Most patients want beautiful, white teeth in addition to teeth free of cavities or missing dental units.
That’s why teeth whitening treatments are more and more common and in demand these days.
Also, the ways of whitening teeth are increasingly varied and the products appearing on the market are less and less risky, so that patients can enjoy white teeth with an unaffected structure.
Before deciding on a whitening treatment, patients should consult their dentist, who will choose the right one for them from the many options available on the market.
Types of tooth whitening
Among the whitening methods, we mention the most commonly used:
In-office whitening – this can be done using a lamp, after a whitening gel with various concentrations of hydrogen peroxide has been applied to the teeth.
The advantages of this method are that teeth whitening is carried out within a few minutes and the patient goes home with noticeable results.
Whitening using mouthpieces– this type of whitening is carried out after the mouthpiece have been made from dental impressions.
The mouthpieces can also be purchased preformed.
The bleaching gel is inserted into these each evening and kept in the arches for several tens of minutes, depending on the peroxide concentration and the dentist’s instructions.
This type of whitening is carried out at home but the results are monitored by the dentist, who will follow the process closely.
Home whitening using strips– these strips fit on the teeth, are fairly easy to apply and stay on for about 30 minutes, depending on the peroxide concentration and how sensitive the patient is.
Results begin to be seen at least 4 days after application.
As an adverse effect, dental sensitivity may occur with this and other methods, which is perceived differently by each patient. For some it is in the form of embarrassment, while for others it is an unbearable pain which causes the treatment to be discontinued.
Regardless of where you have chosen to give your smile a lighter colour, you should know that the shade can return to normal, so it is important to follow a number of recommendations to maintain the result you have achieved for as long as possible.
After whitening your teeth, avoid foods that could cause staining for at least two days after the procedure. This includes smoking and chewing tobacco products, as these activities can leave marks and stains on your teeth.
If you’ve opted for professional in-office whitening, it can make your teeth even more porous, so it’s even more important not to allow the stains from certain foods to get into those pores and stain your teeth.
To maximize your whitening results, you should limit these foods and activities in the future:
Tea and coffee. These preparations can stain your teeth instantly
Dark sauces. Avoid tomato sauce, soy sauce, barbecue sauce
Fruit juice
Dark chocolate. This contains caffeine and could therefore stain your teeth
Lemons, oranges and other citrus fruits should be avoided. Clean your teeth with toothpaste or colored mouthwash.
Smoking
If you insist on drinking coffee or other dark drinks, use a straw instead of sipping directly from the cup. By using a straw, the liquid will not come into contact with your teeth.
If you immediately go back to habits and foods that can stain your teeth, you’ll notice that the whiteness of your teeth starts to fade after just three months. If you follow the directions given by your dentist, whitening your teeth should last a year or more.
Other recommendations for caring for your teeth after whitening include:
Brush your teeth with water or white toothpaste immediately after eating or drinking anything that can stain
Follow a good daily oral routine, including brushing, flossing and rinsing your mouth every morning and before bedtime
A whiter smile is a huge confidence boost for anyone. A yellow smile, can add years to your physical appearance and also most people are embarrassed and try to hide their smile from society, not being happy with their appearance.
Teeth whitening is safe, fast, effective, comfortable and affordable. If you are uncomfortable with your smile and feel that your confidence would be boosted if you had a brighter, whiter smile, contact your dentist and discuss the procedure with them.
However, it’s good to know that excessive whitening can expose your teeth to high sensitivity, especially those done at home without your dentist’s supervision. To be sure of the success of the procedure and to avoid exposing yourself to risks, it is recommended to have it done in the office.
Post-treatment indications
After the treatment, the patient obtains the desired smile, but a few steps must be followed to ensure that it will last as long as possible:
Oral hygiene must be very good. Thorough brushing must be carried out twice a day, without neglecting secondary means of hygiene.
In the first days after the whitening treatment, smoking and drinking liquids that have the potential to stain the teeth such as red wine, coffee, tea are prohibited. Even after these days, caution in the consumption of these liquids helps to maintain the results obtained by the whitening treatment. If these liquids are consumed, it is advisable to rinse the mouth afterwards.
Smoking can lead to staining of the front region of unwhitened natural teeth, but the effect is even stronger on those who have undergone whitening treatment.
By following certain rules, the patient helps to maintain a white, pleasant smile for a long time.
