Tooth whitening: what are the options?

Dentist Blog

People are becoming increasingly concerned for their dental health as they become aware of the adverse consequences of unhealthy teeth. More educational schemes have been put in place with the purpose of educating and raising awareness for dental health. This is more important than ever before, as consumption of sugary beverages and foods is at an all-time high. This, in combination with bad dental hygiene habits, results in teeth that are not only subject to decay and disease, but are also discolored and unattractive in appearance. Discolored teeth can be detrimental for one's self confidence and lead to stress and depression. Along with the rise of superior dental treatments comes a range of teeth whitening options that offer to restore the smiles of many. Here are some tooth whitening options that are widely available:

1. Over-the-counter whitening options: These can be purchased from your local chemist or even at grocery stores nowadays. Over-the-counter options include whitening gels and strips that you can apply consistently over a period of time to achieve results. However, it has been recommended to avoid using over-the-counter teeth whitening products extensively as this can lead to damage that reaches deep into the enamel of the teeth. This weakens teeth over time through loss of minerals from the teeth. Hence, use this option for temporary teeth whitening at a lower cost.
2. Teeth whitening by a dentist: Most dentists will offer in-chair teeth whitening options. These normally use hydrogen peroxide to whiten teeth. Hydrogen peroxide is a toxic compound at higher concentration,s with each country having its regulations with regard to the maximum allowed limit. In-chair teeth whitening by dentists uses this compound in combination with light therapy, which is used to activate the compound so that it can work to eliminate discoloration. One of the key differences between in-chair dental whitening and over-the-counter treatment is that dentists whiten your teeth by creating a mould specific to each persons' teeth structure. This ensures that the whitening treatment only works on the teeth and cannot reach the gums where it can be harmful. 

How long does the treatment last?

Over-the-counter teeth whitening wears off in a few weeks as brushing is abrasive to the surface of teeth. In-chair whitening treatments will last up to 12 months, depending upon the level of hydrogen peroxide used to treat the teeth. The rate that the discoloration returns is dependent upon your diet as well as general wear from regular brushing. 

30 December 2018