Teeth whitening is a cosmetic dental procedure aimed at removing molecular pigmentation and polishing the appearance of the teeth in effective and safe ways. During these lines, we will learn about the advantages of teeth whitening, its types, and how to care for the teeth after laser whitening.

What is teeth whitening?

There are many reasons that may lead to tooth discoloration, such as: excessive caffeine intake, smoking, some gum problems affecting the teeth, and aging. There are some drug treatments that also cause tooth discoloration.

Changing the color of teeth is one of the annoying things that may cause a bad appearance of the teeth and reduce self-confidence. Hence the need for teeth whitening, which is a cosmetic medical procedure aimed at improving the color of the teeth and giving them a bright, white appearance.

There are many common teeth whitening techniques, each technique has special advantages, and the most appropriate technique is determined by the specialist doctor, According to the following:

• Tooth color degree.
• Dental condition.
• Age stage of the individual.
• Financial budget.

Although teeth whitening alone is not a guarantee of oral hygiene, it certainly motivates you to take care of your teeth, in order to get a white smile and boost your self-confidence. In this article you can learn about the methods of teeth whitening, and whether it is possible to whiten teeth at home.

How much does teeth whitening cost?

There is a large variation in teeth whitening prices, and this variation in prices is due to several factors, And it is:

• The condition of the injured person and the degree of discolouration and yellowing of his teeth. 
• The extent of staining on the teeth. 
• The cost of materials used in whitening and their effectiveness in obtaining bright white teeth.
• Quality of materials used in bleaching.

Teeth whitening at home

There are some tools or methods used to whiten teeth at home, where the patient uses a specific tool or paste to lighten the color of the teeth. 

However, you must be aware that these methods have a drawback that they require a long time, and that, with misuse, they may lead to tooth grinding.

Methods of teeth whitening at home include: On the following:

Teeth whitening patches

These stickers are available without a prescription, and are used by sticking the strip directly to the teeth, and after the specified period of time for the day ends, about 30 minutes a day, it is disposed of. 

 Teeth whitening patches are a clean and easy-to-use alternative to trays, and there are also strips that dissolve naturally after 10-15 minutes. 

Teeth whitening patches provide quick and good results within at least seven days. 

Whitening toothpaste

If the teeth are naturally yellow, you can use whitening toothpaste, as it only removes superficial stains rather than changing the color of the teeth. 

Although using the paste will not change the original tooth color, and it may also scratch the tooth enamel and increase sensitivity when used for a long time, its use helps prolong the effects of other types of whitening treatment. 

 Teeth whitening pen

It is a small tube containing gel that is placed directly on the teeth with a soft brush. It is easy to use. It needs to be used from one to two weeks to get the best results, by using it 2-4 times a day, for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on its type.

Teeth whitening trays 

 

There are two types of teeth whitening trays that can be used at home: And they are:

•  Custom template: The dentist manufactures it after taking a model of the teeth, and the mold is suitable so that it does not touch the gums. After the mold is prepared, the dentist places a gelatinous substance in it, and the person wears it on the teeth for a certain period of hours during sleep, based on his needs and the dentist’s recommendations.
• Ready templateIt can be purchased from pharmacies, and is often accompanied by a liquid that accelerates whitening. It can be placed on the teeth directly before placing the tray containing the whitening gel, and the tray is one size for everyone.

Read also:

• Is teeth polishing necessary and how much does it cost?
• What is tooth decay and how is it treated?

Side effects of teeth whitening

Usually, teeth whitening does not cause side effects, but in some cases you may suffer from some side effects, like:

• Teeth may become more sensitive for a short period of time in some people. 
• The gums are irritated and thus appear red and may bleed easily, causing gingivitis. 
• Lack of oral care after whitening makes teeth more susceptible to re-staining. 
• As a result of using strong bleaching agents on the teeth, tooth enamel may be eroded.

