Any procedure that lightens a tooth’s color is called tooth whitening. Whitening can be done chemically to brighten the tooth color or physically remove the stain. Here, “bleaching” refers to the chromogens’ chemical breakdown. Professional teeth whitening can enhance oral health by eliminating stains and discolorations from your teeth. This can lower your risk of cavities and other oral health issues while making your teeth appear healthier and whiter.
What Is Enamel?
The outer layer of the dental crown is made of dental enamel, the most challenging material in the human body. It creates an insulating layer that shields the tooth from pressures that might otherwise harm the vital tissue in the dental pulp underneath, such as heat, pressure, and chemicals.
Characteristics of Enamel:
According to atomic-level studies, human tooth enamel is highly complex. It comprises oblong-shaped mineral crystals that are closely packed and a thousand times smaller than a hair strand. Tooth enamel receives a five on the Mohs Hardness Scale.
Importance of Enamel:
Your teeth are shielded by enamel from normal wear and tear from chewing, biting, crunching, and grinding. Enamel can break and crack even though it is a vital tooth protection. Additionally, enamel protects teeth from harsh chemicals and temperatures.
How Teeth Whitening Works:
By removing stains and discolorations, teeth whitening produces a brighter and younger-looking smile.
Explanation of Whitening Agents:
The oxidizing power of carbamide peroxide is released during the first two hours and continues for an additional six hours. It frequently uses items worn overnight because it comes into contact with teeth for extended periods. The majority of hydrogen peroxide’s activity occurs in the first 30 to 60 minutes, and it degrades more quickly.
Process of Breaking Down Stains:
Extrinsic discoloration:
This discoloration impacts your teeth’ enamel, covering outside the surface. Extrinsically discolored teeth are caused by exposure to specific environmental variables, such as certain meals and beverages.
Surface Stains and Intrinsic Discoloration:
Surface-level stains, known as extrinsic stains, usually cover the entire tooth. Consuming foods and drinks high in color, such as black tea, coffee, soy sauce, berries, curries, or tomato-based sauces, may cause them.
A structural alteration in the content or thickness of the dental hard tissues causes intrinsic tooth discoloration. Box 7.5 lists some examples of causes. The most prevalent forms are mottling, a brown discoloration brought on by consuming too much fluoride.
Can Teeth Whitening Damage Enamel?
Although teeth whitening is usually harmless, knowing how incorrect use might affect enamel is crucial.
Professional Whitening Treatments:
One successful treatment method is professional tooth whitening. This method employs hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide as whitening agents to remove yellow spots on the surface of teeth. When a dentist performs professional teeth whitening procedures, these chemicals are used as a concentrated whitening gel.
Whitening Products:
Gums and other delicate areas are safeguarded by the skilled treatments that qualified dental specialists provide. On the other hand, overuse or incorrect administration of over-the-counter treatments might cause tooth sensitivity, enamel damage, or gum inflammation.
DIY Whitening Methods:
In reality, charcoal scrubs and pastes produced with hydrogen peroxide and baking soda are abrasive. Frequent use can erode enamel, exposing the dentin, the next layer of your tooth. If you want whiter teeth, you don’t want the dentin to show because it’s yellow and softer.
Factors That Influence Whitening Safety:
Safe teeth whitening depends on several variables, such as the technique employed and the patient’s dental condition.
Concentration and Duration:
Higher quantities of oxidative chemicals are used for shorter periods during in-office whitening. In-office whitening products might Include anywhere between 25% and 40% HP [6,7]. After a single treatment session, a whitening effect could appear 30 to 60 minutes later.
Enamel Damage or Sensitivity:
Your teeth’s enamel serves as their first line of defense against the various chemicals they come into contact with from food and bodily fluids. Therefore, it may be more vulnerable to deterioration, which we refer to as enamel erosion. Tooth discoloration and sensitivity are signs of enamel degradation.
Signs of Enamel Damage:
By being aware of the warning indications of enamel damage from teeth whitening, you can safeguard and preserve the health of your smile.
Increased Tooth Sensitivity:
Increased sensitivity may result from temporary or permanent enamel damage by whitening agents. Selecting a trustworthy and knowledgeable dentist or dental practitioner to whiten teeth is essential to reducing this danger.
Rough or Uneven Tooth Surfaces:
Micro-roughness on the surface of natural enamel ranges from 0.59 to 0.66 μm. Applying primer, adhesive, and surface etching is necessary to bond brackets to enamel.
How to Whiten Teeth Safely?
Baking Soda:
Baking soda can remove stains from the surface of your teeth without causing damage, provided you brush them gently. Whitening Strips: To whiten your teeth, whitening strips conform to their shape. Whitening strips work well and are safe.
Why Choose Northside Family Dental for Teeth Whitening?
At Northside Family Dental, we take pride in providing teeth whitening in a welcoming environment. Our enthusiastic staff has the skills and knowledge to help you feel less anxious during whitening treatment.
Our dentists are all highly talented and committed to providing each patient with the best, most customized care possible. We are overjoyed to assist patients in improving their daily lives and smiles.
Conclusion
According to in vitro results, aggressive bleaching with high hydrogen peroxide office-based treatments softens the enamel, roughens the surface, and increases the tooth’s vulnerability to demineralization. The brightness and whiteness of almost everyone’s smiles increase significantly after using a teeth-whitening treatment. However, it’s not a long-term fix for discoloration and needs to be maintained or “touch-uped” for a longer-lasting result.
Tooth whitening is a quick and straightforward way to look years younger. A yellowed smile might make you appear significantly older. According to various studies, whiter teeth can make you look five to ten years younger.
FAQs
Can enamel regenerate after damage?
You can strengthen and restore existing enamel. This is accomplished by a natural process known as remineralization, which occurs when vital minerals like calcium, phosphate, and fluoride rejoin your enamel.
How often can teeth whitening be done safely?
If you’re considering teeth whitening, you’re undoubtedly wondering how frequently you should do it. Dentists generally advise getting your teeth whitened every three months, though this varies based on your lifestyle, nutrition, and oral hygiene practices.
Are whitening toothpaste and mouthwash safe for daily use?
Hydrogen peroxide and carbamide peroxide are two chemicals found in the best whitening toothpaste that aid in stain removal. In general, using whitening toothpaste is harmless. However, excessive use can cause enamel damage, gum irritation, and tooth sensitivity.
Can people with sensitive teeth whiten safely?
Whitening is typically still an option if your teeth are sensitive, but it must be carefully considered and done under the supervision of a licensed dental practitioner. Learn more about cosmetic solutions for improving your smile, including safe teeth whitening for sensitive teeth.