A lot of people give great importance to the appearance of their teeth and take absolute care to preserve them. Natural processes, including age, cause teeth to lose their white and bright look and become faded and dull. Fortunately, if your teeth are discolored, you can correct the issue by going through a teeth whitening procedure. Get in touch with Dr. Thomas Pham for effective dental treatments.
A teeth whitening treatment is a dental procedure that lightens the existing shade of the teeth to attain a pearly white look. Here, we look at the different types of teeth whitening treatments and how to maintain the pearly white appearance.
Types Of Teeth Whitening Treatments
1. Whitening Toothpaste And Rinses
Similar to how dentistry has evolved over time, toothpaste has also improved by giving variants for multiple dental conditions. Today, whitening toothpaste and rinses are widely available for personal use at home. The products contain a bleaching agent (carbamide peroxide or hydrogen) for lightening teeth color and abrasives for removing stains on the enamel. Results are often noticeable following 12 weeks of steady use.
2. Whitening Strips
Another popular method is the use of teeth whitening strips, which are composed of a thin, flexible polyethylene layer, infused with a hydrogen peroxide layer. You should only wear the strip two times a day for thirty minutes. Also, ensure to gently press it against the discolored teeth. If your teeth are slightly or moderately stained and are pressed for time, teeth whitening strips are an excellent choice.
3. Teeth Whitening Gels
Whitening gels consist of hydrogen peroxide and require regular use for optimal results. The recommended application timeline is two times daily for fourteen days.
4. Tray Bleaching
Tray bleaching is a professional whitening kit that is administered by a dentist. The treatment’s reinforced peroxide strength makes it more effective than over-the-counter whitening products. During the procedure, the dentist applies a peroxide-based gel over custom trays, which are placed over the oral cavity. Hydroxyl radicals are produced upon the disintegration of the peroxide agent and activate the whitening process. You should be able to notice immediate results within three to five days, but maximum effects are achieved in 10-14 days.
5. In-Office Teeth Whitening
In-office whitening is among the quickest and most-expensive teeth bleaching techniques. Here, a dental lamp is utilized to accelerate the breakdown of highly concentrated peroxide. You can observe immediate results in a single 90-minute session and maximum impact after several treatments.
6. Laser Bleaching
In this method, a laser is used to mobilize a whitening agent. The process occurs in a limited amount of time, and protective guards are put over your lips and gums. However, not everyone is a good candidate for laser bleaching, so you should consult a dentist to know the treatment that suits you best.
Maintain The Pearly White Appearance After A Teeth Whitening Treatment
After a teeth whitening treatment, you’ll need to avoid certain things to keep your teeth white and healthy for the longest time possible. Such things include:
· Acidic Foods And Beverages
Teeth whitening treatments frequently leave the teeth sensitive and weak, and pain can occur after consuming acidic foods or beverages. So, you should limit or totally avoid citrus fruits, vinegar, tomatoes, alcohol and other food components with an acidic pH.
· Dark Drinks and Colored Food
Dark beverages like coffee, black teas, some alcoholic drinks, sports drinks, sodas, and darker juices can easily stain your newly whitened teeth. If you must consume such beverages, use a straw to reduce the amount of direct contact with your teeth. Likewise, colored foods, like cranberries, popsicles, lollipops, and other similar items should be avoided following treatment.
· Cold / Hot Foods And Drinks
Since teeth whitening makes the teeth more sensitive, staying away from foods and beverages that are excessively cold or hot is vital. You should avoid or moderately consume ice cream, soup, hot coffee or tea, popsicles, ice cubes, hot chocolate, and other similar items.
· High Sugar
Limiting your consumption of overly-sweetened foods after a teeth whitening treatment is essential. That’s because the teeth are still attempting to deal with the neutralized pH balance and control sensitivity. Maintaining a diet full of non-sugary food items is always crucial for the well-being of your teeth.
Avoiding the above foods and beverages is vital after a teeth whitening treatment. Following the first few weeks, you can resume your regular diet, because sensitivity will have diminished by them. However, some people continue to stay away from staining foods and beverages until the teeth whitening begins to wear off.
Treating Sensitive Teeth After Whitening
As mentioned earlier, teeth whitening treatments can lead to teeth sensitivity. If you feel your teeth are sensitive after the procedure, there are many available choices for lessening the discomfort. Some of them are:
· Chewing Gum
Chewing gum increases the production of saliva, and can help to distract you from the pain of tooth sensitivity. · Special Toothpaste Toothpaste that’s made specifically for sensitive teeth is readily available in stores or at the dentist’s office. It is formulated with potassium nitrate, which is excellent at alleviating the discomfort associated with sensitive teeth.
· Halt The Use Of Whitening Products
If your sensitivity persists, you should avoid teeth whitening products for a while to allow your teeth to rest.
Other Ways To Have Whiter Teeth
Apart from teeth whitening treatments, you can also achieve whiter teeth through the following ways:
● Maintain proper oral hygiene: Good oral hygiene helps to clear stains on teeth instantly
● Drink plenty of water: The water washes away food stains and maintains the moisture in the mouth
● Eat an apple: Apples can make teeth brighter by eliminating the film that makes them look discolored. Pears and celery also have the same effect as apples
● Avoid excessive intake of sugary foods and drinks, as they can cause plaque build-up
● Rub the teeth with strawberries, bay leaves, orange peel, cucumber, broccoli or carrots
Conclusion
There are many different teeth whitening treatments, and they help to correct teeth discoloration for a pearly white smile. Before you try any of the treatments, be sure to consult a dentist about the best option for you. While purchasing over-the-counter products may save you money and give you convenience, they may not always suit you. Only a dentist can advise you on the kind of treatment that can bring optimal results.