- Dr. Ash Sagar
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Your smile is one of the first things people notice when they meet you. Teeth that are perfectly straight and white are no longer exclusively for celebrities. Over the last several years, advancements in cosmetic dentistry have made teeth whitening safer and more affordable for practically everyone seeking a bright smile.
Teeth whitening helps give back the shine and colour to the teeth. These cosmetic procedures remove the discolouration of the teeth. At Burwood Dental Care, we guarantee that our teeth whitening procedures match industry standards.
If you’re interested in whitening your teeth but are unsure whether the procedure is right for you, this blog post will assess who is a good candidate for teeth whitening treatment. Read on to enlighten your mind here!
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What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is the process of using bleach or other materials to make teeth look whiter. The materials remove stains or other discolouration from the tooth surface. Moreover, teeth whitening is one of the most popular optional dental procedures due to its low cost, high effectiveness, and quick results.
Who Can Have Teeth Whitening Treatments
Almost everyone who utilizes a teeth whitening solution benefits in some way. Tooth whitening is a minor invasive process to achieve a more brilliant smile. Without restorative materials, whitening lightens the tint of the teeth and enhances the overall appearance.
The ideal candidates for teeth whitening have healthy teeth without fillings or dental restoration and healthy gum tissue. It is preferable if patients do not have visible restorations before whitening. Patients whose teeth have yellow tones are more likely to be more receptive to treatment and be suitable candidates. The good news is that patients can get their teeth fixed and their gum disease treated to qualify for teeth whitening.
Additionally, the appropriate age for teeth whitening is determined by the dentist’s recommendation and the age of a teen. Most dentists feel that tooth whitening should not begin until age 14-16. Since many pre-teens do not yet have all of their permanent teeth, it is advised to delay teeth whitening until all adult teeth are present and a child’s mouth is free of baby teeth.
When is Teeth Whitening Not an Option?
Pregnant and nursing women should refrain from all whitening treatments except toothpaste. Other treatments, oral health care professionals say, may contain levels of peroxide that are possibly harmful to the baby. Although no link has been established between these treatments and adverse effects on the child’s health, mothers are recommended to take measures and delay whitening treatments.
However, teenagers should avoid bleaching their teeth until they are between 14 and 16. In a younger child, the tooth’s pulp chamber, or nerve chamber, has not fully formed. At this point, bleaching may irritate the pulp and induce sensitivity. Furthermore, individuals who are allergic to peroxide should avoid this whitening product.
In addition, teeth whitening is not recommended for individuals who have oral health concerns such as sensitive teeth, gum disease, oral cancer, or enamel that has been overly worn and damaged. Translucent teeth may deteriorate with each whitening application and should be discontinued immediately.
Before considering any whitening procedure, it is suggested that cavities should be treated and gums should be healthy.
What Happens During a Teeth Whitening Treatment
During the teeth whitening treatment actual process, a lip retractor is put in your mouth to keep it open. The best ones allow for biting down on the back area, which helps to relax the jaw muscles. Following that, the dental professional will apply a paint-on rubber dam to the gum tissue. A muco-protectant gel is applied to the lips and inner cheek area. You will be unable to speak (and should avoid moving your mouth entirely) for the next few hours, so you should request a notebook and pen to communicate. Suppose a section of the barrier becomes loose and causes discomfort. In that case, you’ll want to be able to notify the dentist immediately so she can correct the problem and alleviate any uncomfortable feelings.
Once the barrier is securely in place, the bleaching process can begin. The dentist will then use a small paintbrush to paint the peroxide gel onto each tooth. After coating all of the teeth, the high-intensity laser will be put directly onto your teeth, where it will remain for around 20 minutes. When light strikes peroxide, the oxygen within it is converted to free radical oxygen, causing it to become “hyper agitated.” It sinks into the tooth, penetrates beneath the tooth enamel, and attacks the pigments that give the tooth its colour. This oxidation process causes the pigments within the dentin layer to evaporate, thereby lightening the tooth from within.
