According to research, over 50% of consumers use do-it-yourself (DIY) products or kits sold in pharmacies for teeth whitening. While doing this may eliminate some discolouration, it can cause side effects.
Using the incorrect concentration of teeth whitening substances often leads to gum irritation. It can also cause uneven whiteness and further affect your appearance. The best way to eliminate teeth discolouration is by getting these services from a professional.
Here, we help you learn more about this procedure by answering the question ‘How does teeth whitening work at the dentist?’ We’ll also cover the factors that cause discolouration and discuss how you can determine if you are a good candidate for the whitening procedure.
How Do Teeth Become Discoloured?
Teeth discolouration can occur due to a wide range of factors. Extrinsic stains are the ones originating from the outer surface of teeth. These happen when pigmented particles from drinks and food build up on the enamel.
If you don’t eliminate them, they can leave yellow or brown stains. This discolouration is common in people who smoke and drink coloured beverages like soda, tea, and coffee.
Another factor that can change the colour of your teeth is excessive fluoride. Such staining occurs when this mineral interferes with the process of teeth formation. This issue is mainly common in children younger than eight years old.
Other common causes of teeth dislocation are:
- Genetics.
- Medication like antihistamines and blood pressure drugs.
- Dental material like amalgam restorations.
The enamel layer protecting teeth gets thinner as you grow older. This issue further increases the risk of teeth staining by both internal and external factors.
What to Expect With Professional Teeth Whitening
The exact steps followed during whitening teeth will depend on whether you do it at a dental office or home. Before going for a particular option, it’s crucial to consult your dentist. With their help, you can take all necessary precautions and improve the effectiveness of the whitening process.
In-Office Treatment
If you have discoloured teeth, you may be considering consulting a professional to fix the issues. So, how does teeth whitening work at the dentist? When getting these services from a dental office, the expert will first inspect your teeth to assess the amount of discolouration.
The steps that follow are:
- Cleaning to remove leftover food particles and plaque.
- Fixing a retractor to keep your mouth open and teeth dry.
- Protecting your mouth with a rubber appliance.
- Applying the whitening solution.
In most cases, dentists use a solution consisting of either carbamide or benzoyl peroxide for bleaching stains on teeth. The application process involves placing the substance in a tray moulded with the impression of your teeth.
They then leave it in for about 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the desired results and concentration of the solution.
At-Home Treatment
When whitening your teeth at home, you can buy the kit from a pharmacy. Alternatively, ask your dentist to make a customized mould and solution. The process of at-home treatment will mainly depend on the chosen method. The most common options are strips, gels, tray-based, and toothpaste.
When using strips or a gel, you need to apply them directly to the teeth for about two weeks. On the other hand, using a tray-based bleaching solution requires leaving it on your teeth for several hours a day for about four weeks. The results of these three teeth whitening options last for about 4-6 months.
The toothpaste whitening option involves brushing your teeth with a solution containing abrasives. Unlike the other options, this one is less effective and can only whiten your teeth by about one shade.
Can Everyone Get Professional Teeth Whitening?
After answering the question, ‘How does teeth whitening work at the dentist?’, you may wonder if you are a good candidate for the procedure. As long as you have good oral health, you can brighten your teeth at a dental office.
Some aspects that can disqualify you are bleeding or sensitive gums and being allergic to the whitening solution.
How Often Should I Get My Teeth Whitened at the Dentist?
The solution used to brighten teeth can increase sensitivity. Hence, it’s advisable to follow the recommended timeline before whitening your teeth again.
Dentists advise getting this treatment at most once every three to six months. Still, the duration may differ depending on the level of whitening you achieved during your last visit.
What Can I Do to Prolong the Teeth Whitening Effect?
Taking proper care of your teeth and observing good oral hygiene can prolong the whitening effects. More tips on keeping your smile brighter are:
- Brush after every meal.
- Use straws when drinking beverages.
- Visit your dentist regularly.
- Avoid smoking.
Another way to protect your teeth is by avoiding staining foods and drinks like berries, tea, coffee, and red wine.
Get Professional Teeth Whitening Today
Teeth may suffer discolouration due to exposure to staining substances. Using whitening solutions allows you to reduce the stains and enjoy a brighter smile. While taking the treatment at home may be cheaper, you may not get the desired results.
At Boon Dental, we provide professional teeth whitening services. The solution we use doesn’t break down your enamel, which improves the efficiency of the treatment without damaging your teeth.
If you previously used a DIY kit, our experts can help you brighten any spots you may have missed. Are you looking for reliable and professional teeth whitening services? Contact Boon Dental today to book a consultation appointment.