Answers to important questions about teeth whitening

If you are thinking about teeth whitening at the dentist or at home, then this article is for you.

If I don't like the color of my teeth, how do I know if whitening will really help me?

Before whitening your teeth, you should first have an examination (including x-rays) by a dentist. This will determine the cause of the color change. Only in this case can we talk about whitening options. And only with a knowledgeable specialist you need to discuss such things. Optimum and natural shade of teeth corresponds to the whiteness of the eyes.

Are there reasons why you shouldn't whiten your teeth?

A pre-whitening examination may indicate the need for some treatment prior to, or even in lieu of, the whitening procedure. For example, there are different causes of discoloration ( tooth abscess , decay, root canal problems, etc.) where whitening will only cover up the problem, not solve it. Also, bleaching should be abandoned for aesthetic reasons. How open are your teeth and gums when you smile? Usually, short teeth and a gingival smile do not look better with whitening, as the whiteness of the teeth focuses on imperfections. Exposed tooth roots also do not whiten. Therefore, if you have them, then the result will not be ideal. In any of these cases, you can resort to other cosmetic options.

Can whitening damage teeth?

A plethora of reputable whitening research suggests that low concentrations of peroxide are safe and can be used as directed by a physician after careful consideration. But one of the common side effects of whitening is tooth sensitivity . Higher oxidation options can etch tooth enamel, especially if used for a long time. Therefore, they should be avoided.

The most common and most studied bleaching agents are carbamide peroxide 10% (used at home with a mouthguard) and hydrogen peroxide 35% (used in the dentist's office). Carbamide peroxide is a mixture of hydrogen peroxide and urea. Products with carbamide peroxide are active longer (up to 10 hours) and their acidity is reduced to a level where the enamel is not attacked and the tooth does not get damaged.

Hydrogen peroxide can be used at higher concentrations. But it is active only for an hour and has a higher acidity. Therefore, it should not be left on the teeth for a long time. Carbamide peroxide whitening solutions are available for both the home and the dentist's office. The same goes for hydrogen peroxide. The concentrations differ, as do the treatments and techniques.

When using products with a high concentration, the dentist takes steps to protect the gums from contact with the substance. Peroxide, even in small concentrations, can burn inflamed gum tissue. Your gums must be healthy before you start whitening. Therefore, it is recommended to wait two weeks and use a soft toothbrush with a suitable (do not scrub!) technique.

The whitening procedure in the dentist's office begins with the protection of the lips, gums and mouth. Only the teeth are left open for the application of the whitening gel.

If my teeth become sensitive during the whitening process, is there anything I can do about it?

First of all, if you know that you have sensitive teeth, then take action before whitening. Brush your teeth with a desensitizing toothpaste that contains potassium nitrate for two weeks. Use potassium nitrate in the bleaching process (in a tray). You can also reduce the frequency, duration of procedures and take breaks more often.

Can all teeth be whitened?

Not all teeth achieve the same whiteness. Each tooth has its own whitening threshold, regardless of the technique or material used. The peroxide reaches the pulp (inner level) through the enamel (upper level) and dentine (middle level) within 5-15 minutes. It changes the hereditary color of dentin and enamel and removes stains. Many teeth become less transparent after whitening. But teeth that are already translucent will show through even more and cannot be whitened. In such cases, a color-matched composite (filling material) is placed on the inside of the tooth. It may improve the look.

Is age a barrier?

You can resort to whitening from the age of 10, since by this time all the front molars have already appeared. Milk teeth are usually white. They should only be whitened if the injury has caused discoloration but has not led to tooth decay. I believe that if a child has discolored teeth, it is better to whiten them so that he does not feel embarrassed because of this defect. Tooth sensitivity is a rare problem for young people. Older people can only whiten their teeth if there is no serious damage to the root. According to my observations, people who are already over 45 look 10 years younger with white teeth.

What are the whitening procedures? How do they differ in terms of safety, efficiency and time?

There are three options : in-office whitening (by a doctor), whitening at home with a custom-made plastic tray (called “overnight whitening”), and whitening with over-the-counter products. In these options, the process technique, the concentration of bleaching products and the duration of the procedures and the entire treatment differ.

Whitening in the doctor's office takes place using strong products. Therefore, the doctor takes measures to protect the gums from contact with the active substance. If we compare these three options, then, based on research, a 6-tone color change requires: three treatments in the doctor's office with hydrogen peroxide 38%; one week of wearing a night guard with carbamide peroxide 10%; 16 days of daily use of strips with hydrogen peroxide 5.3%.

The safest, cheapest, and most studied teeth whitening option is to wear a 10% carbamide peroxide mouthguard.

Of course, preferences, lifestyle and financial situation will play a role in choosing your option. It is important to remember that all three options allow you to achieve the maximum whiteness that a tooth can give.

Do the laser/beams affect the whitening process?

Such an effect has not been proven. The result is the same with or without light. Light can speed up the color change in the first few days, but peroxide is responsible for the whitening. Most likely, the light gives only the appearance of whitening as a result of dehydration or drying of the tooth. The main problem with light, apart from cost, is the sensitivity of the tooth.

I have one discolored tooth. What can I do about it?

First of all, you need to determine why the tooth has darkened. This is often a sign of dental disease, which may require additional or different treatment. Once the cause is found, there are two techniques that work well for individual teeth. If the tooth has darkened due to inflammation, and depulpation of the canal is necessary, or it has already been done, then it can be whitened from the inside. This procedure should be performed by a dentist or endodontist (root canal specialist). A small gap is made in the tooth through which whitening is performed.

If the tooth is still alive (and there is no need for depulpation), then the dentist can make a tray to whiten one tooth, which will not affect the rest. If the darkened tooth matches the rest in shade, everything is fine. But if the tooth has become lighter than the rest, then it is necessary to carefully bleach them to the desired shade.

Does whitening affect treated teeth, i.e. fillings, facets or crowns?

Tooth-colored composite (plastic polymer) or ceramic restoration materials cannot be bleached. They stay the same color. For this reason, you need to consider how your smile will look after whitening, that is, if the teeth become lighter, but the elements of restoration are not. This is best discussed with your dentist, who can guide you through your options.

Once I get the shade I want, how long will the effect last?

It's all individual. No whitening method can permanently lighten teeth. Usually the result is stored from six months to two years. But the teeth of some people remained white for 10 years without repeated procedures.

What can I do to keep whitening results for a long time?

Maintain good oral hygiene and have a professional cleaning done by your dentist. Avoid tobacco and drinks that stain your teeth, such as red wine, tea, and coffee. You can also have whitening treatments once or twice a year either at home or by a doctor. Your dentist can advise you on the best way to care for and care for your teeth after procedures. It is important to remember that all whitening steps are best done under the supervision of a specialist.