Teeth Whitening



Teeth whitening stands as one of the most sought-after cosmetic dental procedures, offering a swift, non-invasive, and cost-effective method to improve the appearance of one's smile. It is universally appreciated by both men and women, with options available to fit every budget, schedule, and personality. There are numerous solutions available, ranging from in-office one-hour whitening treatments at dental clinics or cosmetic spas to over-the-counter bleaching kits found at local pharmacies. Almost everyone who chooses to whiten their teeth experiences a noticeable enhancement in the brightness and whiteness of their smile. However, it's important to note that teeth whitening does not provide a permanent fix for discoloration and requires regular maintenance or "touch-ups" to maintain the desired effect. In this piece, we delve into all aspects of teeth whitening, including how teeth become discolored, the causes of staining, the various treatment methods available, and their associated risks and expenses.

Bleaching vs. Whitening: Understanding the Difference

The FDA defines "bleaching" as a process that whitens teeth beyond their natural shade, typically achieved with products that contain bleach, such as hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. Conversely, "whitening" is the process of restoring the color of a tooth's surface by eliminating stains and debris. Therefore, any product used to clean teeth, like toothpaste, is technically considered a whitening agent. Although the term "whitening" sounds more appealing than "bleaching," it is more commonly used, even when referring to products that contain bleach.

The preferred bleach for in-office whitening, especially when time is scarce, is a potent and quick-working form of hydrogen peroxide. In tooth whitening, the strength of hydrogen peroxide in bleaches can vary from about nine to 40 percent. On the other hand, the favored bleach for at-home whitening is a gentler, slower-acting form of carbamide peroxide that converts into hydrogen peroxide. Carbamide peroxide is about one-third as strong as hydrogen peroxide. Therefore, a 15 percent carbamide peroxide solution is roughly equivalent to a five percent hydrogen peroxide solution.

Exploring the Nature of Tooth Enamel

At the beginning of our lives, our teeth are often pearly white, thanks to their enamel layer, which is as hard as porcelain. Made up of tiny crystalline structures, enamel is built to shield our teeth from the wear and tear of chewing, grinding, injuries, and the acid attacks from sugar. However, over time, enamel erodes, making the teeth appear more translucent and allowing the yellow color of dentin, the main substance of the tooth, to become visible. Every time we chew, the dentin stays intact while numerous tiny cracks form in the enamel. These cracks, along with the gaps between the enamel rods, gradually accumulate stains and particles. Consequently, the teeth start to look dull and less vibrant. Teeth whitening can eliminate the stains and particles, leaving the enamel cracks open and vulnerable. Some of these cracks may be quickly repaired by saliva, while others are refilled with organic matter.

Understanding Tooth Discoloration: External vs. Internal Staining

Teeth can be stained in two main ways: externally and internally. External stains appear on the tooth's surface due to contact with dark-colored drinks, foods, tobacco, and everyday wear. These superficial external stains are minor and can be removed with regular brushing and professional dental cleanings. More persistent external stains might require teeth whitening treatments. If left untreated, these stains can seep into the dentin and become deeply embedded. Internal stains form within the tooth. They can result from trauma, the aging process, exposure to certain minerals (like tetracycline) during tooth development, or too much fluoride intake. Previously, it was believed that internal stains were too tough to be removed by bleaching. However, modern cosmetic dentistry professionals now think that deep internal stains can be lightened with a supervised at-home teeth whitening treatment over several months or even a year. If all else fails, there are other cosmetic options available to treat internal staining, such as dental veneers.

Causes of Tooth Discoloration

Age: There's a clear link between the shade of your teeth and how old you are. As time goes on, teeth tend to darken due to wear and tear, along with the buildup of stains. Teens often see quick and noticeable results from whitening treatments. In their twenties, teeth might start to appear more yellow, requiring a bit more effort for whitening. By the forties, the yellow tone may shift to brown, and more frequent whitening treatments might be necessary. By the fifties, teeth have absorbed numerous tough stains, which can be challenging (though not impossible) to remove. Starting Color: We're all born with natural tooth colors that range from yellow-brownish to green-grey, and these tend to darken over time. Yellow-brown teeth are usually more responsive to bleaching than green-grey ones. Transparency and Thinness: These traits are also inherited and become more noticeable with age. While all teeth show some translucency, those that are opaque and thicker appear lighter, sparkle more, and respond better to bleaching. Teeth that are thinner and more transparent, especially the front ones, have less of the pigment needed for bleaching. Cosmetic dentists say that transparency is the only trait that can't be improved with any teeth whitening method. Eating Habits: Consuming red wine, coffee, tea, cola, carrots, oranges, and other deeply colored drinks and foods can lead to significant staining over time. Additionally, acidic foods like citrus fruits and vinegar can cause the enamel to erode, making the tooth surface more transparent and allowing more of the yellow-colored dentin to show through. Smoking Habits: Nicotine leaves brown deposits that gradually penetrate the tooth structure, causing internal discoloration. Drugs / Chemicals: Using tetracycline during tooth development can lead to dark grey or brown ribbon stains that are very hard to remove. Too much fluoride can cause fluorosis (marked by the appearance of faint white spots on the teeth) and white mottling. Grinding: Often caused by stress, teeth grinding (also known as gnashing, bruxing, etc.) can lead to micro-cracks in the teeth and cause the biting edges to darken.

Get a brighter, more confident smile with our professional teeth whitening services. Say goodbye to stains and hello to a radiant smile. Schedule an Appointment at SP Dental Clinic in Bellary & boost your knowledge regarding this life changing treatment, they can help you eat & smile with confidence.