TEETH WHITENING- Facts!

Cleaning of teeth versus teeth whitening!

Professional cleaning of teeth called as Scaling and polishing removes only superficial deposits like calculus (the hard tartar on teeth surfaces) and stains (brownish blackish spots due to food and drinks) using an ultrasonic device without making any internal changes to the teeth. Teeth appear cleaner and at times brighter just because superficial stains have been removed.

Teeth whitening actually lightens the shade of your natural teeth. Teeth become lighter and brighter.

How does Teeth Whitening actually work?

This procedure utilises a gel 30 to 40% Hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide that when applied to teeth breaks down the chemical bonds that causes lightening of teeth shade.

Does change in shade of teeth last forever?

The answer is no. Teeth whitening is a reversible process, so the change of shade is not permanent. The teeth gradually return to their natural shade.

How long does the effects of teeth whitening last?

Usually, the whitening effects last for 1 to 1.5 years while gradually shade continues to move towards that of original shade of natural teeth.

What can I do to maintain of teeth whitening effects for longer time?

The whitening effects can be prolonged by regular ( 6 – 8 monthly) touch- up sessions and by using specific toothpastes that help in better removal of stains ( check post on toothpastes).

Can people of all ages get teeth whitening done?

Teeth whitening is recommended once the permanent teeth have completely erupted and are completely mature which usually occurs by 16 to 18 years of age. If you are between 16 to 18 years of age, the dentist will check clinically and confirm if you are good to go for teeth whitening.https://www.mdpi.com/2076-3417/13/12/7089

Can teeth whitening change the shade of my crowns and fillings?

The teeth whitening effects can only be seen on natural teeth, so crowns and fillings stay the same. In fact, whitening gel is never applied on fillings and crowns.

What are the different ways of getting teeth whitening done at a dental office?

Teeth whitening at dental clinic is done either by using a clear gel activated by light or a colored gel without any light activation both providing remarkable change in shade.Laser assisted teething-whitening are also done at clinics.

Can I directly go ahead with teeth whitening if there are broken fillings, chipped off teeth, cracks or cavities in teeth?

It is always suggested to take care of cavities by getting them restored before whitening procedure. If there are areas of deep cracks, or chipped off tooth margins- then such areas are covered with a barrier during teeth whitening to avoid contact with gel.

Teeth whitening can cause sensitivity if gel is placed in cavities or cracked or broken tooth.

Do I expect sensitivity in teeth after whitening procedure?

slight sensitivity is expected after the procedure which subsides in a few days, usually 1 to 4 days. Usually specific gels and toothpastes are prescribed after teeth whitening procedure. (Check in post on toothpastes).

Is it okay to continue the whitening procedure if I feel sensitivity anytime during the procedure?

mild sensitivity in certain areas on teeth can be handled by dentist by making modifications. But if severe sensitivity starts, it’s an indication to stop the procedure as that is the maximum your teeth are able to tolerate without any adverse effects.

Are over the counter toothpastes and strips for whitening as effective as whitening done at dental office?

Well,not really!

The whitening effects of strips are very mild, not uniform compared to in- office whitening. The adaptation of strips to teeth may not be uniform due to difference in alignment of teeth, or symmetrical gum line. Further, ensuring that strips don’t contact cavities, chipped off areas of teeth may get difficult to judge when done at home. Sometimes, certain teeth are darker in shade- so when getting teeth whitening at dental office, dentist can control the process to ensure uniformity in final shade achieved.

this at times may cause more harm than good.

the whitening toothpastes usually contain a different type of abrasive (check post on toothpastes for detail) that penetrates the grooves in superficial layer and helps in better removal of stains. So, these toothpastes can be used ( after consultation with dentist) after teeth whitening procedure in order to keep staining of teeth at bay for a longer time.

What is at home teeth whitening using bleaching trays?

This is kind of teeth whitening which can be done at home by wearing bleaching trays for a few hours every day. The dentist will provide you with the trays, a professional whitening gel and explain in detail about its use.

since the gel is of of lower concentration, trays have to to used for weeks for a certain number of hours everyday to achieve significant difference in shade.

while in in-office whitening procedure, 1.5 to 2 hrs of procedure helps achieve a significant shade difference

What is the science behind teeth whitening?

Carbamide peroxide in the presence of water breaks down into Hydrogen peroxide and urea. Hydrogen peroxide penetrates into enamel and dentin, breaks down larger pigmented molecules into smaller colorless molecules through oxidation process.https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC4311381/

What are the different types of in- office teeth whitening?

The teeth whitening is usually done by using a clear gel activated by light such as Zoom teeth whitening or Beyond teeth whitening.

Or

By using a colored gel without any light activation such as Opalescensce boost or Pola Office etc.

Both provide remarkable results.

I have tried to answer the most common doubts patients have in mind about Teeth whitening.

The most important thing is ” There is absolutely nothing to be scared of or doubtful about the safety of this procedure”. It’s a feel good dental procedure, boosts the confidence really well. I have got it done, you also plan for it!

As my dermatologist has once said to me “Deepti, I feel every person should make all possible attempts at enhancing their beauty and attractiveness, be it of body, mind or soul”- it’s a constant journey, be a part of it.

The upcoming posts will talk about another confusing topic- which toothpastes to use and which ones to not use, when to use and how to use…stay tuned.