We all know that a bright white smile is the epitome of beauty and confidence. Teeth whitening has exploded in recent years with millions seeking out professional treatments, at-home kits and even home remedies to get that perfect smile. While these methods are efficient at brightening your teeth, the debate continues whether you should get teeth whitening at home, or by a professional.
This blog discusses in detail what tooth whitening is, what are the ingredients used in tooth whitening kits, the benefits of teeth whitening and whether is it worth getting a tooth whitening procedure or not.
What is Teeth Whitening?
As the name indicates, teeth whitening is a procedure which changes the color of your teeth from whatever color they used to be before, to a whiter shade. Tooth often become stained or discolored due to the things we eat or drink, like coffee, tea, smoking, drinking and aging.
There are various forms of teeth whitening. These include:1. Professional in-office treatments2. Over-the-counter whitening strips3. Natural DIY remedies
How does Teeth Whitening Occur?
Although the methods described above for teeth whitening yield dramatic results, the underlying mechanism is often overlooked. A tooth appears to be white because of the enamel. The underlying dentin is often yellowish in color. A tooth becomes discolored when its top-most layer (known as enamel) becomes incorporated with stains from different things. Anything that can dissolve a part of that enamel will take those stains with it. The materials used for teeth whitening contain chemical agents like hydrogen peroxide or certain abrasive materials. These substances breakdown the stains on most superficial layer of teeth, making teeth appear whiter.
Common Ingredients in Teeth Whitening Products
As mentioned earlier, the effectiveness of teeth whitening products lies in their ingredients. Some of those ingredients include:
1. Hydrogen Peroxide: It is a bleaching agent which penetrates the enamel to remove stains.
2. Carbamide Peroxide: It is a slower-acting compound which breaks down into hydrogen peroxide over time.
3. Abrasives: Some tooth whitening products also contain abrasive materials which physically scrub away stains from the tooth surface.
While these ingredients are proven to work, they can also contribute to long-term side effects of teeth whitening. For instance, excessive use of hydrogen peroxide can erode enamel, and abrasive agents can weaken tooth surfaces over time, leading to sensitivity.
Benefits of Teeth Whitening
Self Confidence Booster
A bright smile makes you feel more attractive and self-assured. This is the most immediate benefit seen after a tooth whitening procedure as it boosts your self-esteem.
It has even been proven through studies that people with brighter smiles are perceived as more approachable, professional and friendly. This can positively impact both personal and professional relationships.
Enhances Appearance
Discolored teeth or yellow teeth can make you look older, unhealthy and unhygienic. By removing these stains and making teeth look whiter, you will get a vibrant and more youthful look.
Unlike most cosmetic procedures that require significant time or invasive treatments, teeth whitening is quick, painless, and delivers dramatic results.
Removes Stains & Discoloration
Even if you don’t feel like your teeth have become yellowish, keep this in mind that over time, the top surface of teeth accumulates stains from foods you eat, from drinks and from lifestyle habits like smoking. The most common food items causing staining include coffee, tea, red wine, and berries.
A professional tooth whitening procedure effectively removes these stains, and restores your teeth to their natural brilliance.
Improves Oral Hygiene:
The most over-looked benefit of a professional teeth whitening procedure is its positive impact on your oral hygiene. After getting their teeth whitened, most people are motivated to keep their teeth clean. So, they focus more on their oral hygiene than they would otherwise. This increased attention to maintaining a good oral hygiene prevents plaque accumulation on teeth, and also prevents caries from developing on tooth surfaces.
Provides Fast and Long-Lasting Results:
Originally, teeth whitening treatments were designed to deliver the required results in a short time period. Although at-home whitening kits take a bit longer to get the desired results, a professional tooth whitening procedure can lighten your teeth by several shades in under an hour.
If you maintain your oral hygiene properly after getting a professional teeth whitening treatment, the effects can last for months or even years!
How to Minimize the Risks of Teeth Whitening
If you’re considering teeth whitening, but are afraid of its side-effects, there are a few steps you can take to reduce potential risks:
· Consulting a professional: Before you decide for yourself what treatment you should have, always speak to a dentist about your goals, then start your smile journey. Not all teeth whitening products are made for everyone.
· Limiting usage frequency: Even if you use teeth whitening products at home, or get a whitening treatment from a dentist, make sure not to overuse it as excess of everything is bad.
· Choose ADA-Approved products: When purchasing a whitening product, make sure that it has American Dental Association (ADA) seal to ensure its safety and efficacy.
· Choose Gentle Alternatives: If you plan to use tooth whitening products for a prolonged period of time, choose a product which has lower quantity of peroxides or abrasives.
Getting a tooth whitening treatment from a professional dentist is always the best option to go for. Discuss your smile goals with your dentist and let them decide if you should get this treatment or not. You can contact us at 703-777-6100 to talk with an expert and book an appointment.
Final Verdict: Is Teeth Whitening Worth It?
Teeth whitening, when done in moderation and under professional guidance, can boost your appearance, your confidence, and give you the desired results. However, the long-term side effects of teeth whitening, such as sensitivity, enamel erosion, and gum damage, should be kept in mind.
Never go for home remedies or at-home creams or appointments for teeth whitening as those products are only made to increase their sales. Those products may give you positive results for a brief time period but if you consider long-term side effects of teeth whitening, none of those products are worth it.
Always consult a professional dentist for teeth whitening procedures.
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