A white and bright smile is a desire every human possesses. But, factors like age, lifestyle choices, and dietary habits, maintaining a perfectly white smile can be a challenge for many. Dentistry has evolved in many aspects like technology, cosmetics, painless dentistry, etc.
Making teeth colour lighter by few shades to achieve a
pretty smile is called teeth whitening or teeth bleaching procedure. It can be
done at a dental office by a cosmetic professional and also at home on your
own.
1. Factors
affecting the teeth colour:
Staining Foods and Beverages:
Coffee, tea, red wine, and certain foods can contribute to surface stains on
teeth.
2. Aging:
As we age, the enamel on our teeth naturally wears down, revealing the
yellowish dentin beneath.
3. Poor
Oral Hygiene: Inadequate brushing and flossing can lead to the build-up of
plaque and tartar, contributing to discoloration.
4. Tobacco
Use: Smoking or chewing tobacco can lead to stubborn stains and yellowing of
teeth, which can lead to permanent alteration of tooth enamel colour, which
cannot be improved by teeth whitening and require other cosmetic procedures
like porcelain veneers.
5. Trauma: If during any point of time the teeth has experienced trauma by any damage to the pulp directly or indirectly, the tooth can appear brownish to blackish in colour.
Types of teeth whitening:
1. Professional
In-Office Whitening:
Laser or light activated teeth whitening: First of all, a
barrier is created on gums so that the bleaching agents like hydrogen peroxide,
carbamide peroxides, etc. don’t touch the gums and create inflammation. Then
bleaching agent is applied of the teeth surfaces, and then light or laser is
used for minimum 20 minutes on the teeth to activate the bleaching agent and get
a better whitening result.
Custom Tray Whitening: Custom-fitted trays are created,
filled with a professional-grade whitening gel, and worn for a specified
period.
2. At-Home
Whitening Kits:
Custom Trays: Similar to in-office trays, these are
designed to fit your teeth precisely, providing a more effective and
comfortable at-home whitening experience.
3. Over-the-Counter
Whitening Products:
Whitening Toothpaste: Contains mild abrasives and gentle
polishing agents to remove surface stains.
Whitening Strips: Thin, flexible strips coated with a
peroxide-based gel that adhere to the teeth. Its applied daily for a specified
duration.
4. Whitening Gels or Pens: Convenient and easy-to-use, these products are applied directly to the teeth for targeted whitening.
How to start your teeth whitening journey?
1. Consult
with a Dentist: Before starting any whitening treatment, it's crucial to
consult with a dentist to ensure your oral health is in good condition.
2. Follow
Instructions: Whether using OTC products or professional treatments strictly
adhere to the provided instructions to avoid overuse or misuse.
3. Address
Underlying Issues: If teeth discoloration is due to factors like enamel erosion
or cavities, these issues should be addressed before undergoing whitening
procedures.
4. Maintain
Good Oral Hygiene: Regular brushing, flossing, and dental check-ups can help
prevent future stains and maintain the results of teeth whitening treatments.
5. Be
Mindful of Diet: Limit the consumption of staining foods and beverages, and
consider using a straw to minimize contact with teeth.
After the in-office whitening procedure is completed,
some patients might experience sensitivity for a day or two, which can be
subsided with a mild painkiller.
Patients should avoid any coloured food or beverage up
till 48 hours, or it can stain the teeth surface.
Patients who wish to undergo teeth whitening procedure should always keep in mind that teeth whitening procedure is not a permanent solution for keeping the teeth whiter. Results of teeth whitening treatment can last upto approx. 6-8 months, and if the patients feel the need again, they can always get another sitting of the teeth whitening done.
At Teeth Care Centre, Dr. Pankti Patel, the best teeth
whitening dentist in Ahmedabad, with more than 15 years of experience in this
field, makes sure to give you the right advice for your teeth, and provide you
with the best teeth whitening treatment in town. Teeth Whitening or Teeth
bleaching can be a very helpful choice for the patients who want whiter and
brighter teeth, and can enhance their self-confidence while smiling.




