Teeth whitening is a common procedure for people who want a whiter smile. It’s a cosmetic dental procedure that whitens your teeth and removes stains and discoloration. There are a few things you should know about this procedure before you go to a dentist practice for it. Here are some things to know about teeth whitening.
Contents
- 1 Things To Know About Teeth Whitening
- 1.1 Teeth whitening does not damage your teeth
- 1.2 Teeth can absorb substances
- 1.3 Whitening products have different strengths
- 1.4 Sensitivity after teeth whitening is normal
- 1.5 Stains on teeth cannot be removed overnight
- 1.6 Not everyone can have perfectly white teeth
- 1.7 Caps and veneers cannot be whitened
- 1.8 The best time to whiten your teeth is just before bed
- 1.9 Laser or UV light teeth whitening is temporary
Things To Know About Teeth Whitening
Teeth whitening does not damage your teeth
Abuse of any kind, like forceful brushing of your teeth, can be harmful. Professional teeth whitening, on the other hand, is extremely safe when used as directed. Active chemicals are used in the whitening procedure to temporarily open pores in your teeth and lift stains. Your teeth will naturally remineralize and rehydrate after each whitening treatment.
Teeth can absorb substances
Teeth have pores, same like our skin. This is why everything colored you eat or drink can get absorbed into these pores and discolor your teeth. To help you get rid of the discoloration, a trained dentist can conduct a teeth whitening operation. Additionally, restricting your intake of coffee, wine, and dark berries can help you maintain a bright and white smile.
Whitening products have different strengths
One of the things to know about teeth whitening is that all whitening products are not created equal. Your dentist will keep the teeth whitening products on your teeth for 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the intensity of the product. They’re designed to brighten your smile by removing debris, stains, and discoloration.
Sensitivity after teeth whitening is normal
It is totally natural for sensitivity to occur during the whitening procedure. The teeth become dry for a short period of time, reducing their ability to protect the nerve from temperature changes. After whitening, sensitivity will fade in 12 to 36 hours. A post-whitening fluoride treatment is recommended by dentists and hygienists to nourish the teeth and encourage rehydration.
Stains on teeth cannot be removed overnight
There is no product on the market that can whiten your teeth in a matter of minutes or hours. Any whitening agent cannot safely penetrate deep enough into the teeth at that rate due to chemical limitations. Dentists would not be compensated well to make custom-fitted whitening trays if this were possible.
The truth is that teeth whitening might take anything from 4 days to many months. Customers with severe stains should be patient and understand that each whitening session will eliminate years of discoloration. It’s really simple to keep clean once the stains are gone.
Not everyone can have perfectly white teeth
Your teeth’s natural color is determined at birth, regardless of the stains on them. The whitening technique can help remove stains, but it won’t change your teeth’s original color. This is why it is beneficial to seek the advice of a skilled dentist who can advise you on the best steps to take in order to thoroughly eliminate the stains.
Caps and veneers cannot be whitened
Artificial caps and veneers are made to match the color of your natural teeth when they are placed. The hue of the material is generated darker (or lighter) and cannot be modified. Caps and veneers will not stain or whiten. Whitening your teeth will not harm your dental work.
The best time to whiten your teeth is just before bed
Your teeth are more prone to discoloration immediately after whitening. Your teeth’s pores are somewhat more open, allowing stains to enter more easily. Dentists advocate whitening before bed because it decreases the chance of discoloration and allows your teeth to begin rehydrating and remineralizing during the night.
Laser or UV light teeth whitening is temporary
UV light is a frequency of light that works by speeding up the action of the whitening gel. This procedure is FDA-approved and only available under the supervision of a dentist. Although it whitens teeth quickly, it is not recommended for those who have sensitive teeth. Furthermore, the outcomes are only transient and must be maintained. The procedure is both costly and time-consuming.
“Overnight teeth whitening companies” sell blue LED lights that accomplish nothing. The light is merely blue in hue, but it does not emit ultra-violet (UV) radiation. Gel does not react any faster in the presence of a blue LED light than it does in the absence of one.