When the activation timer expires, the white light automatically shuts off. The dentist then scrubs the bleach layer and brushes on a new coat. Most professional teeth treatments entail three to four rounds of being open-mouthed, wordless, painted, and illuminated for approximately two hours in total. If the dentist discovers that a patient’s mouth is becoming more sensitive, treatments will be shortened by one or two rounds.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Perhaps you are on the fence about teeth whitening. Teeth whitening is a safe, life-enhancing process that can positively affect both your physical appearance and psychological health. With that said, here are a few of the benefits of brightening your smile:
- Increased self-esteem and confidence
- It makes you more attractive.
- Improved oral hygiene results in a healthier mouth.
- It ensures consistent whitening results.
- Teeth whitening is a more hygienic and comfortable procedure.
- The dentist will assist you in determining the shade of white you desire. As a result, you can receive personalized treatment.
- Your safety will be ensured as dental treatment uses an expert approach and provides natural teeth whitening procedures.
- It is an affordable treatment.
- It benefits one’s mental wellness.
- Teeth whitening can be an effective treatment and improve dental health.
How to Avoid Tooth Discolouration
If discolouration on your teeth hinders your ability to have a wonderful smile, fight back. You have a variety of options for brightening them and preserving their brilliance.
- Consumption of foods or beverages that leave a stain on your hands or clothing might also stain your choppers. That is why it is important to brush or rinse your mouth after eating them. Among the stain, you should be aware of the following; coffee or tea soda, red and white wine, grape or cranberry juice, blueberries, beets, soy sauce, and tomato sauce.
Several more lifestyle modifications may help avoid tooth discolouration:
- Consider cutting back or quitting if you are a coffee drinker or smoker.
- Use a straw to consume. This can assist in preventing stains whether you are drinking soda, juice, iced coffee, or tea. The liquid will not come into contact with your teeth’s visible front surfaces.
- To maintain good dental hygiene, you should brush, floss, and use an antimicrobial mouthwash daily. All three of these can aid in the fight against plaque, a white, hard substance that builds on your teeth. It makes them sticky and provides a surface for stains to adhere to.
- Have your teeth cleaned by a dental hygienist every six months. It will help maintain the health of your mouth and give you a brighter smile. If the colour of your teeth changes unexpectedly and additional symptoms occur, schedule an appointment with a dentist.
How to Take Care of Whitened Teeth
What you do immediately following a tooth whitening procedure significantly impacts how long the benefits remain. The first twenty-four hours following treatment are essential. In addition to the advice provided by the dentist, the following are some general guidelines for post-treatment care:
- Prevent dark liquid beverages such as coffee, red wine, fruit juice, dark sodas, and beer, as well as black tea.
- Eliminate dark-staining foods such as soy sauce, cured meats, chocolate, and any fruit.
- Quit or reduce smoking, although the occasional use of e-cigarettes is acceptable.
- Resist brightly coloured toothpaste and mouthwashes, such as red or blue.
Some tips for ongoing care include:
- Brush your teeth immediately after eating or drinking anything stained with water or white toothpaste.
- Maintain a daily oral hygiene practice that includes brushing, flossing, and mouthwash in the morning and evening.
- If you are a tobacco user and consume a heavy alcohol intake, consider whitening touch-ups every six months for optimal results.
Final Thoughts
It’s always been a dream to have a beautiful, brilliant, whiter smile, and now you can finally have it! Given a chance to have pearly white teeth, seize the moment to have an initial consultation with our team at Burwood Dental Care.
Our team can help you decide if you are a good candidate for teeth whitening. We will take your medical history and perform an oral exam to do so. If you are not a candidate for whitening, then you may still be eligible for other types of counter remedies.
Disclaimer – Use At Your Own Risk :- The information on this website is for general information purposes only. Nothing on this site should be taken as advice for any individual case or situation. Any action you take upon the information on these blogs are strictly at your own risk. We will not be liable for any losses or damages in connection with the use of the information from these blogs.