Who doesn’t want their teeth shiny white? Everyone does! However, are you sure you have no doubts or question in mind about teeth whitening. These are 16 mostly asked questions about it.
- Why are the teeth darkened?
The loss of the natural tone of the teeth can be due to factors of external or internal origin. Stains of internal origin are more complicated to remove.
External causes are the most frequent cause. It can be because of the consumption of tobacco and drinks of a strong color (coffee, wine, soft drinks, etc.). Also, aging is a factor to keep in mind, even if you do not smoke or do not drink coffee, the teeth are dyed of the natural and artificial dyes that are present in the daily food.
The artichokes, the carrot, the tomato, the saffron, and any foods that present colorants give stain on your teeth.
On the other hand, the staining of teeth of internal origin is due to the administration of antibiotics such as tetracyclines in the period of tooth formation. Tetracyclines are no longer administered to children, so there are no new cases. Another cause of internal origin are the defects of composition of the teeth such as fluorosis.
- Does whitening damage the enamel?
The treatment cleans the surface of the enamel, eliminating stains that have been trapped within the porosity of the enamel, and does not damage the enamel. Sometimes, there is sensitivity for the opening of said pores, but this does not mean that it damages the enamel. It neither wears nor damages it, it only cleans deeply.
- How white will my teeth be?
As a general rule, your teeth can be 50%-80% brighter in a few weeks. Everything depends on the initial color and the degree of staining. You cannot predict 100%. Although over time, it will be dyed again, they will always be whiter than you have now.
- How many sessions do I need to whiten my teeth?
Clinical whitening is performed in a single session lasting one hour. This whitening is done in cases of severe staining and usually combined with home bleaching. New York Total Dental, a prominent dental practice in Manhattan, further clarifies that “For optimum results, in-office whitening should be supplemented with an at-home whitening routine.”
- Does it hurt to get a whitening?
Not at all. It is a totally innocuous and painless treatment. It does not even need anesthesia.
- How long does the whitening last?
The whitening treatment lasts forever. You will never get your teeth as dyed as you have them now. According to the hygiene habits and the quality of the enamel, it requires repeating every year, at two years or every three years. We have patients with whitening done 6 years ago and have not needed to repeat it.
- How often can I get a whitening?
Whitening can be done every year, and it does not damage the enamel.
- Does whitening produce sensitivity?
Generally, it is not. However, there are occasions when there is a passing sensibility of a few days that resolves quickly. Fortunately, there is no case of permanent sensitivity.
- Are bleaching products sold in pharmacies effective?
The product used is very low concentration and therefore very ineffective. They take time and money for almost zero effectiveness. They are not recommended. Sometimes, products that sell as bleaches contain abrasive particles that scratch the enamel.
- In what cases is it indicated to do a whitening?
In patients with one or more of the following characteristics:
- over 18 years of age, over the years, teeth are stained
- habits: smoking, coffee, tea …
- fluorosis
- tetracyclines
- enamel malformations.
- In what cases someone could not perform teeth whitening?
If you have sensitivity, decay, and exposure of part of the root of the teeth by defect of the gum. Areas where there is no healthy enamel should be rebuilt before treatment.
- How old can a whitening be made?
From the age of 18, and everything depends on the degree of staining of them. It can be once they are dyed, usually in adulthood.
- Can I smoke if I get a whitening?
If you do not smoke, the effectiveness will increase. Smoking can make you not whiten as expected.
- What are the differences between clinic and home whitening?
Clinical whitening is done at a higher concentration and therefore requires control by the dentist so that it does not cause any injury. As well as for its precise activation of the application of light with a specific lamp.
Home bleaching has a moderate concentration of product and requires weekly checks to see if the dose and concentration are adjusted according to the patient.
Do you have any other questions in mind? Let us know in the comment below!
