A few years ago, treatments like tooth whitening were only available to those affluent enough to invest in cosmetic procedures like plastic surgery or elaborate spa treatments. But much like cosmetic surgery and medispas are now affordable and common practice among the middle class, so too is teeth whitening. Also known as bleaching, these procedures can be done in a dentist’s office or on your own at home. However, even with such ease and affordability, tooth whitening remains something that is underused by the population.
Talk to most people who have undergone the treatment and they will report at the very least, minimal results. Having whitening done professionally often results in a dramatic change in tooth color and brightening. Dr. Farshad Bakhtyari of the Premier Dental Care in Northern Virginia reports that tooth whitening is a popular procedure and describes the process as follows:
“Teeth whitening or bleaching is popular and safe. They remove any extrinsic staining on the enamel of teeth from coffee, tea, soda, smoking and usually get the teeth a few shades whiter. Bleaching can be done in a few ways. First, there are the take home strips where you apply these plastic sheets to the teeth and leave them on for about 30 minutes a day for about 10 days. The strips are universal, so they tend not to adapt to the teeth as well as the custom trays. The custom trays are the second way, and in my opinion, the best, because impressions are taken and custom plastic trays are made for the teeth. Subsequently, a little drop of the solution/gel is place in each tooth’s spot and tray is put on for about 2 to 3 hours for about 10 days. People tend to see nice results this way. Plus, the tray is yours to keep so every few months one can bleach again for a few days to keep them white. The third method is the In-House bleaching where patient comes in and we place a special gel on the teeth and sees the results in about an hour.”
Difference Between Whitening and Bleaching
These terms are often used interchangeably, but the truth is, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration specifies that the term “bleaching” can only be used when the procedure the patient undergoes is capable of producing results whiter than the patient’s natural tooth color. The product must contain a bleaching agent such as carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide.
Types of Stains
Whitening procedures can address two types of tooth stain. The first, extrinsic stains, are those that appear on the surface of the tooth. They are caused by drinking dark foods or beverages, smoking, and general wear and tear. The superficial variety of extrinsic stains can be removed with general brushing and routine dental cleanings. Extrinsic stains that present more of a challenge are targeted with bleaching. If these stains are not dealt with, they can penetrate the tooth enamel and become permanent.
The second kind of stain, intrinsic stains, are caused by aging, trauma, exposure to minerals during formation or overingestion of fluoride. Recently, whitening experts have had some success in removing intrinsic stains. Typically, the procedure takes longer than the removal of extrinsic stains, often requiring up to a year of treatment.
Risks
While tooth whitening is safe, some side effects and risks are associated with it. One of the most common results is heightened tooth sensitivity. This is normally temporary and is likeliest to occur with professional whitening procedures. It usually lasts about a day or two, but has been known to last as long as a month. Sometimes whitening causes gum irritation. This is most often associated with whiteners that use peroxide.
Bleaching or whitening will never get your teeth to a pure white level. The best it will do is return your teeth to their natural color. Whitening results typically take at least two weeks to be noticeable. If you are planning to have your teeth whitened for a specific event, speak with your dentist about the best timing to get it down. Keep in mind if you have false teeth, crowns, or any other sort of restoration work in your mouth, it will not be affected by the whitening. This means if the original piece was colored to match your tooth color at the time, you will probably need to have it replaced now to match your updated, whitened teeth.
If you find yourself unhappy with the worn out, stained look of your teeth, brighten your smile with a professional bleaching or whitening treatment.
The information in the article is not intended to substitute for the medical expertise and advice of your healthcare provider. We encourage you to discuss any decisions about treatment or care with an appropriate healthcare provider.
