There are a few people born with mostly white teeth, while the rest of us are not. Although everyone has different enamel shades, the enamel tends to be discoloured and stained over time for various reasons. Some of the reasons are something we can control, or even our fault, while sometimes, the discolouration is caused entirely by something beyond our efforts and control. Then you need to perform teeth whitening procedure to get whiter and whiter teeth. You need to go through this blog post to know the differences between professional teeth whitening and at-home teeth whitening.
Teeth whitening has become a popular procedure that people adopt for taking care of their enamel discolouration problem. For this reason, it is no coincidence that almost 90% of dental patients request teeth whitening as part of their dental treatment. So if you are thinking about getting professional teeth whitening in London or anywhere else, you should know that you are not alone in it. However, before you proceed with the procedure, ensure that you know all there is to know about the process and what to expect afterwards. Most importantly, you should check with your dentist, be sure that you are eligible for the process, and determine which whitening method is best for you.
Causes of discoloured teeth
As stated earlier, the colour of the teeth changes over time, which can cause worry for you. Instead of worrying too much, you should find out the cause or reason for the discolouration so you would know how to resolve the issue. Some common causes of teeth discolouration include the following;
Medications
Some medications have the side effect of staining, darkening or discolouration of the teeth. Some of these medications include antipsychotics, antihistamines and some high blood pressure medications. When some children like those in the womb or those whose teeth are still forming are exposed to some antibiotics like tetracycline and doxycycline, they can have discoloured or stained teeth in adulthood. Finally, chemotherapy or neck radiation can also cause discolouration of the teeth.
Age
There is a softer layer below the teeth enamel, called the dentin. It is yellow in nature and not white. As one gets older, the enamel becomes thinner, leading to more yellowish dentin showing through the enamel.
Tobacco
The two main chemicals found in tobacco responsible for tough stains on teeth are tar and nicotine. Tar is a naturally dark chemical and is the major culprit for stains on teeth. Nicotine, on the other hand, is colourless until it comes in contact with oxygen. When the nicotine comes in contact with air as you smoke, it turns into a yellowish substance contributing to the stains on teeth.
Trauma
A physical injury or trauma to the tooth can cause the tooth to change colour or become dark because it is not receiving adequate blood supply anymore. As time progresses, the tooth may heal on its own, or it may die altogether. For this reason, it is important to see a dentist after physical trauma to the mouth or teeth.
Food and drinks
Some drinks and beverages like coffee, tea and red wine are huge culprits of tooth staining. They have intense colour pigments called chromogens that attach to the teeth and cause them to be discoloured.
How does teeth whitening work?
The whole teeth whitening process is quite simple. This, of course, depends on the product you use and whether you are getting your teeth whitened by a professional dentist or by yourself. There are two tooth bleaches, of which one must be contained in a teeth whitening product. They are hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide. These ingredients work to break down the stain into smaller pieces and reduce the colour’s concentration. This makes the teeth brighter.
Does teeth whitening work on all teeth?
Sadly, teeth whitening does not work on all teeth. This is why you need to check with your dentist to find out which procedure works best for your teeth. There are different whiteners, and some of them may not work on all types of staining. For example, yellow teeth work to brighten up well when bleached, brown teeth may not respond so well to whitening products, and grey teeth may not even bleach at all.
Additionally, whitening products do not work on dental appliances like dental caps, veneers, or crowns.
Teeth whitening options
There are several options available for professional teeth whitening. Speaking with your dentist beforehand will help you make the right choice. The common teeth whitening options include;
Whitening toothpaste
Whitening toothpaste is a gentle whitener and works to remove the stains on the surface of the teeth. It is an ideal choice for people who have sensitive teeth because they use a polishing action instead of a bleaching chemical. There is usually no side effect with this method; however, they do not whiten as noticeably as chemical products. Additionally, it requires repeated use before results show, which is over a long period.
At-home teeth whitening
Home whitening kits are those that can be purchased from a dentist or over the counter. They are of different types, and they include whitening strips, trays, rinses and brushes. Usually, they contain peroxide, which works below the surface to lighten the tooth enamel. You can get a customised tray from your dentist, one that fits over your upper and lower teeth. With the help of the trays, you will be able to squeeze the whitening gel into the tray and wear them for as long as required. Know that if you wear the tray for too long, it can cause irritation to your teeth and gums, so be sure to follow your dentist instructions.
Professional teeth whitening
This is the type of teeth whitening that is done in a dentist’s office. The whiteners used here are much stronger than the two above due to the higher concentration of peroxide in them. They work faster than at-home whitening products.
It takes about an hour, and the gums are covered with a thin sheet of rubber or a protective gel to protect them. A light or laser can be used in addition to the peroxide.
Differences between professional and at-home teeth whitening
The differences between professional teeth whitening and at-home whitening are as follows;
Time: There is a significant difference in the time it takes before you start seeing results in each of these two methods. With professional teeth whitening, you can spend 1 or 2 hours and leave with your teeth 8 shades brighter, while it takes days or weeks of using the at-home products for your teeth to be 3-6 shades whiter.
Cost: The cost of teeth whitening in a dental office is about £300 or more, while at-home whitening kits cost around £50.
Longevity: The whitening procedure in a dental office penetrates deeper below the surface, and thus the effects last longer than at-home teeth whitening methods.
If you are ready to have your teeth whitened, then you have joined thousands and millions of people who have decided to do the same. Contact your nearest clinic for your professional teeth whitening.
