What is Teeth Whitening?
Teeth whitening is a process which reverses the staining and discoloration of teeth by cosmetics dentists. The procedure can give a huge facelift to your smile and make you look more confident.
At Lema Dental Clinic, we use cutting-edge technology and premium materials to provide customized whitening treatments for your oral health and desired results.
🦷 Causes of Teeth Discoloration
There are several causes of the loss of the natural brightness of teeth:
- Dietary habits: Coffee, tea, red wine, and colored foods
- Smoking and tobacco consumption
- Growing old: Over time the enamel gets thinner and what one gets is yellowish dentin
- Medications: The use of antibiotics or antihistamines in some cases
- Poor dental health
🦷 Types of Teeth Whitening Treatments
1. In-Office Whitening
The in-office whitening is done by a professional dentist and the effect is immediately visible:
- High concentration bleaching agents are used for the purpose
- Mostly combined with laser or LED light activation
- Each of the 1–2 visits takes 30–60 minutes, hence the total time is 1–2 hours
2. At-Home Whitening Kits
Safe home use of customized trays and whitening gels can be one option:
- The concentration of the bleaching agents is lower than those used for professional treatments
- The product is to be applied daily for 1–2 weeks
- Provides gradual teeth whitening with the help of a dentist for monitoring
3. Over-the-Counter Products
Whitening strips, toothpaste, and pens are some of the over-the-counter products that are available.
- Convenient and affordable
- Less powerful than professional
- Whitening can produce different results depending on the product used and the condition of the enamel
🦷 Benefits of Teeth Whitening
- Improved Smile Appearance: the most important benefits of teeth whitening is to make your smile look brighter and nicer which can boost your self-esteem
- Quite a Minor Intervention: when it all is in a professional’s hands only
- Fast Results: with professional whitening, the desired smile can be achieved within a single treatment
- More Flexible: the degree of bleaching can be regulated exactly to the patient’s needs and the level of sensitivity that is caused
🦷 Risks and Precautions
The risks involved in teeth whitening procedures are accordingly:
- Short-term hypersensitivity
- Minor gum irritation if the bleaching agent comes into contact with the skin
- Discoloring of different patches because of the different nature of dental materials and teeth
Tip: You should always discuss your concerns with the experts at Lema Dental Clinic before you decide on a course of treatment, particularly if your teeth are sensitive or you have had dental work done.
🦷 Maintaining Your White Smile
- Brush and floss on a daily basis
- Reduce your intake of stain-causing foods and drinks
- Do not smoke
- Visit your dentist regularly for touch-ups
References
- Li, Y., & Greenwall, L. (2013). Safety and effectiveness of tooth whitening: a systematic review. Dental Update, 40(8), 637–638, 640–644. https://doi.org/10.12968/denu.2013.40.8.637
- Joiner, A. (2006). The bleaching of teeth: a review of the literature. Journal of Dentistry, 34(7), 412–419. https://doi.org/10.1016/j.jdent.2006.03.008
- Kwon, S. R., & Wertz, P. W. (2015). Review of the mechanism of tooth whitening. Journal of Esthetic and Restorative Dentistry, 27(5), 240–257. https://doi.org/10.1111/jerd.12140
Results can last 6 months to 2 years depending on diet, hygiene, and lifestyle.
Mostly, but those with sensitive teeth, gum disease, or dental restorations should consult a dentist first.
When performed professionally, it is safe and does not damage enamel.
No, whitening affects natural teeth only. Consult your dentist for matching restorations.
They can lighten teeth gradually, but professional treatments offer faster and more predictable results.
