can cause damage to teeth?

Whitening Strips should be used with caution as its overuse may lead to damage to teeth protein and mineral structure.

Teeth whitening strips again contain peroxides and studies have shown that treatment with hydrogen peroxide similar concentrations to those found in teeth whitening strips is enough to make the original collagen protein disappear from Dentine the middle layer of teeth probably due to formation of smaller fragments.

What about other natural teeth whitening remedies, like baking soda? Are these safe/effective?

There are several natural teeth whitening compounds have been documented with varying degree of efficacy such as Baking Soda, Apple cider vinegar, Activated charcoal, Fruit Peels.

Baking soda is basically a mild abrasive which does remove teeth stains and is actually constitute a part of a few kinds of toothpaste. Apart from it baking soda is alkaline in nature and helps in killing bacteria.

But using baking soda or activated charcoal scrubs alone as a tooth whitening agent may put your teeth in danger due to there abrasive nature and in fact, may cause more harm than good.

Even products like cider vinegar can cause teeth enamel erosion if used regularly

The efficacy and safety of natural products like baking soda, charcoal, vinegars or peels are yet to be determined clinically by controlled trials and studies

 

 

 

Teeth whitening has proven to be a safe and effective way of achieving a more youthful and healthy-looking smile. The safety and effectiveness of this procedure are directly related to the dosage given, the frequency and duration of treatment, the concentration and the type of material used, and the type of the tray or system utilized.

Whitening is unlikely to cause serious side effects. Although, some people’s teeth might become a little bit sensitive for a short while. One can also feel mild gum irritation. Women are advised not to have their teeth whitened while they are pregnant. Since its a cosmetic procedure it should be postponed until after delivery.

If you are looking for Teeth Whitening In Gurgaon, consult Dantkriti Dental for a sparkling service. You will get care instructions for your teeth, and be encouraged to visit your dentist regularly to help maintain a beautiful, healthy white smile. 

 

Bottom Line

After knowing the importance and duration of teeth whitening, now you can understand how important it is for you. Your treatment totally depends on dosages, if the dosages are correct, then whitening products are considered to be safe and successful. So, always check with  Dr. Shefali Gupta at  Dantkriti, a highly experienced cosmetic dentist before deciding to go for treatment of teeth whitening.