Tooth whitening is a dental care service involving the restoration of teeth. This process aims at improving the color of teeth after they have been discolored. Teeth discoloration may happen due to different reasons. Tooth staining or discoloration is primarily caused by taking dark-colored drinks. These include tea, coffee, etc. Tobacco smoking is another major cause of tooth discoloration. Cracked teeth can also become discolored when they accumulate dirt in the cavity. If one does not take care of his teeth properly, they are at a risk of turning color too.
Once the teeth have been discolored, they can be restored to their original color through whitening. The process of tooth whitening is done periodically because it is not possible to retain the original white color of teeth by a single whitening.
Tooth Whitening Preparation:
The success of tooth whitening is greatly affected by other dental problems. Examples include cavities and receding gums. These problems need to be addressed in the first place before proceeding to the whitening process. If the patient has cavities, they need to be treated first. This will prevent penetration of the whitening solution from passing through them.
Receding gums may experience tooth sensitivity if whitening is done before treatment. After treatment (in case it was necessary), the dentist will take a photograph of your teeth so that he can monitor the progress of the service and improvement. This will help him make a better judgment on the best practice to carry out on your teeth.
The dentist can ask the patients questions as well as examine the teeth. This will help him understand the cause and extent of the discoloration. The findings will help him know which is the best treatment procedure to carry out. After the examination, the dentist will need to clean your teeth. The cleaning procedure helps in removal of any food substance or any bacteria that may build up on the teeth that can cause tooth decay and/or discoloration. Afterward, the dentist will carry out the whitening procedure.
The Tooth Whitening Procedure:
After proper preparation, the dentist will now start the tooth whitening procedure. First of all, he will need to apply a protective substance on the gums around the teeth. This will prevent the whitening substance from harming the gums from the effects of the whitening agent. He will then apply a gel that contains Hydrogen Peroxide on the teeth. The agents in this product are usually activated by a special form of light, which the dentist will shine on it after application on the teeth. The process of whitening will then begin on your teeth.
The extent of teeth discoloration differs from one individual to another, and so is the extent. Your dentist will be in a good position to advise on how many times the process may need to be done on your teeth to reach full restoration. This process needs to be carried out occasionally to maintain white teeth. The duration will also differ from each individual depending on different causes, how badly the teeth are affected and some other factors that are outside the scope of human control.
Making Follow-up:
After the tooth whitening, the patient may need to see the doctor afterward for another session. The patient may go back to the dentist after one month or longer. This primarily depends on the extent of discoloration the teeth had, how the whitening was performed and the general care practices. If the patient continues to use the things that make the teeth change color, he is expected to see the dentist more frequently.
Side Effects:
Tooth whitening does not have any negative side effects. However, it is reported that some people may experience sensitivity for as short period of time. In this case, it is advisable to see the dentist again so he can ascertain the issue and give proper direction to be taken.
If you need to get more information about tooth whitening, you are supposed to see your dentist. He is the one who can help you specifically according to your needs. Avoid carrying out any activity on your teeth without first seeking the advice of a qualified dentist, even when you think you know what it is. The dentist will help you to understand how best it can be done and when is the appropriate time to do it.
