The Teeth Whitening Procedure: Important Facts To Know

The teeth whitening procedure helps in removing discoloration and stains on teeth. Due to its ability of significantly enhancing how your teeth look, it is among the most fashionable aesthetic dental procedures of the 21st century.

Tooth whitening cosmetic dental procedure is not a one-time event. It has to be repeated a number of times if you want to obtain and maintain the brightest of colors. The majority of certified dentists in Australia do carry out the procedure.

What Is The Treatment Used For?

Each day, a thin coating accumulates on the enamel of your teeth and continually picks up stains. This is because tooth enamel contains small pores that hold stains. The end outcome is discoloration and staining of your teeth.

Most cases of stained or teeth that are yellowish are caused by:

• Tobacco usage

• Consuming dark-colored liquids like cola, tea, coffee and red wine

• Neglecting your teeth

• Trauma

• Aging

There is also a possibility of getting stains inside your tooth also known as intrinsic stains. Other possible causes would include usage of tetracycline antibiotics which can also stain a child’s teeth if the mother is taking them during the latter half of the pregnancy or when taken by a kid who is below 8 years old.

According to the Australian Dental Journal (ADJ), whitening of teeth is most effective when done on extrinsic or surface stains. The ADJ is a publication of the Australian Dental Association Inc. it publishes well researched papers on clinical developments, research issues, clinical treatments as well as opinions on dentistry issues as practiced in Australia. The paper has extensive research findings on whitening of teeth.

How Is The Procedure Done?

Whitening procedures are carried out in two main ways.

1. Vital Whitening

The most widespread method of vital tooth whitening utilizes a gel-like solution applied directly to the surface of your tooth. The gel contains some hydrogen peroxide. Tooth whitening may be performed at home or a dentist’s office.

2. Non-Vital Whitening

Vital whitening might not enhance the look of your tooth if it has undergone root-canal treatment as it is possible that the stain is originating from the tooth inside. For such a special case, a dentist may opt to employ a different approach that whitens your tooth from within. The dentist will place the whitening agent on the inside of your tooth and then place a temporary filling cup over the tooth. The filling cap will be left in place for a couple of days.

You can also purchase the whitening products from over the counter at your pharmacy. These may, however, be made of a weaker whitening agent compared to what you would obtain from your dentist. What’s more is that the whitening process might take much longer.

Also available are whitening toothpaste that typically contain abrasives that get rid of the stains on your teeth enamel. They, however, don’t alter the overall color of the affected teeth.

Is Follow-Up Necessary?

Dental Hygienists’ Association of Australia recommends that whenever you notice that following a whitening procedure your gums are sore or white, you should follow up with your dental expert to avoid complications.

Are There Any Risks?

Whitening is not likely to lead to any serious side effects. However, some people may experience teeth sensitivity for a short period after the procedure. You can as well get some mild form of gum irritation. For women, it’s not recommended to have their teeth whitened while they are pregnant.