TEETH WHITENING - FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Teeth are not naturally white. They are a pearly shade that, as we age, no matter how good your oral hygiene, gradually turns more yellow. You see this first when a baby’s snow-white teeth are replaced by permanent teeth that are, by nature, more yellow in color. As we get older, the outer layer of enamel on the teeth wears down and exposes the dentin layer of the teeth, which is more yellow. Over the years, tartar and wear-and-tear stains appear and can darken the color of teeth.
Yes, false teeth can absolutely stain and turn colors over time. When not brushed daily, left-behind food debris and bacteria-filled plaque can create stains that look yellowish-gray, green and even black on teeth. (However, dental implants like crowns and veneers cannot be whitened.) Avoid this scenario by maintaining stellar oral hygiene even when your teeth are false, and brush and soak your dentures regularly while also following the proper steps to clean your dentures.
As a kind of dentistry, teeth whitening should only be performed by dentists or other qualified dental professionals.
Teeth whitening involves bleaching the teeth to make them appear whiter. Even though it won't make your teeth completely white, it can lighten their hue by many shades.
The whitening process involves a mouth-guard that is manufactured by your dentist. Routinely, you would apply a gel and wear your mouth-guard for a predetermined amount of time over a few weeks. The treatment time can be shortened by using whitening gels that can be applied for up to 8 hours at a time.
Another type of teeth-whitening that a dentist might offer is laser whitening, sometimes referred to as power whitening. Your teeth are painted with a bleaching substance, which is then activated by a light or laser. It takes an hour or so to use laser whitening.
Some tooth whitening techniques can also include at-home whitening treatments and remedies.
Teeth whitening is generally safe. However, no matter what procedure you choose, there is a potential that the chemicals used in teeth whitening can irritate your gums, especially if you already have sensitive teeth. Additionally, there is a possibility of gum burns if not applied appropriately.
To be on the safe side, reach out to your dentist and ask basic questions regarding the various teeth-whitening procedures available, the outcomes you can anticipate, and the anticipated duration of those results. You might also want to find out whether there are any risks, such as your teeth being more sensitive.
Although teeth don't need to be perfectly white to be healthy, yellow teeth can signal bad oral hygiene or other dental problems like tooth erosion. Fortunately, they don't have to remain that way forever.
The ideal person to contact if you want to brighten up your smile is your dentist. Your dentist might suggest an in-office whitening procedure, resorting to using a tooth whitener with a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. To hasten the whitening process, they occasionally employ UV, LED, or other lighting sources. The procedure will result in substantially brighter teeth. However, if your teeth have significantly yellowed, your dentist may advise many treatment.
Evidence does not suggest that whitening damages your teeth. On the contrary, hydrogen peroxide bleaching treatments have been around for years and are used by millions of individuals, including many dentists.
Additionally, the American Dental Association (ADA) has said that hydrogen peroxide bleaching agents are both secure and efficient.
To safely use whitening products, talk to your dentist, follow the instructions on the products you are using, and, most importantly, listen to your teeth!
The best services to help whiten and brighten your smile will be provided by dental professionals. All teeth-whitening techniques, however, have a limited lifespan. Results from some techniques last longer than those from others.
Although the teeth-whitening treatments you use may work right away, their results won't endure forever. The whitening impact diminishes the more you use your teeth, especially when you eat. The enamel of your teeth is porous even after a whitening procedure. As a result, stains will continue to happen.
However, benefits from professional teeth whitening have been shown to last up to a year or more. How well you take care of your teeth will determine this. Dental veneers, on the other hand, can last up to 10 years or longer. Your teeth's dazzling veneers will eventually discolor despite their brilliance. This indicates that there is no permanent solution for tooth whitening.