Author:Dr. Sakshi Gupta
There’s no one in the world who doesn’t wish their smiles were brighter and that their teeth were whiter. Nobody likes to cover their mouth every time they laugh or have to adopt a somber attitude when having their photos taken. We all want to draw people to us, and an engaging, beautiful smile is the best way to ascertain that.
But what if you do not have a bright smile because your teeth are discolored? Well, exposure to different foods over time tends to stain the teeth. There are numerous foods that can affect the color of your teeth including coffee, wine, and soda. However, it’s possible to restore your bright smile with teeth whitening.
There are numerous teeth whitening solutions and products out there, but there’s a lot of misinformation regarding the whitening process. This procedure is far more complex than it seems and it’s actually advisable to use a dental professional. Although it’s possible to use a do-it-yourself teeth whitening kit, there are a lot of risks involved like gums irritation, increased teeth sensitivity as well as chemical burns.
If you are contemplating on whitening your teeth, here are several facts you may want to know about the process.
Teeth Have Pores that Absorb Stains
At first glance, it does not appear that way, but the teeth actually have pores. The pores tend to absorb the color from the different foods you eat like sodas and coffee and end up staining the teeth. As the stains build up, the teeth darken and the only way to remove them is with a whitening gel. The gel gets absorbs into the pores and forces out the stains during the whitening process.
There’s an Increase in Teeth Sensitivity after The Whitening Procedure
After the process, your teeth tend to feel extra sensitive. This sensitivity lasts for at most 36 hours as a result of teeth dehydration. Dentists usually prescribe a post-whitening fluoride treatment in order to alleviate the sensitivity.
Stain Removal Requires Patience
The teeth whitening process can take anywhere from several days to months before you notice substantial results. This is because of the time it takes the teeth whitening solution to penetrate and eliminate stains. Simply put, the deeper the stains, the longer they will take to remove.
Laser Treatments Are Not Permanent
Laser and Ultraviolet procedures used during the procedure hasten the whitening gel’s reaction. However, the process is temporary and several sessions are called for in order to get the desired results. Also, laser treatments aren’t available for patients with sensitive teeth.
Teeth Whitening Doesn’t Damage Your Teeth
Abuse of any kind, such as brushing your teeth aggressively can certainly be damaging. However, professional teeth whitening is quite safe. If done as instructed, you have nothing to worry about. As mentioned earlier, all the whitening gel does is to open the poles and flush out the stains. After each session, the teeth will rehydrate and remineralize, usually in a period of 36 hours.
Not Every Individual’s Teeth Can be Genuinely White
The genetic makeup, as well as the natural color of your teeth, are set at birth. Therefore, the most that a whitening product can do is get rid of the stains that have accumulated over time. Sadly, not many dentists will tell you this and you won’t get a refund if the procedure isn’t satisfactory.
Veneers and Caps Can’t be Whitened
When you get synthetic veneers and caps, they are designed to match the color of your natural teeth. The color of the material, whether lighter or darker can be changed. It’s also worth noting that teeth whitening won’t ruin this dental work as they can’t whiten or stain.
It’s Advisable to Whiten Just Before You Head to Sleep
The pores on the teeth tend to open slightly after the whitening process, making the teeth even more prone to stains. As such, it is advisable to do the process just before going to sleep in order to prevent exposure to any substances that might cause stains. The remineralization and rehydration will occur naturally while you sleep.
I hope that these several facts about teeth whitening have helped you gain more knowledge regarding the process. If you have decided to undertake this procedure, ensure you consult a dental practitioner with adequate experience to complete the treatment.