WHAT ARE THE CONS OF TEETH WHITENING? One of the most common complaints about teeth whitening is mild gum irritation and sensitivity. In addition, higher concentrations of products left on for more extended periods can intensify sensitivity.
We all want a white brighter smile. But this begs the question “does teeth whitening damage the enamel?” The answer is no. While there may sometimes be side effects, whitening treatment is safe on tooth enamel. The process of tooth whitening is essentially the tooth will become dehydrated, meaning dried out.
Professional teeth whiteners are safe, effective, and done under the supervision of a dental professional. In most cases, it is worth the extra cost to visit the dentist to get long-lasting, safe results.
When performed by a reputable, experienced dentist, bleaching can reduce the appearance of stains and give you a whiter, brighter smile. That said, bleaching products can have multiple side effects, such as gum irritation, enamel damage and tooth sensitivity.
Because there is such a wide range of whitening options, the average teeth bleaching results can last anywhere from six months to three years. In most cases, however, people tend to have results that last about one year.
So how often should you whiten your teeth? Generally speaking, it's a good practice to return to your dentist for teeth whitening services roughly once per quarter, or once every three months. This is even if you haven't noticed a dramatic dulling of your smile yet.
Dentists in the UK charge roughly £200 – £400 for take-home teeth whitening kits, which are less expensive than having the procedure conducted by a dentist. Patients may acquire brighter, whiter teeth at home in a safe manner.
Also, if you have poor oral health or an underlying medical condition that affects the teeth, the teeth whitening procedure may make the teeth yellow. This is because the dentin has a yellowish hue under the enamel. So, when the enamel thins, your teeth become translucent and may look yellow.
The most reliable and effective teeth whitening treatment is professional chairside teeth whitening. Also known as in-office tooth whitening, the treatment takes place at the dentist's office and only takes 90 minutes of your time.
Two categories of whitening treatment supervised by a dental provider include repeated use of teeth enfolding trays at home or in-office treatment using higher bleaching concentrations that may also be activated with light.
Porcelain Veneers
These are very popular amongst celebrities because of their incredible results. Veneers are thin, strong shells that are custom-made from dental porcelain to cover the front surface of your teeth. They can fix small cracks, chips, gaps, and discoloration all at once.
Professional, in-office teeth whitening is the most expensive option with a national average of $650 per visit (pricing can vary between $500 to $1,000). However it does have the benefit of being performed by an experienced dental professional, helping to ensure that you get the sort of results you're looking for.
After Whitening: Remove the tray and rinse off your teeth.
Brush, floss and continue routine dental cleaning. You may initially notice white splotches on teeth following removal of tray.
Brushing your teeth is meant to remove harmful bacteria and plaque but not to whiten them. As recommended by your dentist, brushing twice a day is vital because it prevents cavities and tooth decay. Brushing alone will not whiten your teeth, though, and even whitening toothpaste only has a minimal effect on your teeth.
Treatments such as veneers and braces are only available on the NHS if there's a clinical need for them (not for cosmetic reasons). Similarly, other cosmetic treatments, such as teeth whitening, are not available on the NHS.
Patient care involving external bleaching cannot be provided as part of an NHS Course of Treatment (CoT). Internal bleaching of a non-vital tooth can be provided under the NHS, provided it was deemed clinically necessary by the performer. If deemed clinically necessary, this treatment is appropriate to a Band 2 CoT.
Consuming Certain Foods and Drinks
Other teeth-staining foods include coffee, citrus fruits and juices, soft drinks, teas, berries, tomato-based sauces, curry, balsamic vinegar, and soy sauce. Ingredients in these foods can seep into your enamel (the outermost covering of your teeth) and cause discoloration.
In-Office Tooth Whitening
Teeth whitening done by your dentist can get teeth brighter faster. The bleaching solution is usually much stronger than at-home kits. Also, heat, light, or a combination of the two may be used to speed and intensify the whitening process.
Professional teeth whitening performed in the dentist's office is recommended once every year to every 18 months, depending on how long the results last. At-home kits can be used as often as once every four to six months.
Whether you're using commercial whitening strips or an at-home kit from your dentist, most dental professionals recommend touching up every 3-4 months or after every time you have your teeth cleaned. Typically, you only have to wear the kit 3-4 times to “boost” your smile back to its whiter color.
If you see celebrities with perfectly white, straight, and uniform-looking teeth, they likely have veneers. Unlike teeth whitening, veneers are more permanent. There are various types of materials used, but porcelain and composite are the most common types.
What Can Be Done to Whiten Yellow Teeth? If you're looking for a radical change in the coloring of your teeth, you need professional-grade whitening to get the job done. Your cosmetic dentist can provide treatment that penetrates deep into the enamel and removes years of stains with a powerful bleaching agent.
They are actually covered by thin sheets of resin or porcelain called veneers. These tiny scale-like items can be used to reshape teeth, make crooked teeth look straight, or make naturally off-white teeth look impeccably white.