Is Teeth Whitening Suitable for You?

Cleaning the teeth twice a day can help to keep them relatively free of staining, but professional teeth whitening methods can produce amazing results in a very short period of time. These are generally available under the supervision of a dentist and this method of tooth whitening is gaining in popularity because of its success.

Enamel, which is the first layer on the tooth's surface, is partially translucent. The layer which lies beneath the enamel, normally referred to as dentine, is usually yellow, but could be brown, gray, or black. This is the color that can be seen appearing through the enamel. In order to improve the color of teeth it is necessary to use a substance which will penetrate the enamel and reach the dentine.

At the start of the teeth whitening process, the teeth are cleaned thoroughly with pumice, which is a coarse material and removes the plaque from the surface of the teeth. This is followed by the application of a whitening solution which is coated onto the surface.

Either carbamide peroxide or hydrogen peroxide is used as the whitening or bleaching agent. Some of the whitening products may require the use of a light or laser, which adds heat to the agent and activates it. The extra treatment helps to open the small pores in the outer layer of the teeth. The peroxide solution is then able to reach the dentine and help to make it whiter. The whole treatment time may need the solution to stay in place for a half an hour to an hour.

Throughout this application period, the teeth will whiten and when the desired color has been reached, they are rinsed with water. At this point, an application of fluoride may be necessary. This helps to relieve any sensitivity in the teeth that is occasionally felt by some recipients of the process.

After the process is over, it is necessary to avoid certain foods and beverages which are high in pigments. This includes coffee, processed tomato products, mustard, red wine and tobacco. You should allow 24 hours before consuming these products as it gives a chance for the pores which are embedded in the enamel to close up so as to prevent the occurrence of re-staining.

Your Dentist will Decide if Teeth Whitening Is for You

In some situations chemical teeth whitening is not appropriate. When the teeth have already been restored by the use of veneers or by replacement of fillings with white ones, carbamide or hydrogen peroxide cannot be used for whitening these products. The only way to bring back the sparkle to veneers is to have them replaced. They are then color matched to the surrounding teeth.

Teeth that are brown or gray in appearance are not the best candidates for chemical teeth whitening. The best results occur when the teeth are yellow in appearance. The most appropriate way of whitening teeth that are not suitable for normal teeth whitening products and procedures is to use permanently applied veneers. These are prepared in a dental lab after an impression of the teeth has been made. They offer a quick solution to discolored teeth and can be replaced with relative ease once they have become discolored themselves.