There are cases in which teeth whitening is not recommended.  It is as follows: ‏

•  Age less than 16 years. 
• Sensitive teeth.
•  Allergy to one of the components of bleach.
•  During pregnancy and breastfeeding.
•  Gum infections or diseases.
•  If the tooth root is visible

Factors affecting the whiteness of teeth

There are a number of factors that directly affect the whiteness of teeth, including factors related to daily habits, and others related to oral health and biological factors. The most prominent of these factors are as follows:

• Eating foods and drinks that contain strong dyes, such as tea, coffee, and soft drinks, leads to gradual staining of the teeth.
• Smoking is one of the most prominent causes that lead to yellowing of teeth, because tobacco contains substances that stain tooth enamel.
• Neglecting to brush and floss teeth leads to the accumulation of plaque and tartar, thus changing the color of the teeth.
• Some people have thinner or naturally yellower tooth enamel due to genetics.
• With age, tooth enamel gradually erodes, so the dark color of the inner dentin becomes more noticeable.
• Taking some medications, such as tetracycline antibiotics during childhood, or taking some blood pressure medications may cause permanent pigmentation.
• Natural treatments such as radiation or chemotherapy in the head and neck area can affect tooth color.

Teeth whitening at the doctor

The doctor's teeth whitening is done in a professional manner. There are several different methods of teeth whitening with varying degrees of safety. It is as follows:

Laser teeth whitening method

• Laser teeth whitening is fast and effective. It requires only one session, and gives results that last for a long time. It is a safe method that does not cause sensitivity in the enamel layer or corrosion of the outer layer of the teeth. 
• This method is done in several steps. The dentist removes any accumulations of tartar or plaque from the teeth, then places a protective barrier on the gums and teeth. 
• The doctor places a special bleaching material on the affected teeth, then directs the laser towards the bleaching material to activate and accelerate the whitening process. During the session, the doctor monitors the progress of the bleaching process. 
• In some cases, the same steps may be repeated during one session, to reach the desired result, and temporary tooth sensitivity may occur after this session.

Book your consultation now at Dental center At Al Mousa Specialist Hospital.

Zoom light method for teeth whitening

It is a method similar to laser whitening, but with a difference in the lighting used. The dentist shines the light from the zoom device on the surface of the teeth, which changes the color of the teeth and lightens them.

The dentist may recommend using some home whitening products.

Read also: 5 types of toothache and its causes with effective treatment methods

طريقة التبييض الكيمائي لتبييض الأسنان

•  The dentist uses hydrogen peroxide, which is a disinfectant commonly used in teeth whitening. Its working principle is based on partial penetration of the layers of the teeth, then removing the compounds that cause discoloration. 
• During the whitening session, the doctor first cleans the teeth and ensures the safety and health of the gums, then places a protective coating on the gums to protect them from the effects of bleaching chemicals.
•  After the doctor places hydrogen peroxide, which is a bleaching substance, on the surface of the teeth for a few minutes, he rinses the patient's teeth and repeats the previous step again.
• This process at the doctor may take approximately an hour, and attention must be paid to the importance of using hydrogen peroxide in a safe manner by the dentist.

Tips for tooth sensitivity after whitening

There are some effective tips that play a major role in reducing tooth sensitivity after whitening, which is a temporary and common problem that many suffer from after sessions or after using whitening products.The most prominent of these tips we explain to you below:

• Use toothpaste designed for sensitivity, such as those containing potassium nitrate or fluoride, as they help soothe the tooth nerves.
• Avoid consuming very cold or hot foods and drinks, especially in the first days after bleaching, to reduce pain and discomfort.
• Avoid citrus fruits and soft drinks, as they may further irritate the exposed nerves in sensitive teeth.
• Limit the use of whitening products. If you use them at home, reduce the frequency of use or duration of application to reduce the effect.
• Use a soft toothbrush to gently brush teeth to avoid aggravating sensitivity.
• If the allergy persists for more than a week or if the allergy is severe, it is important to consult a doctor.

Frequently asked questions

Is it possible to whiten teeth at home?

