In a world where first impressions count, having a sparkling white smile can be the icing on the cake. Teeth whitening has become a popular cosmetic dental procedure in recent years, promising a brighter smile in as little time as possible.
This article explores the process of teeth whitening, the duration of the treatment, and the pros and cons of the procedure.
What Is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a process intended to improve the brightness of the teeth by removing discolouration or stains. It is a safe and effective way of achieving a brighter smile and is often preferred to professional whitening, which can be more expensive and may require multiple sessions. However, those with sensitive teeth should consult with a professional before beginning a whitening process in order to avoid potential tooth sensitivity or decay. Whitening kits are also available and offer a cost-effective solution for those looking to whiten their teeth at home.
The whitening process typically takes from one to two weeks, depending on the severity of discolouration. Professionals can provide a chair-side whitening process in a single session, which can result in a much whiter smile in a shorter period of time. In addition, professional whitening treatments can be tailored to the patient’s needs, providing a more customized solution.
Regardless of the method chosen, teeth whitening can be an effective way to achieve a brighter smile. With the help of a professional, those with sensitive teeth can safely whiten their teeth while avoiding potential tooth sensitivity or decay. Those who choose to use a whitening kit can experience a cost-effective solution and still achieve a brighter smile in a relatively short period of time.
Different Types of Teeth Whitening
Various methods of bleaching are available to lighten the colour of teeth, and a dental professional can help determine which form of teeth whitening is best for a patient. Tooth enamel is the white outer layer of the tooth, and it can become discoloured over time due to drinking coffee, tea, and dark-coloured liquids; smoking; and other reasons.
Carbamide peroxide is the most common bleaching agent used in-office teeth whitening treatments, but take-home kits are also available. Chair treatments use hydrogen peroxide in various concentrations, and they can provide a brighter smile in a shorter period of time than take-home whitening kits. Chairside bleaching also offers a more powerful option to achieve a white smile.
Counter products, such as whitening toothpaste, are also popular, but they cannot whiten teeth past a certain point. Since professional teeth whitening treatments are more powerful, they can offer superior results. Effects from teeth whitening can be temporary, such as tooth sensitivity, but they can also be permanent.
When done correctly, teeth whitening can improve the overall oral health of a patient by removing discolouration from the tooth surface. Therefore, it is important to consult with a dental professional about the best treatment for a brighter, whiter smile.
Factors That Affect Teeth Whitening Duration
The duration of a teeth whitening treatment can be influenced by a variety of factors. These can be divided into three main categories:
Gum Disease: If a patient has gum disease or gum irritation, it can cause the teeth whitening procedure to take longer.
Dental Procedure: The type of dental procedure being done can also affect the duration of the teeth whitening process. For example, a take-home teeth whitening kit may take longer than a professional whitening done at a dental office or clinic.
Lifestyle: Habits such as drinking soft drinks or smoking can cause surface stains to build up on the teeth, making it take longer for the teeth to become several shades lighter.
In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office teeth whitening is a professional procedure that can be completed in a relatively short amount of time. Chair whitening is a type of treatment that is often used to achieve desired smile goals quickly.
During the chair whitening procedure, a whitening product is applied to the teeth. This product helps to lift stains caused by dark liquids like coffee or tea. Prior to the whitening process, the teeth must be cleaned professionally in order to ensure the best possible results.
In some cases, custom whitening trays may also be used along with the chair whitening procedure to ensure a brighter, whiter smile. The teeth whitening process typically takes anywhere from 30 minutes to an hour, depending on the type of treatment and the patient’s desired results.
With the help of a professional, patients can achieve their desired level of whiteness in a short amount of time.
Take-Home Teeth Whitening
Take-home teeth whitening is a method of achieving a whiter smile without the need for professional intervention. This type of tooth whitening is used to diminish the surface of teeth that have become stained or yellowed over time. Teeth whitening kits contain products and instructions that can help whiten teeth in the comfort of one’s own home. The process of teeth whitening typically involves the use of a mouthguard that contains a bleaching solution. The bleaching solution is then used to whiten the teeth by breaking down the molecules that cause discolouration.
