Teeth whitening, a cosmetic dental procedure that removes stains and discoloration from tooth enamel, has become a fairly common procedure in the last couple of years. Many people seek all sorts of ways to achieve the “perfect white smile”, sometimes even resorting to unsafe procedures. The market is saturated with teeth whitening products and devices, ranging from over-the-counter strips to professional-grade bleaching systems. Everywhere from T.V. to social media, we are exposed to images of people with that ideal white smile. This bright, uniform tooth appearance is considered a current beauty standard in modern society. In this article, you will find accurate information about teeth whitening procedures and their safety considerations.
Why do teeth get stained over time?
The reason why you might be interested in teeth whitening in Edmonton is that your teeth have become stained through various factors. This tooth discoloration happens for many different reasons, from your oral hygiene habits to what you eat and drink regularly. Some types of foods and drinks are known to leave chromogenic stains on teeth. This is the case of red wine, tea, coffee, tomato-based sauces, and dark-colored juices, among other pigmented substances. These extrinsic stains only affect the outer layer of your teeth, which is called tooth enamel. Other intrinsic stains are caused by trauma to the teeth, certain medications, or aging processes. When intrinsic stains appear, the entire tooth structure suffers discoloration that penetrates deeper layers.
Types of teeth whitening treatments available
Perhaps you decided to seek teeth whitening near you. Surely, many different treatment choices have caught your attention, from at-home whitening treatments to sophisticated professional procedures at a dentist office near you. You should keep in mind that any type of teeth whitening you can perform yourself at home won’t be as powerful and effective as professional treatment from a licensed dentist. Home whitening kits typically contain lower concentrations of bleaching agents for safety reasons. If you are looking for dramatic whitening results, then going to a dental clinic in Edmonton is always a better and safer choice for achieving optimal tooth whitening outcomes.
How does professional teeth whitening work?
If you decide to obtain this cosmetic procedure at your dentist’s office, a whitening solution with a chemical bleaching agent called hydrogen peroxide or carbamide peroxide will be placed on your teeth. This bleaching solution interacts with the outer layer of your teeth, the tooth enamel, and introduces oxygen molecules to the discolored chromogenic molecules. This oxidation process results in your teeth becoming two to eight shades lighter on the dental shade guide. A protective barrier gel will be placed on your gums to avoid any chemical irritation or harm. Some dentists also use other tools such as UV light and LED light systems to boost the whitening capacity of the bleaching solution.
What can you expect after teeth whitening treatment?
It is normal to experience some temporary teeth sensitivity after getting this cosmetic dental procedure. This tooth sensitivity is the result of your teeth becoming dehydrated from the hydrogen peroxide bleaching agent. The microscopic pores on your tooth enamel are opened and exposed during the whitening process. This dental sensitivity will continue until the teeth become rehydrated by your natural saliva production. Tooth sensitivity typically goes back to normal after 2 to 3 days following the whitening treatment. If your gums are accidentally exposed to the bleaching solution, a mild chemical burn may occur. However, as explained before, your dentist will place a protective gel barrier to avoid this gum irritation.
Post-whitening care and maintenance recommendations
After getting your teeth whitened, it is important to follow your dentist’s post-treatment recommendations for the whitening results to last longer. You will have to avoid any foods or drinks that could stain your newly whitened teeth, such as the chromogenic substances previously mentioned. It is advisable to avoid smoking tobacco products, which contain tar and nicotine that cause tooth staining. You should maintain excellent oral hygiene habits to preserve your whitening results. Brush your teeth twice a day with fluoride toothpaste, floss daily between teeth, and use an antibacterial mouthwash once a day. This comprehensive oral care routine will prevent tartar and plaque buildup that can cause new stains to form.
Are there any dangers to teeth whitening procedures?
Like with many cosmetic procedures, moderation is key for safe teeth whitening. If you undergo many repeated teeth whitening sessions, your tooth enamel will start to get eroded and weakened. The inner tissues of your teeth, called dentin, will become exposed through the thinned enamel. This enamel erosion results in increased sensitivity and ironically, yellow discoloration as the dentin shows through. If you wish to whiten your teeth safely, it is advisable to visit a dentist in Edmonton who is experienced and trained in providing professional whitening services.