 One of the most common questions is how do I make my teeth white at home? There are some home remedies that help whiten yellow teeth, It is as follows:

• banana peel; Because it contains many essential minerals such as potassium and magnesium, which are absorbed through the teeth.

• orange peel; Rubbing fresh orange peel with your teeth every night before bed helps whiten teeth, because the vitamin C and calcium found in orange peel fight microorganisms throughout the night. 

•  strawberry; Grind a few strawberries into a paste, then rub it gently on the teeth twice daily for a few weeks, until the yellow tinge on the teeth disappears. 
•  lemon; Gargling with lemon juice and also rubbing teeth with lemon peel is one of the best ways to make teeth white.

• salt; It is  one of the essential cleansing agents for the teeth. It helps replenish the lost mineral content and revive the white color. Salt can be used regularly every morning as a tooth powder.

It is worth noting that teeth may lose their shine as a result of intensive bleaching and frequent care, and if it is noticed that some white spots appear on the teeth and their color fades;

My teeth are yellow, how do I whiten them?

• There are several ways to whiten teeth. Some products are found in most pharmacies, have become popular, and represent affordable alternatives to bleaching. 
• But you must consult a dentist first to ensure that your teeth are healthy and that there is no disease that worsens with teeth whitening. 
• The options available to you include: whitening mouthwash, whitening toothpaste, teeth whitening strips, teeth whitening gel, teeth whitening trays with gel, and whitening gum.
•  These methods can be used at home, are not subject to doctor supervision, and are generally considered safe by cosmetic dental authorities.
• But if you suffer from a disease or suspect the presence of gum disease, you must first consult a dentist before you perform the teeth whitening procedure yourself, and you must always be careful to follow the instructions shown on the packaging, and if you feel any symptoms or side effects, such as tooth sensitivity, you must discuss the matter with the dentist.

What is the fastest way to whiten teeth?

• Of course, many people wonder about teeth whitening methods, especially the fastest way to whiten teeth, but you must be aware that choosing a teeth whitening method should not depend solely on its speed, but rather we choose it based on its effectiveness and suitability to the situation. 
• Teeth whitening is a simple process, as most teeth whitening products contain a bleaching agent, usually one of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. 
• These bleaching materials reduce the yellow stains to smaller spots, which reduces the concentration of color on the teeth and makes them brighter.
• You can consult a dentist, your doctor is the most qualified person to tell you about the most suitable method for the condition of your teeth, to get white teeth.
•  This is because different whitening methods work differently on teeth, it is necessary to first find out what caused the discoloration to begin with before selecting a whitening product or whitening process.
• For example, whitening yellow and brown teeth is not always done well. 
• Using the wrong products may cause tooth sensitivity in some cases, and may also damage the enamel or gums in extreme cases.

Do the results of teeth whitening last forever?

No, the result of teeth whitening does not last forever. It is temporary and is affected by factors such as diet, smoking, oral health care, and the type of whitening used. Usually, the results last from several months to about a year or more. The period may also decrease if you consume teeth-colored foods and drinks such as coffee and tea, or if you do not pay attention to cleaning your teeth. To maintain whiteness for as long as possible, it is important to follow a good oral hygiene routine, and you must stay away from the causes of staining and perform periodic maintenance sessions according to the doctor’s recommendation.

What whitens teeth the most?

Professional whitening at the dentist using materials containing a high concentration of hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide is the thing that whitens teeth the most, as it gives quick and clear results compared to home methods. This type of whitening is done under close medical supervision, and in most cases a light or laser is used to stimulate the substance and lighten the color of the teeth after one or more sessions. However, to maintain the result, factors such as coffee and smoking must be avoided.

In conclusion, there are many and varied methods of teeth whitening, but you must consult a dentist first to ensure the health of the teeth and mouth and the extent of the sensitivity of the gums, and then you can choose the method of teeth whitening that is appropriate for you. 

We at Al Mousa Specialist Hospital provide the best materials for teeth whitening tools to obtain a distinctive smile under the supervision of an elite group of specialized dentists.

You can contact us on our numbers listed on the website for more details, reservations and inquiries.