In comparison to office whitening, take-home teeth whitening is a much less expensive and more convenient method of achieving a brighter, whiter smile. However, the results of this method typically take longer to achieve due to the lower concentration of the bleaching solution. Additionally, take-home teeth whitening may require several applications to achieve the desired results.
Overall, take-home teeth whitening is an effective and convenient way to whiten teeth. It is important to remember that professional assistance is still required for the best results. A dentist or professional teeth whitening expert can provide the necessary guidance and advice when it comes to selecting a teeth whitening kit and following the instructions. With proper use and guidance, take-home teeth whitening can help achieve a brighter, whiter smile.
Pros & Cons of Teeth Whitening
Both in-office and take-home teeth whitening methods have associated pros and cons that should be considered when determining which type of whitening is appropriate.
Depending on the types of stains, brighter teeth can be achieved through tooth whitening. The average tooth is approximately 96% mineral and 4% organic material, and the organic material can become stained over time. Candidates for teeth whitening are those with teeth that have become stained with age, tobacco, food, and beverages.
The effects of teeth whitening will depend on the type of teeth whitening chosen, as there are two types of teeth whitening: professional take-home kits and in-office whitening. Professional take-home kits typically involve the use of bleaching agents such as hydrogen or carbamide peroxide. In-office whitening involves the use of a bleaching agent that is activated by a laser or a light source to whiten teeth in as little as one visit.
The pros and cons of teeth whitening should be taken into consideration when determining which type of whitening is appropriate. Professional take-home kits can provide gradual whitening that is less costly than in-office whitening; however, in-office whitening is often quicker and more effective than take-home kits. Ultimately, the decision should be based on the individual’s desired whitening results, budget, and time constraints.
How to Maintain Your Whitened Teeth
Maintaining whitened teeth requires attention to both lifestyle and oral hygiene practices to ensure that the desired results are sustained. Following a whitening treatment, it is important to be mindful of the colour of teeth and take steps to keep them whiter for longer. This can be done through a combination of professional take-home kits and effective treatments.
When using a take-home kit, a custom-fitted tray is provided to hold the whitening gel against the teeth. Generally, this treatment is done for two weeks, and the results can be seen as soon as the first session. When using professional treatments, such as UV light, the results are immediate, and the smile can become significantly brighter in a single session.
When looking to maintain whitened teeth, it is important to avoid hot or cold foods, as well as acidic beverages. Additionally, avoiding cigarettes and other tobacco products is essential to ensure that the whitening results are maintained long-term. Practising good oral hygiene practices, such as brushing twice daily and flossing, is also beneficial in preserving the results of whitening treatment.
In some cases, adverse effects such as tooth sensitivity can occur, and it is important to discuss this with a professional to ensure that whitening treatment is right for the individual. With the right precautions and maintenance, it is possible to achieve a brighter smile for longer.
Key Takeaways
Teeth whitening is a popular cosmetic procedure that can help individuals achieve a brighter, whiter smile. While the duration of the procedure may vary depending on the type of whitening, factors such as the severity of the discolouration, the products used, and the patient’s oral hygiene habits can all affect the length of time needed to achieve the desired results.
While teeth whitening has its advantages, it is important to remember the need for ongoing maintenance to ensure the desired results are maintained. As the saying goes, “a mouth of pearls is worth the effort”, so why not take the plunge and achieve the brighter smile you’ve always dreamed of?
If you’re looking to achieve a brighter, whiter smile, why not visit Berwick Smiles in Berwick, VIC? With a variety of teeth whitening options to choose from, their experienced team of professionals can help you achieve the results you desire in no time. So don’t wait, head on down to Berwick Smiles today and start your journey towards the dazzling smile you’ve always wanted!
