Do you want a white and attractive smile? So let’s start our conversation about the teeth whitening procedure
teeth whitening procedure
involves bleaching your teeth to lighten the colour of the enamel.
The main ingredients used in tooth whitening products are the chemicals hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. The chemicals usually come in a gel, which is applied to your teeth. Sometimes a light is used too.
If the problem causing the yellowing is deep inside your teeth, then a whitening gel applied to the outside of your teeth won’t make your teeth whiter.
What causes discoloured teeth?
The outside of your teeth can be stained when you:
drink tea, coffee or red wine
eat food such as spices, berries or beetroot
smoke cigarettes
The white enamel layer on the outside of your teeth can also wear away as you get older. This exposes the dentine layer underneath. This is a yellowish colour and causes your tooth to look yellower.
you took certain medicines, such as the antibiotics tetracycline or doxycycline, as a young child
When might I need teeth whitening procedure?
If your teeth are stained or discoloured, you might want to whiten them.
Teeth whitening is not recommended if you:
are pregnant or breastfeeding
have sensitive teeth
have gum disease
have cracks or holes in your teeth
have untreated dental problems
Teeth whitening procedure will not work on teeth with crowns, veneers or fillings.
If you are considering teeth whitening procedure you should consult your dental practitioner to see if your teeth are suitable.
Benefits of teeth whitening procedure
– Improved confidence in all areas of your life.
– Improved attractiveness to the opposite sex. A survey by the American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry found that 96% of adults believe an attractive smile makes a person more appealing to the opposite gender.
– Enhanced opportunities at work. 74% of adults also feel that an unattractive smile can damage a person’s chance of success at work.
– Enhanced social opportunities. A great smile is one of the best first impressions you can make and can make you appear open, friendly and happy.
– White smiles minimize the appearance of lines and wrinkles and give you a younger overall appearance.
– White smiles also give the impression of healthiness.
– Teeth whitening is one of the most affordable options for cosmetic dental treatment
– Great teeth can improve your overall appearance.
– Teeth whitening is non-invasive, virtually painless, and does not have any harmful side effects.
– Teeth whitening requires minimal preparation and fast results.
Risks of teeth whitening procedure
– Sensitivity of the teeth and gums, particularly if using one of the higher-strength whitening agents.
– Gum irritation.
– Bleaching results cannot be guaranteed and will vary depending on your age, lifestyle, genetics and the initial colour and condition of your teeth.
– If bleaching agents seep into your tooth through a crack or unfilled cavity, it can be extremely painful and cause internal tooth damage that may require further treatment such as a root canal.
– You may also see uneven results. This is particularly the case if you are using whitening strips and have crooked or overlapping teeth. This is because the strips are not able to ensure that every part of the enamel is reached, which can leave you with some patches that are whiter than others.
– Teeth whitening is not a permanent fix and how long results will last will vary depending on your age, genetics and lifestyle. Smoking and consuming food/drink that contains tannins – such as red wine, coffee and oranges – can cause stains to return quicker.
– Not all stains can be addressed by teeth whitening. Teeth that have suffered trauma from the inside, have been affected by fluorosis and those with inorganic stains may not be affected by whitening at all.
– Over-whitening. Some people get a little obsessed with trying to maintain the same level of brightness and over-bleach their teeth which irritates and in some cases, pain.
for more information please don’t hesitate to contact us