What And Who Can Use Teeth Whitening Methods?

Cosmetic dentistry has never been more popular and accessible for anyone looking to improve their smile. If you are interested in whiter, brighter teeth, never before has there been such a variety of options available to patients as there is today. There are bleaching systems and cosmetic restorative procedures that can offer the opportunity for whiter smiles to everyone.

Teeth whitening procedures have been performed for over one hundred years. As far back as 1877, procedures involving the use of oxalic acid to whiten teeth were reported. Hydrogen peroxide was introduced as a tooth bleaching agent back in 1884 and in 1918, the use of high-intensity lights in conjunction with the hydrogen peroxide was used to speed up the bleaching process.

Is Teeth Whitening for you?

Many patients have slight discolorations on their teeth due to aging, discolorations from the natural build-up of organic pigments over time, coffee, tea, smoking, or extended use of medications during the development of the teeth. There are a variety of procedures available today that allow just about anyone who wishes to brighten their smile, the opportunity to do so.

What does tooth whitening involve?

Professional bleaching is usually the best method for teeth whitening. First the dentist will put a rubber shield or a gel on your gums to protect them. Then your dentist will apply the whitening product to your teeth, using a specially made tray which fits into your mouth like a gum-shield.
The ‘active ingredient' in the product is usually hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide. As the active ingredient is broken down, oxygen gets into the enamel on the teeth and the tooth color is made lighter. The total treatment can usually be done within three to four weeks.

Laser whitening is also another procedure. During this procedure a rubber dam is put over your teeth to protect the gums, and a bleaching product is painted onto your teeth. Then a light or laser is shone on the teeth to activate the chemical. The light speeds up the reaction of the whitening product and the color change can be achieved more quickly. Laser whitening is said to make teeth up to five or six shades lighter. Your dentist will need to assess your teeth to make sure that you are suitable for the treatment. Once it has been agreed, this procedure usually takes about one hour.

Home Whitening kits are cheaper and readily available in the market. There are numerous home kits that you can buy and use at home. They are either based on hydrogen peroxide or carbamide. The stronger kits normally have a stronger solution to bleach your teeth. The peroxide is caustic and so over time can result in damage to the gums so you need to act with caution when using them.

There are also several whitening toothpastes available in the market. Although they do not affect the natural color of your teeth, they may be effective at removing staining. Whitening toothpaste may also help the effect to last, once your teeth have been professionally whitened.