Teeth discoloration is a common sight in many people, mainly because it is a natural part of life and several factors can cause it. It’s not always a lack of good oral hygiene. These factors include aging, drinking dark beverages habitually, smoking, and medications.
Some people are not self-conscious about it, but if you are conscious of your discolored teeth, there are different teeth whitening options to choose from. There are professional whitening options and home treatments or remedies.
Professional teeth whitening treatments are popular today. This may be in the dental surgery, or custom tray home whitening kits. The whitening done by a dentist is where a whitening gel is applied to your teeth with care because it is a strong solution. The custom tray home whitening is the same but has a weaker solution gel and you will be the one to apply it.
Advantages of Professional Teeth Whitening
- The procedures are supervised by a dental professional who will first examine your gums and teeth to ensure they are healthy and if your mouth contains dental crowns or veneers that will not be included in the treatment.
- Besides being thoroughly monitored, the treatments have a higher dose of bleaching gel than at-home whitening products but are safe and painless.
- They yield immediate visible results instead of several weeks, as delivered by custom home whitening because they have stronger doses.
- The results can last from 6 months to 3 years and it depends on your lifestyle and daily habits.
Here are a few of the options available to you:
Dental Teeth Whitening Treatment
A dental surgeon will apply a whitening gel to your teeth. The whitening gel may contain carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide as the bleaching ingredient.
Your gums will be protected from the chemicals of the whitening solution by a rubber cover or gel. Your teeth will have the solution applied and be fitted with a custom-made tray. The applied solution will remain on your teeth for thirty minutes to one hour. When the active ingredient breaks down, the oxygen that gets into the enamel will make your teeth whiter.
It may be reapplied and once the desired level of whiteness has been reached, it will be time to rinse your teeth. Afterward, a fluoride treatment will be applied. Another visit may be scheduled to attain the desired result.
Professional ‘Take-Home’ Teeth Whitening Treatments
Your dentist will make a custom-made tray or dental mouthguard and treat your teeth with a whitening gel on the first session. Then you will continue the succeeding treatments at your home like the clinic-based procedure above. You will be given a weaker solution gel at home, just to be safe.
Laser-Activated Whitening Treatment
Your dentist will place gauze in your mouth to keep the teeth dry during the treatment. Your gums will be protected from the high dose of hydrogen peroxide solution. The solution will be applied to your teeth and the dentist will focus a laser or curing light on your teeth to activate the peroxide solution. This procedure will lighten your teeth in half the time, compared to other whitening options. It can make your teeth five to six times whiter too.
Intense Teeth Bleaching
This is a multi-stage procedure that is well known for whitening even the most stubborn stains such as are caused by prescription medications. Custom-made dental guards are fitted to your mouth. They contain small amounts of carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide solution that you will wear while sleeping, but they are comfortable and flexible. Both will utilize slower absorption and oxygen release to maximize the whitening result. They will allow the oxygen to soak deeper into your teeth to remove stubborn stains.
This treatment is designed to be worn overnight for two consecutive weeks or depending on the recommendation of your dentist for a long-lasting effect.
Things to Avoid After Teeth Whitening Procedures
- Dark-colored foods such as beets, black grapes, berries.
- High-pigmented beverages like red wine, soda, coffee, and tea.
- Tomato juice and sauce, yellow mustard, spaghetti.
- Smoking tobacco.
The results will last from 6 months to 3 years, depending on your eating and lifestyle habits. You can also use a custom-made tray and solution from your dentist at home, for maintenance.
The professional teeth whitening options listed above are effective and safe when applied by your dentist. They are long-lasting, compared to over-the-counter and prescription gels for home use. That makes them cost-effective too, even if they seem expensive at first.
If you are interested in having a whiter smile, consult your dentist first. They will know if your teeth are suitable for any procedure. If you proceed, remember to maintain your whiter teeth by avoiding the things that cause teeth discoloration, and make proper oral hygiene a top priority.
